What is the new MNT benefit?
As of January 1, 2002 registered dietitians or nutrition professionals (see CMS Transmittal AB-02-059 for definitions)(1), can directly bill their Medicare local carrier for MNT provided to beneficiaries with renal disease or diabetes (gestational, type 1 and type 2). The diagnostic criteria for diabetes is a fasting glucose = 126 mg/dl). Renal disease means chronic renal insufficiency, a reduction in renal function not severe enough to require dialysis or transplantation; end-stage renal disease when dialysis is not received (diagnostic criteria is the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 13-50 ml/min/1.73m2); and the medical condition of a beneficiary for 36 months after a kidney transplant (criteria is the date of the kidney transplant) (1). MNT services are defined in statute as “nutritional diagnostic, therapy, and counseling services for the purpose of disease management which are furnished by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional…pursuant to a referral by a physician…
