Browsing by Subject "health education specialists"

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    Health Educator Perspectives on Seeking Medicaid Reimbursement in Indiana
    (Sage, 2019) Yazel-Smith, Lisa; Hancher-Rauch, Heidi L.; Britt-Spells, Angelitta; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
    Health education is a growing field. However, there is confusion about the role delineation of health education specialists (HES) and other health education (HE) providers. Additionally, recent reimbursement opportunities allow employers to bill for HE services but offer confusing language regarding eligible service-providing professionals. This study surveyed health educators in Indiana to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceived abilities to bill Medicaid and other insurers for HE services. Using a cross-sectional research design, an original 22-item Web-based questionnaire was developed and distributed to all Certified Health Education Specialist/Master Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES/MCHES) practitioners residing in Indiana. Additional respondents were recruited using a snowball technique, as original respondents asked to share the survey with colleagues. A final data set of 61 respondents was analyzed. All respondents’ organizations provided HE services, with the majority indicating they do not charge and do not bill for HE services. Additionally, 60% of the respondents agreed that HES should be reimbursed for services, and the vast majority believed reimbursement to be important for the field. With recent reimbursement opportunities for HE and preventative health services, it is important that HES advocate for the profession and for potential reimbursement opportunities, such as Medicaid, to enhance the field and support HES jobs.
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    Obesity Health Education Integrated Into Current Work Roles of Health Education Specialists
    (AJHS, 2020-12) Yazel-Smith, Lisa G.; Bishop, Charity A.; Ayars, Candace L.; Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health
    Health education specialists (HES) can reduce obesity burden within the public and healthcare systems. This study examined HES’ obesity knowledge and attitudes toward obesity with their willingness to integrate obesity health education (HE) into current work roles. A sample of 1297 completed the survey. No relationships were found between respondents’ obesity knowledge and willingness, nor between bias and willingness, while 90% were willing to integrate obesity HE into current work roles. Additional results show age, years in practice, and currently working in obesity predicted willingness. Health education specialists are willing to integrate obesity health education regardless of knowledge or biases.