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Beginning January 1, 2002 Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes or non-dialysis kidney disease can take advantage of the first new Medicare Part B benefit in two decades: medical nutrition therapy (MNT) provided by a registered dietitian (RD).   RDs are the most qualified healthcare providers, with specialized training in food and nutrition, to provide MNT to the public.

Through medical nutrition therapy, dietetics professionals help people set realistic and achievable nutrition goals, create customized food plans and develop lifelong strategies for healthy eating. MNT helps individuals improve their overall health and quality of life by reducing disease complications, reducing or eliminating the need for prescription drug use and decreasing hospital admissions.

The new Medicare benefit covers nutrition services for people with diabetes and non-dialysis kidney disease. Medicare beneficiaries who have been diagnosed with either condition are eligible to seek a referral from their physician to see a registered dietitian.