• Sylvia E K Sudat, Qiwen Huang, Nina Szwerinski, Robert J Romanelli, and Kristen M J Azar.
• Sutter Health, Center for Health Systems Research, Walnut Creek, California. Electronic address: sylvia.sudat@sutterhealth.org.
• Am J Prev Med. 2024 Apr 1; 66 (4): 619626619-626.

IntroductionThis study evaluates the real-world impact of a lifestyle change program (LCP) on healthcare utilization in a large health system.MethodsUsing electronic health record data from a large health system in northern California, U.S., LCP participant and propensity-score-matched nonparticipant outcomes were compared in the second year post-participation: (1) overall healthcare utilization and (2) utilization and medications related to cardiometabolic conditions and obesity. Adult LCP participants between 2010 and 2017 were identified and matched 1:1 with replacement to comparable nonparticipants. Participants without electronic health record activity in the 12-36 months before baseline, or with conditions or procedures associated with substantial weight change, were excluded. Statistical analysis and modeling were performed in 2021-22.ResultsCompared to matched nonparticipants, LCP participants in the 12-24 months post-baseline were more likely to have specialty-care visits (+4.7%, 95% CI +1.8%, +7.6%), electronic communications (8.6%, 95% CI +5.6%, +11.7%), and urgent-care visits (+6.5%, 95% CI +3.0%, 10.0%). Participants also had more office visits for cardiometabolic conditions and obesity (+1.72 visits/patient, 95% CI +1.05, +2.39).ConclusionsCompared with matched nonparticipants, LCP participation was associated with higher utilization of outpatient services post-participation. Additional research could assess whether this indicates an increase in preventive care that could lead to improved future outcomes.Copyright © 2023 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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