Central Indiana

2004 Program
Program Descriptions

Program 2004

Date:      January 21, 2004

Time:      3:00 p.m.

Place:     St. Luke’s United Methodist Church,
                 86^th & Meridian, Indianapolis, IN

Speaker: Kelli L. Hallas,BS, Manager, Healthcare
                 Policy and Reimbursement, Ethicon
                 Endo-Surgery, Inc., A Johnson & Johnson
                 Company

Topic:    OBESITY—
                        Combating the Nation’s #1 Health Epidemic

    An estimated 5 – 10 million Americans are morbidly obese, having increased risks for serious diseases and likelihood of shorter life expectancy.  This obesity is termed “morbid” because it is associated with progressive, serious and debilitating disease.  It is a major contributor to diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints, respiratory problems, gallstones, urinary incontinence, swollen legs that may develop ulcers, gastroesphogeal reflux disease (with “heartburn”), stroke, infertility, certain types of cancer, depression, and many other serious illnesses.  The social, psychological and economic consequences of morbid obesity are devastating.  Prejudice against the obese is common in our society.   According to the National Institutes of Health Consensus Report, morbid obesity is a serious disease and must be treated as such. 

   This educational activity is designed to provide the participant with the current information on the surgical treatment options of morbid obesity.  Included in this presentation is a discussion of U.S. obesity prevalence, a comparison of laparascopic and open gastric bypass procedures as well as reimbursement information for the hospital and insurance carrier.   

Central Indiana Case Management Association of America

Post Office Box 146

West Newton, IN 46183