Abstract
On January 1, 2002, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) became a distinct Medicare Part B benefit covering MNT services when provided by registered dietitians and nutrition professionals to Medicare part B beneficiaries with diabetes or renal disease. In order to bill Medicare for MNT, a practitioner must first enroll in Medicare as a provider and then adhere to the detailed coverage guidelines set forth for MNT by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Since January 1, 2002, CMS has made several changes to these guidelines. In addition, new federal legislation in other areas has impacted MNT and resulted in increased utilization of the MNT benefit. When RDs adhere to the current coverage guidelines, and design their practice settings in order to fully utilize the benefit, their clients can experience the very best outcomes.