Registered dietitians are part of almost all of the FIRMs and their services are covered as part of standard care. Managed Care Organizations More than 75 percent of managed care plans provide some coverage for medical nutrition therapy. Diabetes is the most widely reimbursed diagnosis across all insurance plans. Medical necessity and physician referral are common requirements for coverage. Medicaid Although not part of the federal requirement, some nutrition services are provided as a state option in nearly every state.
Program requires client screening, which includes an assessment of nutrition status.
Medicaid may also provide nutrition services under a Medicaid waiver to cover specific and limited populations such as HIV, inborn error of disease and the developmental disabled. As a result, Medicare patients who don't have the financial means to pay out of pocket are denied access to a treatment which has been proven to be effective in reducing and eliminating hospital stays, reducing drug dependence and improving quality of life.