Medical Billing Forum

Billing => Billing => : tperian August 03, 2018, 06:07:51 PM

: DSMT and MNT Questions
: tperian August 03, 2018, 06:07:51 PM
So i have a family practitioner who is wanting to start billing for nutritional instruction that he gives patients in his wellness practice.  Am i understanding the terminology correctly when i say that he cannot RENDER the services himself but would need to hire an RD?
Also, the material i have found so far suggests that the DSMT program needs to be certified through one of two organizations. Correct?  i am brand new at nutritional coding and am lost.  is there a good resource for learning how to get a program started correctly?
: Re: DSMT and MNT Questions
: Michele August 10, 2018, 09:52:10 AM
My understanding is that any nutritional services rendered must be by a qualified nonphysician health care professional such as an RD.  The following article has some good information:  https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Transmittals/downloads/R109BP.pdf 

I know of an MD who provides nutritional counseling in his wellness practice but it is not covered (at least not by Medicare) because he does not have an RD.  Charges were billed out under his name and denied as not covered when performed by this type of provider, or out of his scope. 
: Re: DSMT and MNT Questions
: tperian August 10, 2018, 10:17:57 AM
Thank you.  That is what i was unclear about.  It DOES have to be provided directly by an RD.