Grand Rounds Presentation Highlights AI, Compliance, and Coding as Keys to Shift in Metabolic Healthcare
The Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (The SMHP™) recently hosted Dr. Gurpreet Singh Padda, MD, MHP, MBA, for a groundbreaking Grand Rounds presentation, “Compliance and Coding.” In this virtual presentation available exclusively as part of The SMHP membership, Dr. Padda outlined a vision for integrating metabolic health into the healthcare system through innovative approaches to billing, coding, and compliance, while emphasizing the critical role of AI and health coaches in this transformation.
The Inflection Point in Healthcare
Dr. Padda described the current moment in healthcare as a rare convergence of political, social, and medical priorities, creating what he called “an inflection point.” Dr. Padda told the audience that recent changes in healthcare policy, particularly under Medicare and Medicaid, have opened new pathways for reimbursing obesity and lifestyle medicine treatments. For the first time, he said, these codes allow healthcare providers to address metabolic dysfunction within the traditional insurance framework.
“Metabolic dysfunction is the biggest problem in the room,” Dr. Padda emphasized during the presentation. “It accounts for $1.5 trillion of direct medical expenses each year, and it’s fixable—cheaply and effectively—if we embrace the tools and pathways available to us today.”
He highlighted that the public’s increasing awareness of systemic issues in healthcare, particularly the role of insurance companies, creates a pivotal opportunity to advocate for change. Dr. Padda urged SMHP members to take advantage of these developments, integrating metabolic health into their practices to ensure broader access to care. “If you’re not in the insurance system, you lose your political voice. By participating, we gain the credibility and leverage to make lasting systemic changes,” he noted.
Health Coaches: The Future of Metabolic Health
According to Dr. Padda, health coaches are poised to play a crucial role in addressing the metabolic health crisis, bridging the gap between patients and providers. Dr. Padda highlighted the critical need for 20,000 to 30,000 additional health coaches in the U.S., emphasizing their role in scaling lifestyle medicine interventions.
“Lifestyle coaching magnifies the effect of what you do as a physician,” Dr. Padda said. “It allows for meaningful interactions, provides patients with the tools they need, and helps them adopt sustainable habits.”
He shared how group coaching sessions—such as cooking demonstrations and practical nutrition workshops—empower patients to take control of their health. In his practice, Dr. Padda’s team designs programs that mimic patients’ home environments, teaching them to use everyday tools like crockpots and air fryers to create healthier meals. These sessions not only improve patient outcomes but also foster community connections.
“What’s exciting is seeing patients take what they’ve learned and bring it to their families, churches, and communities,” Dr. Padda shared. “It creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial interaction.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Padda hinted at The SMHP’s potentially expanding its role in certifying health coaches, providing additional training aligned with the principles of metabolic health. He envisions a system where coaches are fully integrated into healthcare practices, supporting both remote and in-person patient care. Learn about The SMHP Metabolic Health Practitioner (MHP) accreditation process here.
AI and Coding: Simplifying Complexity
A key topic of Dr. Padda’s presentation was the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the administrative burdens associated with billing and coding. By leveraging AI, practices can ensure compliance, improve efficiency, and make lifestyle medicine more accessible.
“AI is not just a tool; it’s a necessity,” Dr. Padda stated. “It listens to your conversations with patients, extracts the relevant data, and generates accurate documentation in real time.”
He demonstrated how AI can identify appropriate billing codes, align documentation with local insurance requirements, and even automate patient education materials. This functionality reduces the time spent on paperwork, freeing practitioners to focus on patient care.
For practices hesitant to adopt insurance-based models, particularly those in direct primary care (DPC), Dr. Padda offered a compelling argument. “The right AI tools make integrating with insurance seamless,” he explained. “It’s a game-changer, allowing you to deliver lifestyle medicine while maintaining financial viability.”
Dr. Padda also highlighted the potential for AI to enhance remote patient monitoring, track adherence to lifestyle interventions, and support personalized care plans. These capabilities are critical as healthcare shifts toward value-based care, which prioritizes measurable outcomes and cost efficiency.
A Call to Action for The SMHP Community
Throughout the session, Dr. Padda emphasized the importance of advocacy and proactive engagement. He called on SMHP members to seize this moment to integrate metabolic health into mainstream care, leveraging the tools and pathways now available.
“We have the opportunity to reshape healthcare,” he said. “The public is ready, the policies are aligning, and the tools are in place. Now is the time to act.”
Join the Movement
This compelling Grand Rounds presentation highlights The SMHP’s commitment to equipping healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge to address the metabolic health crisis. From the growing role of health coaches to leveraging AI for compliance and coding, Dr. Padda’s insights offer a blueprint for transformative change.
Members of The SMHP™ have exclusive access to these presentations, as well as recordings for future viewing. Not a member yet? Learn more about joining here and be part of the movement to revolutionize metabolic health.
