04/18/97 Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1997

Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1997

CHICAGO, April 18, 1997

ADA salutes key congressional sponsors

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) at a Capitol Hill press conference April 16 applauded members of the U.S. House and Senate for introducing the Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1997 (HR1375 and S597). The bill, which has 114 cosponsors as of today, would provide Medicare Part B coverage of medical nutrition therapy furnished by registered dietitians (R.D.).

"The American Dietetic Association is delighted with the bipartisan outpouring of support in both the House and the Senate for the Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act," said ADA President Ronni Chernoff, Ph.D., R.D. "Our special thanks and recognition go to the sponsors for their leadership in recognizing the vital role nutrition plays in the healing process and in the quality of life for our senior citizens." Lead sponsors are Representatives John Ensign (R-NV), Jose Serrano (D-NY) and Nancy Johnson (R-CT) in the House, and Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Larry Craig (R-ID) in the Senate.

Medical nutrition therapy includes the assessment of a patient's nutritional status followed by appropriate therapy, ranging from diet modifications to administration of specialized treatment methods such as intravenous or tube feedings. It is an integral part of the treatment of many diseases and health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, severe burns and surgical wounds.

"Medical professionals have known for years that medical nutrition therapy is a key factor in improving a patient's health and saving health care dollars," Chernoff said. "Now there is legislation that could make this vital health care available to all who need it."

There is no consistent pattern of coverage for nutrition services, either under Medicare or in the private sector. "Coverage of medical nutrition therapy would provide access to comprehensive nutrition services for people who may not otherwise be eligible for, or have the finances to seek, such services," Chernoff said. "It would improve the quality of life for more people at a reduced cost."

ADA is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals with nearly 70,000 members.

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