If you have diabetes or kidney disease, Medicare Part B covers one-on-one nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian at $0, when your doctor refers you. That benefit is Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy, and for Georgia beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus, non-dialysis chronic kidney disease, or a recent kidney transplant, it delivers individualized nutrition assessment, intervention, counseling, and follow-up by a registered dietitian or qualified nutrition professional. This guide explains the federal statutory framework, the coverage indications, the physician referral requirement, dietitian qualifications and Georgia licensure, the MNT service codes, telehealth coverage, and how MNT coordinates with Diabetes Self-Management Training and the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program. It is written for Georgia beneficiaries and their families, primary care physicians and specialists, and the registered dietitians who furnish MNT in practices and health systems across the state.

The Federal Statutory Framework for Medical Nutrition Therapy

Section 1861(vv) of the Social Security Act

Section 1861(vv) of the Social Security Act establishes Medical Nutrition Therapy as a Medicare-covered service. The statute defines MNT as nutritional diagnostic, therapy, and counseling services for the purpose of disease management, furnished by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional pursuant to a physician referral. Section 1861(vv) also defines the qualifications a registered dietitian or nutrition professional must meet to furnish Medicare MNT.

Statutory Origins: Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and BIPA 2000

The MNT benefit was established by Section 4105 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-33) and substantially expanded by Section 105 of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-554), which extended MNT coverage to diabetes mellitus, renal disease (non-dialysis), and recent kidney-transplant beneficiaries. CMS implements MNT through the regulations at 42 CFR 410.130 through 410.134.

42 CFR 410.130 through 410.134

The CMS implementing regulations establish detailed MNT coverage rules. They define MNT, the registered dietitian or nutrition professional, and the treating physician; specify the conditions for coverage (qualifying diagnosis, physician referral, furnishing by a qualified RDN, and reasonable-and-necessary determination); enumerate the covered services (initial assessment, reassessment and intervention, and group MNT); set out the frequency and duration limits; and specify dietitian qualifications.

Coverage Indications

Diabetes Mellitus

MNT is covered for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus, including Type 1, Type 2, and diabetes due to other causes. The diagnosis must be documented by the treating physician through standard diagnostic criteria.

Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease

MNT is covered for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic kidney disease who are not yet receiving dialysis. Beneficiaries on dialysis are not eligible for the MNT benefit under Section 1861(vv) because dialysis-specific nutrition services are bundled into the ESRD payment under Section 1881(b)(14).

Post-Kidney-Transplant

MNT is covered for beneficiaries who have received a kidney transplant within the post-transplant window specified by 42 CFR 410.131. Beneficiaries should confirm the current post-transplant eligibility period with their transplant center or Medicare.

Diagnoses Not Covered by MNT

MNT under Section 1861(vv) is not covered for obesity (covered separately under Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity at Section 1861(yy)), cardiovascular disease risk (Intensive Behavioral Therapy for CVD risk), eating disorders, or other nutrition-related conditions outside the MNT statutory scope. Prediabetes is covered through the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, not MNT.

Annual Hour Allowances

Initial Year and Subsequent Years

Medicare's MNT allowance is structured around an initial calendar year of MNT (when the beneficiary first receives MNT) and subsequent calendar years. The initial year carries a larger hour allotment than subsequent years, reflecting the time required for the initial nutrition assessment and the early intervention and reassessment cycle. Verify the current initial-year and subsequent-year hour allowances on the Medicare MNT coverage page or in 42 CFR 410.132 before scheduling.

Additional Hours Through Physician Order

Beyond the standard annual allowance, additional MNT hours may be furnished when medically necessary based on a physician determination of a change in the beneficiary's medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment regimen. Common triggers include progression of CKD stage, initiation of insulin therapy, transition to dialysis, or a change in immunosuppression post-transplant. The treating physician must order the additional hours and document medical necessity.

Calendar Year Basis

The MNT allowance is calculated on a calendar year basis (January 1 through December 31). Unused hours do not carry over to the next year.

