The Get Healthy Action Plan: Getting Started

The “Get Healthy Action Plan” (GHAP) is a clinical tool created to help physicians and providers thoroughly and efficiently address the health habits of obese children. It is primarily used within the context of the Well Child Exam (WCE), however it can be used during any visit for children with a BMI > 95%.

In our experience, the ideal use of the tool is as follows:

1. Before clinic starts, identify with your Medical Assistant (MA) any obese children coming in for WCE ages 2-18, and print out the GHAP (English/Spanish/Teen). 2. After taking vitals, the MA tells the family/teen that Dr. “X” would like them to fill out a health survey (first page only) while they wait. 3. During the visit, review the completed questionnaire and the patient’s BMI. The higher risks are in the left column, lowest risks in the right column, and the middle is somewhere between. 4. Remember that when counseling, be careful not to use the words “obese”-patients prefer “overweight” or “a healthier weight.” 5. Together pick 2-3 goals with the patient/parents to work on (usually the higher risk behaviors from the questionnaire), and write them on page 3. Don’t forget to order labs if indicated (recommendations at bottom of questionnaire). 6. Consider compiling a list of local classes, activities and websites on page 2.

Follow-up:

1. In 1-2 months, via phone or in clinic. Review goals, consider additional goals. 2. In 3-4 months, via phone or in clinic. Review goals, consider additional goals. 3. Clinic visit 6 months after initial visit. Recheck BMI and GHAP f/u questionnaire.

(ICD 9 CODE: 783.1 Abnormal Weight Gain) Keep in mind that this is only a recommended model of use. Please individualize your plan for each patient, for example use of fasting blood tests and referrals to various services such as nutritionists. Feedback is welcome: [email protected]

***you may access these documents to download and modify at www.srfmr.org- select “About Us” then scroll down in left column and select “Get Healthy Action Plan”