Medicare MNT Workshop Speaker Bios

Workshop Speakers:

Carolyn Cochran, MS, RD, CDE, LD is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with an expertise in treating patients with chronic kidney disease. She received her BS in Food and Nutrition and MS in Home Economics from Texas Tech University. In addition to working with the Dallas Nephrology Associates, where she works with CKD and nephrolithiasis patients, Cochran is a clinical dietitian for the Dallas Transplant Institute where she treats pre-and post-kidney transplant patients. Cochran serves on ADA’s Renal Practice Group, is involved with the Texas Dietetic Association and holds a national position with National Kidney Foundation. She is a published author whose work has appeared in various ADA publications and journals across the country.

Denise Alessi, CMA, CPC, CMM is the office manager of Oak Mill Medical Associates in Niles, Illinois. She received a BA in Health Management from Almeda University. She is a certified medical assistant, professional coder and certified medical manager. Alessi is a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders. She has more than 15 years of experience billing Medicare and other insurance providers on behalf of registered dietitians.

ADA’s Nutrition Services Coverage Team includes Director Pam Michael, MBA, RD, and Communications Manager Tori Bender, MSJ. Michael monitors Medicare regulatory issues and advocates for coverage of RD nutrition services. She supports ADA Coding and Coverage Committee activities and committee representation on the American Medical Association’s coding and payment groups (Health Care Professional Advisory CPT and RUC Committees). Michael manages communications, training and resource development for ADA members and staff on codes, coverage and compliance. Bender is responsible for producing The MNT Provider Newsletter, a monthly publication that keeps members educated on Medicare Part B policy changes at the federal level. She also oversees ADA’s reimbursement representatives and responds to member inquiries on medical nutrition therapy and reimbursement issues.