Who is covered?

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services are covered by Medicare for diagnoses of diabetes, non-dialysis kidney disease (stages 3a-5), and 36 months post kidney transplant.

How many hours/appointments are covered?

Medicare covers 3 hours of nutrition counseling the initial year of referral and up to 2 hours of nutrition counseling for subsequent years. Hours are based on calendar year and cannot be carried over from year to year. Additional coverage is available in the same calendar year with a second referral when more nutrition counseling is medically necessary.

Please approach our work together with the expectation that we will meet for multiple appointments – not just one session. My most successful clients work with me on an ongoing basis for support, guidance, and accountability. My greatest desire is to help you succeed with your nutrition goals & this requires ongoing work together, not just a single session.

Do I need a referral?

Yes, you need a referral. Please obtain a referral for nutrition counseling from your physician – MD or DO only, Medicare does not accept referrals for MNT from nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs).

This referral should include:

• your diagnosis code (ICD-10 code)
• physician full name
• physician NPI number

Referrals can be faxed to Kate at 312-646-4120.

What if I have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan?

From Medicare.gov:

• A Medicare Advantage is another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll still have Medicare but you’ll get most of your Part A and Part B coverage from your Medicare Advantage Plan, not Original Medicare. 

You may still be able to use your benefits for nutrition counseling, however, Kate is only credentialed with Original Medicare and BCBS Medicare Advantage — and no additional private insurance companies such as those that offer MA/Part C plans. For these other plans, Kate can provide you with a Superbill (i.e. a receipt for services provided) to submit to your own insurance plan for reimbursement.

Can anyone in any state use these benefits?

Kate is able to provide MNT services to Medicare patients in the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MI, MO, MS, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VI, WA, WV, WI, WY

Kate is NOT currently licensed to see patient for MNT in the following states: AL, AR, DE, DC, MD, MN, MT, NE, NM, RI, SD

If you live in one of the states where Kate does not hold a license but you are interested in working together – please email kate@yourkidneydietitian.com to provide more information about your request. 

How do I request my first appointment?

Once you have requested a referral from your provider, you may schedule your first appointment here.