08/01/96 Bill to Save Health Care Costs Introduced

Bill to Save Health Care Costs Introduced

CHICAGO, August 1, 1996

The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1996

With the debate on the future of Medicare likely to carryover until next year, a bill (S. 1964) aimed at curtailing medical costs and improving health recently was introduced by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.). The bill would provide for coverage under part B of the Medicare program (outpatient services) for medical nutrition therapy services provided by or under the supervision of a registered dietitian or nutrition professional.

This bill is companion to H.R. 2247 that was introduced last year in the House by Rep. Jose Serrano (D-N.Y.) and currently has 85 co-sponsors. To date, the senate bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine).

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, according to The American Dietetic Association's (ADA) President Ronni Chernoff, Ph.D., R.D. (registered dietitian).

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

"Medical nutrition therapy 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," said Bingaman. "I believe this legislation should be a part of the debate on how to ensure the long-term stability of Medicare," he added.

An analysis of nearly 2,400 case studies by the ADA shows that on average, more than $8,000 per patient can be saved with the intervention of medical nutrition therapy.

A study conducted in 1994 by the ADA and the International Diabetes Center (IDC) in Minneapolis showed that people with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus--also known as type II diabetes--can better control their blood sugar levels, weight and cholesterol with medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian.

Hospital care of patients with diabetes costs an estimated $65 billion a year. "The ADA/IDC study translates into billions of dollars per year in potential health care savings," said Chernoff. "The true savings from the increased use of medical nutrition therapy in other illnesses is also substantial," she added.

Dietitians are extensively trained and educated in the science of nutrition and its application to disease prevention and treatment. "They are fundamental members of the medical team in providing effective health care delivery," Chernoff said.

Currently, in the U.S., about 17 million patients each year are treated for illnesses or injuries that stem from or place them at the risk of malnutrition, according to the ADA. However, Chernoff pointed out that there is no consistent policy for covering the costs for medical nutrition therapy, which has been recognized by medical professionals as a key factor in improving a patient's health or speeding recovery.

While prescribed medical nutritional products are reimbursed in inpatient settings, a dietitian's services are not. In outpatient 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.

"This bill 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. We applaud Sen. Bingaman's leadership on this critical issue," said Chernoff.

With headquarters in Chicago, the 69,000-member American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest group of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition, health and well-being.