| Obesity | Medicare Covers Medical Nutrition Therapy To take advantage of the medical nutrition therapy benefit, Medicare beneficiaries should obtain a referral to a registered dietitian from their primary care physician. Registered dietitians are professionals with specialized training in the health implicatons of food and nutrition. They are the most qualified to provide the type of nutrition counseling that people with diabetes need. Registered dietitians help people set nutrition goals, develop lifelong strategies for healthy eating, and plan meals that meet their nutritional needs. A good diet is crucial for anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes.. Studies show that medical nutrition therapy can help people with diabetes and kidney disease reduce the risks of complications and cut healthcare costs. Reduced need for certain prescription drugs and a decrease in the incidence of hospitalization can result in real economic savings, according to the experts. It gets better. The recent Medicare Reform bill broadens who may be eligible for medical nutrition therapy. Now, people with such chronic conditions as heart and lung disease and some forms of cancer may be covered, beginning January 2006. But beginning in January 2005, new Medicare beneficiaries will be able to see a registered dietitian as a part of an initial preventive physical examination. If you think you might qualify for medical nutrition therapy under Medicare, talk to your Medicare provider and your physician. You can find a registered dietitian, by visiting the American Dietetic Association web site at http://www.eatright.org. |