Quitting smoking is hard. A Medicare change may push doctors to give more help
By
Sarah Todd
July 17, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Challenges of Smoking Cessation: Proposed Medicare Revisions Could Enhance Physician Support for Patients
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Smoking Cessation Key Mechanisms Increased reimbursement for counseling and interventions related to smoking cessation. Target Population Patients on Medicare and Medicaid, as well as those with private insurance. Care Setting Primary care and internal medicine practices.
Key Highlights
Proposed 19% increase in reimbursement for smoking cessation counseling. Current success rates for quitting smoking are under 10% without support. Only 5% of recent quitters received both counseling and medication. Most clinicians provide minimal advice rather than structured treatment plans. Frequent follow-up support is crucial but often impractical for physicians. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Screen for tobacco use during patient visits. Management
Provide evidence-based treatment plans including behavioral support and medications. Monitoring & Follow-up
Encourage follow-up support and check-ins for patients attempting to quit. Risks
Low reimbursement rates may limit physician engagement in cessation counseling. Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals attempting to quit smoking, particularly those on Medicare and Medicaid.
Combination of behavioral support and pharmacotherapy increases success rates.
Clinical Best Practices
Engage in structured conversations about quitting motivations and triggers. Utilize trained tobacco treatment specialists for comprehensive support. Implement electronic health record prompts for tobacco-use screening. Related Resources & Content
