Dean Ornish, M.D., is the founder and president of the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute (PMRI).

For over 35 years, Dr. Ornish has directed clinical research through PMRI, demonstrating for the first time that comprehensive lifestyle changes may begin to reverse even severe coronary heart disease, without drugs or surgery.

The first lifestyle program to be covered by Medicare
After 16 years of review, Medicare recently agreed to provide coverage for Dr. Dean Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease. This is the first time that Medicare has covered a program of comprehensive lifestyle changes.

Medicare reimbursement is really a game-changer. When reimbursement changes, so do medical practice and medical education.

CMS recently expanded coverage via Medicare Advantage and Medicaid to cover those with type 2 diabetes and prostate cancer. Most other insurance companies will follow Medicare’s lead.