Coding and Coverage Committee Report Fall 2006

The ADA Coding and Coverage Committee provides oversight and strategic directives for the development, maintenance and communication of nutrition services codes, while empowering registered dietitians to expand coverage and receive competitive reimbursement for quality nutrition services. It supports Association work to position RD members as the most valued source for food and nutrition services.

Through seven conference calls, the Committee has accomplished the following activities (June through October):

ADA Coding Survey Analysis and Communications

  • Initial analysis of the ADA Coding Survey is complete. The 16% response rate, for the targeted RD group, was above average compared with some Web-based surveys and similar to other ADA online surveys. Overall findings indicate RDs’ limited knowledge of codes and billing procedures for outpatient nutrition services.
  • Submission of a Journal “Perspective In Practice” article describing findings from the coding survey.
  • Preparing a commentary and additional survey findings via a “Business of Dietetics” Journal article.

CMS Communications

  • Along with the Legislative and Public Policy Committee, monitor and provide input on ADA regulatory comments submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule.

AMA Coding and Payment Committee Activities and Representation

  • ADA received the American Medical Association (AMA) 2006 CPT Educational Excellence award for ADA’s coding-related workshops, print and web-based member educational efforts.
  • Comments were submitted to AMA on the draft practice expense survey that ADA, as well as 43 other medical societies are financially supporting. Committee feedback on the draft survey instrument and communications was submitted to AMA. A field test is planned in November, while AMA’s timeline for survey completion is April 2007.
  • Work is underway preparing background materials and a survey for new AMA team conferences codes. ADA will survey RDs in November, then combine the data with information collected from other AMA groups (American Physical Therapy Association, Occupational Therapy Association, American Speech, American Association of Social Workers, American Language and Hearing Association, and the American Psychological Association) to present at the February AMA coding meeting. While these codes will not be used by RDs under Medicare Part B, there may be opportunity to use them among private payers in the future. RD communications to participate in the survey are underway.
  • Keith Ayoob, ADA liaison to the American Medical Association (AMA) CPT HCPAC[1] group, and staff Pam Michael, attended the June and October CPT meeting. Jane White and staff attended the AMA RUC HCPAC coding meeting in October.

Other Third Party Payer Activities

  • Completion of the MNT Works Kit for members’ use with third party payers, medical directors, hospital administrators and other coverage decision makers. Materials are posted on ADA’s Web page, including a users’ guide, PowerPoint presentation, research articles and a Kit evaluation form. The MNT Works Kit communications plan has been implemented to inform leader members and committees of the new publication. Bulk quantities have been distributed to the affiliate and DPG Reimbursement Representatives.
  • A new communication procedure for disseminating key ADA information to targeted third party payers and/or employer groups has been developed. Input from the Evidence-Based Practice Committee and ADA organizational groups is incorporated to assure association wide application.

FNCE Coding Presentation

  • Committee members Jane White, Mindy Benedict and Susan Ramsey presented “Cracking the Code – Billing Beyond MNT” to describe data from the ADA coding survey and opportunities to expand RD practices to receive payment for nutrition-related services.
  • Submitted a session proposal for ADA’s 2007 FNCE in Philadelphia.

Additional coding and coverage information is posted on ADA’s Web page at: www.eatright.org/advocacy/mnt. Contact the Nutrition Services Coverage Team at 800/877-1600, ext. 4747 or PMichael@eatright.org.

Coding and Coverage Committee
Jane White PhD RD FADA LDN, Chair
Keith Ayoob EdD RD FADA, Chair-elect
Mindy Benedict, MS RD CDE LDN
Charlotte Thiessen MPA RD LMNT
Susan Ramsey MS RD CDE LDN
Robert Howard MS JD RD CDE
Michele Chynoweth RD CDE, Legislative and Public Policy Liaison
Pam Michael, MBA, RD, Director of Nutrition Services Coverage Team and Tori Katz, MSJ, Communications Manager — staff partners

[1] Current Procedural Terminology Health Care Professional Advisory Committee (CPT HCPAC).

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