No matter where you work, understanding the basics of health care payments and other sources of funding for the services you provide is an asset to every registered dietitian nutritionist. Learn more about payment and delivery for nutrition services in the links below.

See proposed CMS changes to PDPM (5/2024) here.

Reach Out to Our Nutrition Services Payment Specialist 

In the ever-evolving world of coverage and payment for nutrition services, our Nutrition Services Payment Specialist provides additional support and serve as a valuable resource for members. If you have questions that are state-specific or pertain to an area of focus, please contact Coreyanne Poly-Geracie, PhD, MEd, RDN, LDN, CDCES, ACE-CMES

Getting Started - Payment Basics

Develop a foundational understanding of the business of health care and nutrition with important information and resources, regardless of practice setting. Click on the links below:

• Health Insurance and Other Sources of Funding
• First Steps to Becoming a Provider
• Referrals and Primary Care Partnership

Who Pays for Nutrition Services?

For information about health care insurance benefits and payment for MNT and nutrition services. Click on the links below:

• My Healthy Weight Initiative
• Diabetes Self-Management Training
• Health Care Reform
• Medicaid
• Private Payers
• Promoting Nutrition Services

Coding and Billing

Increase your understanding of the claim submission process in the fee-for-service model of reimbursement. Click on the links below:

• Referral Requirements for Coverage for Nutrition Services
• Billing Resources
• Diagnosis and Procedure Codes

Medicare

For detailed information about RDNs and Medicare - the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, people of any age with permanent kidney failure, and certain persons with disabilities under age 65. Click on the links below:

• Medicare Provider Enrollment
• Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program
• Medicare MNT
• Providing the Service and Billing
• QPP Track One (MIPS)
• QPP Track Two (Advanced APMs)
• Quality Payment Program Overview
• MNT Works for Seniors Toolkit

Smart Business Practice and Management

For information, resources and tools that encourage good business practice and help ensure compliance with laws and HIPAA regulations. Click on the links below:

• HIPAA and Other Regulations
• Services, Fees and Management Resources

Changes in Health Care Delivery and Payment

Health care delivery and payment continues to evolve as stakeholders work to pursue goals of improving health outcomes and the consumer experience, while decreasing the total cost of care. Understanding how alternative payment models work can help RDNs demonstrate and communicate the value of nutrition services and the RDN in value-based care. For more information about various payment methodologies, click on the links below:

• ACOs PCMH and Population Health
• Alternative Payment Models and Value-Based Care