The Physician Referral Requirement

Treating Physician Definition

Section 1861(vv)(1) requires that MNT be furnished pursuant to a referral by a physician. The "treating physician" for MNT purposes is the physician treating the qualifying diagnosis. Depending on the beneficiary's circumstances, that may be:

  • Primary care physician (family medicine, internal medicine, geriatrics)
  • Endocrinologist (typically for diabetes)
  • Nephrologist (typically for CKD or post-transplant)
  • Transplant surgeon (typically for post-transplant)
  • Another physician treating the qualifying condition

Referral Documentation

A complete MNT referral generally identifies the qualifying diagnosis (with the ICD-10 code), is in writing (paper or electronic), carries the physician's signature, notes any specific clinical goals, and authorizes the MNT episode for the calendar year.

Self-Referral Not Permitted

Beneficiaries cannot self-refer for Medicare MNT. The physician referral is a statutory requirement. Beneficiaries seeking MNT should first consult with their treating physician.

Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Professional Qualifications

Section 1861(vv)(2) Statutory Requirements

Section 1861(vv)(2) establishes three core qualifications for a registered dietitian or nutrition professional furnishing Medicare MNT: a baccalaureate or higher degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field from a regionally accredited US college or university (or equivalent foreign degree); completion of a supervised dietetics practice program; and state licensure or certification (where the state provides for such licensure or certification). In states without dietitian licensure, the Secretary establishes alternative criteria.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Credential

Most Medicare MNT is furnished by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The pathway to the RDN credential includes a CDR-accredited dietetics program, a CDR-accredited supervised practice program, passing the CDR Registered Dietitian Nutritionist examination, and ongoing continuing professional education. Recent CDR policy raised the minimum degree requirement for new candidates; existing RDNs were grandfathered. For current degree requirements, see the Commission on Dietetic Registration's published standards.

Georgia Dietitian Licensure

Georgia requires dietitians to be licensed by the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians, established under O.C.G.A. § 43-11A. Licensure requirements include a qualifying degree in dietetics or nutrition, completion of an approved supervised practice program, passage of the CDR examination or equivalent, application to the Georgia Board, and continuing education for license renewal. Georgia dietitians furnishing Medicare MNT must hold a current Georgia license.

MNT Service Codes

CPT and HCPCS Codes

MNT services are billed using a set of CPT and HCPCS codes. CPT 97802 is used for initial MNT assessment and intervention furnished individually. CPT 97803 is used for individual reassessment and intervention. CPT 97804 is used for group MNT. HCPCS G0270 and G0271 are used for additional MNT hours furnished after a second referral within the same year due to a change in diagnosis, medical condition, or treatment regimen, for individual and group services respectively. Time-based codes are billed in the unit increments specified in the code descriptor; verify the current descriptor and unit time in the CPT/HCPCS code set.

Code Selection

Code selection depends on whether the encounter is initial assessment versus reassessment, whether the service is individual or group, and whether the hours are within the standard annual allowance or are additional hours from a second referral.

Billing Documentation

MNT claims should include the appropriate code(s) with units reflecting time, the ICD-10 diagnosis code for the qualifying condition, the referring physician's NPI, date and place of service, and the rendering RDN's NPI.

Telehealth Coverage of Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy

MNT on the Medicare Telehealth Services List

MNT services are included on the Medicare telehealth services list. Registered dietitians are an authorized distant-site practitioner type for MNT under Medicare's telehealth authorities. Coverage of MNT telehealth, including originating-site flexibilities (such as the patient's home) and audio-only authority for non-mental-health services, has been governed by a series of pandemic-era expansions and Congressional extensions. Confirm the current rules on the Medicare MNT coverage page before scheduling a telehealth visit.

Telehealth MNT Best Practices

When furnishing MNT via telehealth, use a HIPAA-compliant video platform, verify beneficiary identity at the start of each visit, document informed consent for telehealth, apply the appropriate modifiers and place-of-service codes, coordinate with the patient's care team, and document the visit in the medical record consistent with in-person standards.

Coordination With Diabetes Self-Management Training

Section 1861(qq) DSMT Authority

Diabetes Self-Management Training under Section 1861(qq) is a Medicare-covered structured education program for beneficiaries with diabetes. DSMT covers diabetes overview and pathophysiology, self-monitoring of blood glucose, medication management, general nutrition, physical activity, acute and chronic complications, and behavioral and psychological aspects of diabetes.

