MNT
Copyright © 2008 Medical Nutrition Therapy Northwest
What is Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)?
MNT is officially defined as “nutritional diagnostic, therapy and counseling services for the purpose of disease management which are furnished by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional.“
MNT will help manage conditions and complications related to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cancer. MNT will allow you to regain quality of life and improve health, as well as decrease the need for prescription medication.
MNT patients receive evidence-based services including:
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✦A comprehensive Nutrition and Lifestyle Assessment
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✦Anthropometric measurements
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✦Blood Screening
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✦Tailored lifestyle recommendations and educational materials
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✦Coaching, support, accountability and progress management
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✦Communication with primary physician
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✦Advice on food and drug interaction
Who pays for MNT?
Medical Nutrition Therapy Northwest is currently contracted with American Specialty Health Networks, Inc. (Aetna, CIGNA, Health Net and Providence Preferred) and Medicare.
As individual insurance plans vary, we recommend verifying MNT benefits with your insurance company. If your visit is partially covered by insurance, the remainder of the payment is your responsibility. Equally, if your visit is not covered by insurance, you are responsible for the payment of services.
Upon referral from a physician, MNT may be reimbursable to eligible members of certain health plans and Medicare recipients. This is a benefit for Medicare part B recipients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, non-dialysis kidney disease, or post-kidney transplants. It is believed that following the Medicare part B legislation, more and more payers of health care in the near future will be paying for MNT.
Even if your insurance carrier doesn't cover the cost of MNT, these services are certainly affordable. A series of MNT sessions during one year will cost no more than what most people pay for cable TV or a single eye exam and a pair of glasses. The Internal Revenue Service is even trying to make it affordable for most people. The IRS has ruled that the costs of doctor-prescribed weight loss programs for those who are clinically overweight or who need to lose weight for other medical reasons may qualify as a medical expense deduction on the Federal income tax return. Call us for more information on how the cost of MNT can fit into your budget.
Studies show….
...that people with serious or chronic health conditions may experience better health from their medical treatment with MNT. Whether for managing your diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or overweight, behavioral intervention services such as MNT can make a positive lifelong impact. People receiving MNT experience improvements in their quality of life and manage their medical conditions more effectively. This translates into feeling better, reducing or eliminating certain prescription medications, scheduling fewer high-cost doctor visits and hospital stays, and enjoying a more productive and satisfying life.
