Abstract
As many registered dietitians prepare to enter private practice, the expected number of clients as well as reimbursement rates for diet counseling will be important factors to consider. This study found that the rate of nutrition referrals was 29 per 1000 insured lives and payment rates totaled 82% of billed charges in a large physician network in New England. This number was lower than recognized current reimbursement rates and gives some indication that dietitians should become more familiar with coding guidelines for proper insurance reimbursement. Furthermore, these figures are important in monitoring how many private practices the industry can support and in projecting the rate of growth for the future.