DSMT Hour Allowance

DSMT provides an initial hour allotment and a smaller annual follow-up allotment for subsequent years. Verify the current DSMT hour allowance on the Medicare DSMT coverage page.

MNT Plus DSMT in the Same Year

Beneficiaries may receive both MNT and DSMT in the same calendar year. The benefits are not mutually exclusive: MNT focuses on individualized nutrition therapy by an RDN, and DSMT provides broader diabetes self-management education by accredited DSMT programs.

DSMT Program Accreditation

DSMT programs must be recognized or accredited by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Recognition Program, the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) Diabetes Education Accreditation Program (DEAP), or the Indian Health Service Diabetes Programs Accreditation Program.

Georgia DSMT Programs

Georgia has ADA-recognized and ADCES-accredited DSMT programs across major health systems and community settings. Beneficiaries should ask their treating physician about accredited DSMT programs in their area.

Coordination With the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program

Section 1861(jjj) MDPP Authority

The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program under Section 1861(jjj) is a structured behavioral intervention for Medicare beneficiaries with prediabetes (not diabetes). It was established through the CY 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule following CMS Innovation Center demonstration findings.

MDPP Eligibility

MDPP is for beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part B who have prediabetes (as defined by current CMS clinical eligibility criteria), a qualifying BMI, no prior diabetes diagnosis, and who are not currently in end-stage renal disease. Confirm current BMI thresholds, qualifying lab-value ranges, and other clinical criteria on the CMS MDPP page or in current MDPP supplier standards.

MDPP Structure

MDPP is a structured multi-month behavioral intervention with a core-session phase, a core-maintenance phase, and optional ongoing maintenance for beneficiaries who achieve a target weight loss. Current session counts and timing are specified in the MDPP supplier standards; verify on the CMS MDPP page.

MDPP and MNT Serve Different Populations

MDPP and MNT serve distinct populations:

  • MDPP is for prediabetes (no diabetes diagnosis)
  • MNT is for diabetes, CKD, or recent kidney transplant

A beneficiary who progresses from prediabetes to diabetes transitions between benefits as the qualifying diagnosis changes.

Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity and CVD Risk

Section 1861(yy) IBT for Obesity

Section 1861(yy) authorizes Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity for Medicare beneficiaries with an elevated BMI. IBT for Obesity is furnished by primary care providers (not RDNs) and includes brief, high-intensity behavioral counseling sessions. Verify the current session cap and visit cadence on the CMS IBT for Obesity coverage page.

IBT for Cardiovascular Disease Risk

CMS also covers Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease Risk for beneficiaries with one or more CVD risk factors, as part of preventive services under Section 1861(ddd).

Distinction From MNT

IBT for Obesity and IBT for CVD Risk are distinct from MNT: they have different statutory authorities, different qualifying conditions, different furnishing providers (primary care versus RDN), and different session structures.

Beneficiary Cost-Sharing

Standard Part B Cost-Sharing

MNT is a Medicare Part B benefit. Standard Part B cost-sharing rules apply: the Part B annual deductible (typically applies) and a 20 percent coinsurance after the deductible. The Part B deductible is indexed annually; confirm the current-year amount on Medicare.gov.

ACA Preventive Service Considerations

The Affordable Care Act Section 4104 preventive services cost-sharing waiver eliminated cost-sharing for certain preventive services rated USPSTF Grade A or B. MNT is generally treated as a medical treatment service rather than a preventive screening, so the ACA cost-sharing waiver typically does not apply directly to MNT. However, several related preventive services (the Annual Wellness Visit, cardiovascular screening, diabetes screening, IBT for Obesity, IBT for CVD Risk) carry cost-sharing waivers.

Medicare Advantage Plan Cost-Sharing

Medicare Advantage plans may offer different cost-sharing for MNT, including reduced or waived coinsurance as part of plan supplemental benefits. Beneficiaries should review their specific Medicare Advantage plan documents.

The Georgia Landscape

Georgia Diabetes and Kidney Disease Burden

Georgia carries a meaningful chronic disease burden in diabetes and kidney disease. For current state-level diabetes prevalence figures, consult the Georgia Department of Public Health and the CDC Diabetes Surveillance System. Atlanta-region academic centers including Emory, Augusta University Medical College of Georgia, and others provide tertiary nephrology and kidney transplant services.

