Program_Memos / 2002 / B-02-010

Why This Topic Matters

It documents the early Medicare rules for a covered nutrition therapy benefit and outlines the administrative requirements that affect reimbursement, referral handling, provider enrollment, and claim processing.

Article Sections

1. Background

   Provides the policy context for the Medicare benefit and identifies the beneficiary groups and general coverage framework discussed in the memo.

2. General Conditions of Coverage

   Summarizes the broad conditions that must be met for coverage under the benefit.

3. Limitations on Coverage

   Outlines the coverage limitations and interaction with related services discussed in the memorandum.

4. Referrals

   Describes the referral documentation and claim-submission requirements associated with the benefit.

5. Additional Covered Hours for Reassessments and Interventions

   Addresses when additional service time may be considered within an episode of care and the related administrative conditions.

6. Professional Standards for Dietitians and Nutritionists

   Explains the professional qualification framework for practitioners furnishing the service under Medicare Part B.

7. Payment for MNT

   Covers how payment is handled, including the general payment methodology and the service codes listed in the memorandum.

8. Instructions for Use of the Medical Nutrition Therapy Codes

   Provides instructions tied to the medical nutrition therapy service codes and their billing context.

9. General Claims Processing Information

   Discusses claims processing considerations for registered dietitians and nutrition professionals, including assignment and claim handling.

10. Enrollment of Dietitians and Nutritionists

    Describes Medicare enrollment and provider identification requirements for dietitians and nutrition professionals.

11. Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and Explanation of Medicare Benefits (EOMB) Messages

    Lists the beneficiary notice messaging framework associated with certain claim outcomes.

12. Remittance Advice Messages

    Identifies remittance advice messaging associated with claim denials under the memorandum.

13. Note Regarding the Common Working File (CWF)

    Notes future system tracking and editing considerations related to the benefit.