Who can refer for Medicare MNT services?
In 2022, CMS revised the specifics for Medical Nutrition Therapy referrals in Medicare Part B. Now, it does NOT need to be the treating MD or DO as long as the beneficiary is being seen by the MD/DO provider who refers and there is chart documentation (and signed referral with diagnosis). NP/PA/CNM are not eligible referral sources for Medicare MNT until law and regulations are changed. Advocate for this expansion of referral sources by collaborating with other RDNs, referring professionals, beneficiaries and family members.
RDNs Seeing Telehealth Clients in
Different States
RDNs need to follow the laws regarding licensure or credentialing in the state the client resides. Go to the website for the state/affiliate dietetic association and search licensure for the details or refer to the state’s license and/or business and professions code.
Medicare Telehealth Continues through December 2024
Until December 2024 and perhaps later, Medicare will continue to allow MNT services for diabetes and chronic kidney disease (and up to 36 months post transplant) via telehealth. Medicare has allowed phone visits (audio only) using modifier 93 and place of service-office 11. Other Medicare HIPAA compliant telehealth (audio-visual) visits have required modifier 95 and place of service-office 11. Beginning January 2024 Medicare may use Place of Service (POS) 02 (other than home) or 10 for beneficiary’s home as the POS. Check your Medicare Administrative Contractor‘s (MAC) bulletins regularly to see when these codes will be implemented by your MAC. https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mln901705-telehealth-services.pdf For other insurers, including Medicare Advantage plans, contact the provider relations or claims department for current location (place of service) and modifiers desired for billing MNT telehealth services. Check also that the MNT service via telehealth is reimbursed at the same in-person rate (parity laws) or if payment rate is lower. Request the specific coverage rates and coding desired for audio and audio-visual HIPAA compliant telehealth. Delighted to have you join weekly virtual office hours for Hot Topics and Q & A with your submitted queries.