LAUSR

Key Points Question Among children aged 10 to 18 years diagnosed with obesity at well-child visits, what proportion received laboratory screening tests recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for obesity-related conditions, and what proportion received potentially unnecessary screening tests for hypothyroidism or hyperinsulinemia? Findings In this national cross-sectional analysis of 156 773 children in 2018-2019 commercial and Medicaid claims databases, 27.3% of children diagnosed with obesity at well-child visits received laboratory screening that was adherent to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, and 23.0% received potentially unnecessary thyroid or insulin testing. Meaning This study’s findings suggest that specific actionable guidelines and interventions are needed to prevent overuse and underuse of screening tests for children with obesity.