Major Georgia Health System MNT Programs

Georgia families and their physicians can access Medicare MNT through health system diabetes and nutrition programs across the state. Major examples include:

  • Emory Diabetes Center: Emory Healthcare's comprehensive diabetes care program, including endocrinology, MNT, and DSMT, across Atlanta and Emory hospital affiliates.
  • Wellstar Diabetes Education: ADA-recognized diabetes education and MNT services across the Wellstar network.
  • Piedmont Atlanta Diabetes Resource Center: Diabetes resource center providing MNT, DSMT, and related services.
  • Northside Hospital Diabetes Education: ADA-recognized diabetes education and MNT services.
  • Augusta University Diabetes Center: Academic diabetes center including endocrinology, MNT, DSMT, and research programs at Augusta University Health.
  • Grady Diabetes Clinic: Safety-net diabetes clinic serving uninsured and underinsured Atlanta-region populations.
  • Phoebe Diabetes Care Center: Phoebe Putney Health System diabetes care for southwestern Georgia.

Georgia Kidney Transplant Centers

Georgia's kidney transplant centers include Emory Transplant Center, Augusta University Transplant Center, and Piedmont Transplant Institute. Post-kidney-transplant beneficiaries within the MNT eligibility window receive specialized MNT that addresses immunosuppression-related dietary considerations, weight management, bone health, and any post-transplant diabetes or CKD that develops.

Rural Georgia MNT Access

Rural Georgia faces RDN workforce shortages that limit MNT access in some counties. Mitigation approaches include telehealth MNT (under current Medicare telehealth authorities), group MNT to leverage available RDN time, partnerships between rural primary care and urban academic MNT programs, and MNT services furnished by Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Health Clinics.

Worked Example 1: Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Initial MNT Episode

A 67-year-old Medicare beneficiary in Cobb County is newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes during a primary care visit. Her primary care physician refers her for MNT to support diabetes management.

Physician referral: The PCP writes a referral identifying diabetes mellitus Type 2 (ICD-10 E11.9) and authorizing the initial MNT episode.

Initial assessment: An RDN at the Wellstar Diabetes Education program conducts the initial nutrition assessment, billed as CPT 97802 in 15-minute units. The assessment includes dietary history, food security assessment, cultural and personal food preferences, anthropometric measurements, laboratory data review, identification of nutrition diagnoses, and goal-setting with the patient.

Intervention visits: The RDN provides follow-up intervention visits billed as CPT 97803. Interventions include personalized meal planning, carbohydrate counting education, blood-glucose-monitoring coordination, medication-nutrition interactions, and physical-activity coordination.

Beneficiary cost-sharing: The Part B deductible (if not already met) and the 20 percent coinsurance apply. Medigap or Medicare Advantage may reduce cost-sharing.

Outcome tracking: The RDN coordinates with the PCP regarding HbA1c improvement, weight changes, and medication response.

Worked Example 2: CKD Stage 3 Ongoing MNT

A 72-year-old Medicare beneficiary in Macon has CKD Stage 3 due to diabetic nephropathy. She has been receiving MNT for several years.

Subsequent-year referral: Her nephrologist provides an annual referral identifying CKD Stage 3 (ICD-10 N18.3) and authorizing subsequent-year MNT.

Reassessment and intervention: The RDN conducts reassessment and intervention visits billed as CPT 97803, updating dietary patterns, anthropometric and lab data, medication changes, blood-pressure control, and protein and electrolyte recommendations based on current CKD status.

Additional hours scenario: If her eGFR drops and she progresses to CKD Stage 4 during the year, the nephrologist can provide a second referral authorizing additional hours due to a change in medical condition. The additional hours are billed under HCPCS G0270 (or G0271 for group).

Worked Example 3: Post-Kidney-Transplant MNT

A 58-year-old Medicare beneficiary in Atlanta received a kidney transplant several months ago at Emory Transplant Center and is on standard immunosuppression.

Transplant team referral: The transplant nephrologist refers her for MNT identifying status post-kidney-transplant (ICD-10 Z94.0) and authorizing MNT to address post-transplant nutrition concerns.

