What Is Medical Nutrition Therapy?

You might already know registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are experts on food and nutrition. But did you know RDNs are uniquely able to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT)?

MNT is a personalized, nutrition-based treatment plan. The goal of MNT is to help individuals manage and improve their health through nutrition. This includes food and beverage choices, as well as nutrition support systems such as tube feeding and parenteral nutrition.

While nutrition education and counseling are often part of the treatment plan, MNT includes personalized assessments and recommendations from an RDN to treat specific health conditions. Anyone can benefit from seeing an RDN, including those with diabetes, heart conditions, food allergies, eating disorders, kidney disease and more.

Is MNT Covered by Insurance?

MNT is covered by a variety of insurance plans. Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy for diabetes and kidney disease or if you've had a kidney transplant within the last 36 months. Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may offer additional benefits, including coverage beyond the conditions covered by traditional Medicare. And Medicare coverage varies from state to state.

If you have private insurance (such as through your employer), check with your insurance plan for specific coverage details. Your plan may cover nutrition services for a wide variety of chronic conditions and health concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

At your first appointment with a registered dietitian nutritionist, you will work together to set nutrition goals to improve your health.

Medical nutrition therapy provided by an RDN includes a:

• Review of your eating habits, physical activity and lifestyle
• Thorough assessment of your health status, medical history and nutritional status
• Personalized, culturally appropriate nutrition treatment plan

Many registered dietitian nutritionists work in the treatment and prevention of disease by providing medical nutrition therapy. The RDN often is part of a medical team, in various practice settings, such as hospitals, physician offices, private practice and other health care facilities.

The initial visit with a registered dietitian nutritionist takes approximately one hour. After the first session, the RDN will schedule follow-up appointments to check on your progress and see if changes are needed in your nutrition goals and treatment plan.

Ask your doctor if a referral for medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist is right for you. With a physician's referral, you can make an appointment to see the RDN at your local hospital outpatient department, physician clinic or at an RDN's practice near your home.