Answer 1 is incorrect. 5.12% chose this answer. “Medicare provides full coverage and no cost share for all Medical Nutrition Therapy referrals.” While it is true that Medicare provides full coverage and no out-of-pocket cost share, not ALL MNT referrals are covered. Despite continued work towards increasing MNT access, currently, Medicare only provides coverage for specific diagnoses. Referrals must also come from a physician (MD and DO). Medicare does not accept referrals from an NP or PA. Keep reading for more information.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 13.72% of you chose this answer. “Medicare provides 3 hours of MNT services for the initial referral and calendar year and 2 hours after referral in subsequent years.”  This answer is true but not the best answer. Medicare will provide coverage of up to 3 hours of MNT services for the first year of referral and 2 hours every calendar year thereafter with physician referral. If a provider determines medical necessity, most often from a change in diagnosis, treatment regimen, or medical condition, a second referral will allow additional hours of MNT services.

Answer 3 is incorrect. About 6.28% of respondents chose this. “Medicare provides coverage for diagnosis of diabetes, non-dialysis CKD stage 3- 5, and post-kidney transplants.”  This answer is true but not the best answer. Medicare provides coverage for diabetes diagnoses, non-dialysis CKD stages 3-5, and post-kidney transplants within the last 36 months.

Answer 4 is correct. 62.56% chose this answer. “Both B and C.” Answer D is correct and the best answer.

Finally, Answer 5 is incorrect. 12.33% chose this answer. “All of the Above.” Answer E is incorrect and not the best answer. While advocacy for expansion of MNT services to cover other diagnosis is an active effort, at the time of writing, coverage remains for only the prior mentioned diagnoses.

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!