Initial assessment within the post-transplant window: An RDN at Emory's transplant nutrition program conducts the initial assessment (CPT 97802), addressing immunosuppression-related dietary considerations (including food safety and grapefruit interactions), screening for post-transplant diabetes, weight management, bone health, and cardiovascular risk.

Intervention visits: Follow-up intervention visits (CPT 97803) over subsequent months address implementation of the recommendations.

Post-transplant window: MNT under Section 1861(vv) is covered through the post-transplant eligibility window specified in 42 CFR 410.131; verify the current window with the transplant center.

Worked Example 4: MNT Plus DSMT Combined Utilization

A 65-year-old Medicare beneficiary newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes wants to maximize his diabetes education. He is referred for both MNT and DSMT in the same calendar year.

MNT episode: Initial-year MNT through CPT 97802 and 97803 at an Atlanta endocrinology practice.

DSMT episode: Initial-year DSMT at an ADA-recognized DSMT program, billed as HCPCS G0108 (individual) and G0109 (group), covering diabetes overview, self-monitoring, medication management, nutrition (general), physical activity, complications, and behavioral aspects.

Coordination: The MNT RDN and the DSMT program coordinate to ensure complementary (not duplicative) education. MNT focuses on individualized nutrition therapy; DSMT provides broader diabetes self-management education.

Worked Example 5: MNT Via Telehealth in Rural Georgia

A 70-year-old Medicare beneficiary in Telfair County (rural southeast Georgia) has Type 2 diabetes. The nearest endocrinology practice is far away. Her primary care physician refers her for MNT.

Telehealth MNT arrangement: Under current Medicare telehealth authorities, MNT can be furnished via telehealth with the patient at home as the originating site. Confirm the current originating-site and audio-only rules on the Medicare MNT coverage page before scheduling.

Initial telehealth assessment: An RDN at a Macon-area diabetes center conducts a video assessment via a HIPAA-compliant platform, billed as CPT 97802 with the appropriate telehealth modifier and place-of-service code.

Follow-up telehealth visits: Additional video visits over subsequent months are billed as CPT 97803.

Audio-only consideration: If video is not feasible due to broadband limitations, audio-only MNT may be furnished under current authorities, billed with the appropriate audio-only modifier.

Worked Example 6: MDPP Enrollment Before MNT Eligibility

A 62-year-old Medicare beneficiary in Augusta has prediabetes (without a diabetes diagnosis). Her PCP discusses prevention options.

MDPP eligibility: She qualifies for the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program based on Part B enrollment, qualifying BMI, prediabetes lab values, no diabetes diagnosis, and no current ESRD.

MNT eligibility: She does not qualify for MNT under Section 1861(vv) because she does not have a qualifying diagnosis (diabetes, CKD, or post-kidney-transplant). MNT cannot be billed for her at this time.

MDPP enrollment: She enrolls in an MDPP supplier program (community-based or healthcare-based), participating in core sessions, core maintenance, and (if she achieves the target weight loss) ongoing maintenance.

Future MNT pathway: If she develops Type 2 diabetes, she becomes eligible for MNT under Section 1861(vv). Successful MDPP participation has been shown in research on the underlying Diabetes Prevention Program to reduce the risk of progression to diabetes.

Best Practices for Georgia Medicare Beneficiaries

  1. Ask your physician about MNT eligibility. If you have diabetes, CKD, or recent kidney transplant, ask whether MNT is appropriate for you.
  2. Confirm your treating physician will refer. A physician referral is required; you cannot self-refer.
  3. Use the full initial-year MNT allowance. Initial assessment and follow-up are evidence-based and support better diabetes and CKD outcomes.
  4. Plan ongoing annual MNT. Annual reassessment supports continuity and adjustment of nutrition recommendations.
  5. Request additional hours when circumstances change. New complications, medication changes, or disease progression justify additional MNT hours through physician order.
  6. Combine MNT with DSMT for diabetes. You can receive both in the same year; they address different aspects of diabetes self-management.
  7. Consider telehealth MNT for access. Particularly valuable for rural Georgia beneficiaries with limited local RDN availability.
  8. Bring food diaries and lab results to MNT visits. RDNs can provide more individualized recommendations with detailed information.
  9. Coordinate MNT with your full care team. Share the nutrition plan with primary care, endocrinology, nephrology, and pharmacy.
  10. Verify your RDN is licensed in Georgia. Georgia dietitian licensure is required for legal practice in Georgia.
  11. Document goals with your RDN. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals improve outcomes.
  12. Use MDPP if you have prediabetes. Prevention is more cost-effective than treatment.
  13. Ask about IBT for Obesity if applicable. If your BMI qualifies, you may be eligible for IBT (a different benefit from MNT).
  14. Plan for cost-sharing. Standard Part B deductible and 20 percent coinsurance apply unless reduced through Medicare Advantage or Medigap.

