08/21/96 Support for Medical Nutrition Therapy, Health Care Reform Addressed by Congressman Gutierrez

Support for Medical Nutrition Therapy, Health Care Reform Addressed by Congressman Gutierrez

First co-sponsor of H.R. 2247 speaks at ADA Headquarters in Chicago

CHICAGO, August 21, 1996

U.S. Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) discussed health care reform and his support of H.R. 2247 -- the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1995, which would provide Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy as an outpatient service, with employees of The American Dietetic Association (ADA).

The first co-sponsor of the bill that was introduced by Rep Jose Serrano (D-N.Y.), Gutierrez said medical nutrition therapy can save health care costs by speeding recovery and reducing the incidence of medical complications, resulting in fewer hospitalizations, shorter hospital stays and reduced drug, surgery and treatment needs.

He spoke August 19 at ADA's Chicago headquarters. While there, he also received the Outstanding Legilator of the Year award from members of the Chicago Dietetic Association.

An analysis of nearly 2,400 case studies by the association shows that on average, more than $8,000 per patient can be saved with the intervention of medical nutrition therapy. It is proven to be medically necessary and cost effective in treating and controlling many diseases and medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, burns and AIDS, according to ADA.

Medical nutrition therapy includes the assessment of a patient's nutritional status followed by appropriate therapy, which can range from diet modifications to the administration of specialized treatment methods such as intravenous or tube feedings.

"The change that the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act advocates is not complex," Gutierrez said. "It's a simple, logical and pragmatic solution to a real problem. And it's a solution that would have real benefits for real people."

"There is no consistent policy for covering the costs of medical nutrition therapy, which has been recognized by medical professionals as a key factor in improving a patient's health or speeding recovery," said ADA President Ronni Chernoff, Ph.D., R.D. (registered dietitian).

While prescribed medical nutritional products are reimbursed in inpatient settings, a dietitian's services are not. In outpatients settings, Medicare and some Medicaid programs cover physician-prescribed medical nutrition therapy as part of home care therapy benefits. However, a professional dietitian's services are not covered as a reimbursable expense.

H.R. 2247 specifies coverage of medical nutrition therapy provided by registered dietitians and state-regulated nutrition professionals.

"The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1995 offers an opportunity to correct a monumental oversight in Medicare coverage by providing the essential nutrition services that have been recognized as vital to the treatment of many health conditions," Chernoff said.

H.R. 2247 currently has 89 co-sponsors. A companion bill, S. 1964, recently was introduced by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and is co-sponsored by Sens. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.) and Olymipia Snowe (R-Maine).

In addition to Gutierrez, Illinois co-sponsors of H.R. 2247 include Sydney R. Yates (D-9th) and Jerry R. Costello (D-12th).

The American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. With headquarters in Chicago, it serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being.