BMI (body mass index) can provide clinical information on a person’s nutritional status. According to the World Health Organization, a BMI between 18.50 and 24.99 is considered within the normal range for many individuals, although cut-off points are lower for many Asian populations.
Pre-obesity, obesity and morbid obesity
Pre-obesity is defined by a BMI between 25.0 and 29.99. These patients should be counseled on the risks of being overweight and developing obesity. Obesity is defined by a BMI >30. For patients who fall into this category, and based on recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), CMS will cover preventive services and counseling for obesity, under HCPCS code, G0447.