December 2025 Provider's Corner

Smoking and vaping increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions. As a trusted provider, you play a vital role in supporting cessation efforts. Here are a few tips:

• Ask Every Time – Screen for tobacco and vaping use at every visit.
• Advise Clearly – Communicate the health benefits of quitting in a positive, nonjudgmental way.
• Assist with Resources – Offer nicotine replacement therapy, prescribe cessation medications, and refer patients to quitlines or counseling programs.
• Follow Up – Schedule check-ins to encourage progress and address challenges.

Helping patients quit smoking and vaping is one of the most impactful steps you can take to improve their long-term health. Consistent screening, positive counseling, and connecting patients to proven resources can make a real difference in reducing risks for heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions. Start today—make tobacco and vaping screening a routine part of every visit, provide clear advice on quitting.

References for Smoking and Vaping Cessation:

• NCQA – Tobacco Use Screening and Cessation Intervention (HEDIS Measure)
  Evaluates screening and cessation interventions for patients aged 12+, including counseling and FDA-approved medications.
  Read more on NCQA’s blog [ncqa.org]
• NCQA – Medical Assistance with Smoking and Tobacco Use Cessation (MSC)
  Focuses on advising patients to quit, discussing cessation medications, and strategies for comprehensive interventions.
  NCQA MSC Measure Details [ncqa.org]
• CDC – Clinical Cessation Tools for Providers
  Evidence-based guidelines and tools for integrating tobacco treatment into routine care.
  CDC Clinical Cessation Tools [cdc.gov]
• CDC – Vaping and Quitting Guidance
  Recommendations for quitting vaping, including counseling, medications, and quitline support.
  CDC Vaping and Quitting [cdc.gov]
• CDC – Clinical Interventions for Adults
  Combining behavioral counseling and FDA-approved medications doubles quit success rates.
  CDC Clinical Interventions [cdc.gov]

Childhood obesity rates have more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents over the past three decades, increasing risks for diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. As a provider, you play a critical role in prevention through the Weight Assessment and Counseling for Nutrition and Physical Activity (WCC) measure for patients ages 3–17. This measure evaluates patients who had an outpatient visit with a PCP or OB/GYN and who had evidence of the BMI percentile documentation, counseling for physical activity, and counseling for nutrition during the measurement year.

Tips on WCC Documentation:

To close the WCC care gap, all three elements must be documented and billed using the appropriate CPT, HCPC, and/or ICD-10 code during the measurement year:

• BMI Percentile – Record height, weight, and BMI percentile (not just BMI value).
• Nutrition Counseling – Note discussions on eating habits, portion sizes, and healthy food choices. Include anticipatory guidance or referrals to dietitians.
• Physical Activity Counseling – Document conversations about exercise routines, screen time reduction, and active play. Provide educational materials or referrals to programs.

Tips for Talking with Patients and Families:

• Use Every Opportunity – Sick visits, sports physicals, and telehealth count toward compliance.
• Be Positive and Nonjudgmental – Focus on health, not appearance. Avoid stigmatizing language.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions – “What activities do you enjoy?” or “What healthy foods do you like?”
• Provide Practical Guidance – Encourage small, achievable goals like adding one extra fruit or 10 minutes of active play daily.
• Offer Resources – Share handouts or refer families to community programs for nutrition and physical activity.

Take the next step in preventing childhood obesity—review your documentation practices today and ensure every visit counts toward the WCC measure. Incorporate BMI percentile, nutrition counseling, and physical activity guidance into your workflow. Together, we can help families build healthier habits and improve long-term outcomes.

For more information, please review our HEDIS Provider Reference Guide. (HEDIS | Buckeye Health Plan)