You've probably seen some version of this statement: “Research shows that health coaching works.” But there's a surprisingly difficult question hiding inside that sentence: What exactly is health coaching? Is it a 45-minute conversation using motivational interviewing? A nurse calling a patient every two weeks? A structured diabetes-education program? Goal setting through an app? A clinician giving lifestyle advice? A trained coach helping a client develop their own goals? Re

For years, health and wellness coaching has occupied an unusual position in American healthcare. The evidence base has grown. Health systems employ coaches. National standards have emerged. Board certification has created a recognizable professional credential. But one major piece of healthcare infrastructure has remained less developed: reimbursement. That may be starting to change. In July 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed 2027 M

If you trained to become a health and wellness coach a few years ago and are now preparing for the NBC-HWC Board Exam, you may have had an uncomfortable experience when you opened the current NBHWC Content Outline: Wait. When did all of this get here? Cultural humility. Power dynamics. Social determinants of health. Structural determinants of health. Digital health technology. Artificial intelligence. Psychological safety. Microaggressions. And where did some of the things yo

“By choosing healthy over skinny, you are choosing self-love over self-judgment.” Steve Maraboli Health at Every Size (HAES) is a...

"It's not a faith in technology. It's faith in people." Steve Jobs Digital technology has the potential to make healthcare more inclusive...

What Is The Difference Between Health Equity and Health Equality? While the term health equity is used widely, a common understanding of...

Sarah Hays-Coomer, Forbes columnist, author, and NBC-HWC wellness coach, describes the effects of Social Determinants of Health on the...

What Is Mindfulness? We read about mindfulness everywhere; it’s a buzzword. To become mindful means to be aware of the present moment,...

An Inclusive Health Coach designs their coaching practice to create an environment that is sensitive to justice, equity, diversity, and...

Why Are Health and Wellness Coaches Essential? Health and wellness coaches work closely with patients to help them achieve their health...