Common MNT Issues and Solutions

  1. No physician referral. Contact your treating physician to request a referral.
  2. RDN not accepting Medicare assignment. Some RDNs do not accept Medicare assignment; verify Medicare participation before scheduling.
  3. Telehealth technology challenges. Use audio-only options if video is not feasible; community telehealth sites are available in many Georgia areas.
  4. Insurance coverage questions. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE, your Medicare Advantage plan, or GeorgiaCares SHIP.
  5. Geographic distance to RDN. Telehealth MNT enables access despite distance, and group MNT may also be available.
  6. Time conflicts. Many RDN practices offer evening and weekend appointments.
  7. Multiple qualifying conditions. Beneficiaries with diabetes plus CKD plus post-transplant may qualify under all three indications, but the annual MNT hour allowance is per beneficiary, not per condition.
  8. Cultural and dietary preferences. Request an RDN with cultural competency for your background; culturally-appropriate MNT improves engagement.
  9. Food insecurity. Many RDNs can connect beneficiaries to food assistance programs (SNAP, food banks, congregate meal sites).
  10. Family caregiver involvement. Caregivers can attend MNT visits with patient consent and can provide important context.
  11. Coordination with diabetes educator. DSMT and MNT can coordinate; ask your providers about joint care planning.
  12. Insurance claim issues. Contact your provider's billing office, your Medicare Administrative Contractor (Palmetto GBA for Georgia Part B), or Medicare directly.
  13. MNT for non-qualifying conditions. MNT under Section 1861(vv) is only for diabetes, CKD, or transplant. For other conditions, alternative benefits (IBT for Obesity, IBT for CVD Risk, MDPP for prediabetes) may apply.
  14. Provider availability. Major Georgia health systems have substantial MNT capacity; community RDNs and group practices supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus (Type 1, Type 2, or other forms), non-dialysis chronic kidney disease, or post-kidney-transplant status within the post-transplant eligibility window specified in 42 CFR 410.131. Beneficiaries on dialysis are not eligible because dialysis-specific nutrition services are bundled into the ESRD payment.

A physician referral is required. Section 1861(vv) requires that MNT be furnished pursuant to a referral by the physician treating the qualifying diagnosis. Beneficiaries cannot self-refer.

Medicare covers a defined number of hours in the initial calendar year of MNT and a smaller number of hours in subsequent calendar years; additional hours are available through a second physician referral when there is a change in diagnosis, medical condition, or treatment regimen. Verify current hour allowances on the Medicare MNT coverage page.

Yes. MNT is on the Medicare telehealth services list, and registered dietitians are authorized distant-site practitioners for MNT. Originating-site and audio-only authorities have been governed by a series of pandemic-era expansions and Congressional extensions; confirm the current rules on the Medicare MNT coverage page before scheduling.

Yes. MNT (Section 1861(vv)) and Diabetes Self-Management Training (Section 1861(qq)) are separate benefits and can be received in the same calendar year. They address different aspects of diabetes care.

Brevy: Your Partner in Understanding Medicare Nutrition Benefits

At Brevy (brevy.com), our mission is to provide Georgia families with comprehensive, up-to-date guidance on Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and the broader eldercare landscape. Medical Nutrition Therapy is among the most evidence-based but underused Medicare benefits. For Georgia Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or recent kidney transplant, MNT can deliver measurable clinical improvements when fully used.

If you or a family member has a qualifying diagnosis, talk with your primary care physician, endocrinologist, or nephrologist about an MNT referral. Use the full initial-year MNT allowance and annual MNT thereafter to support better outcomes. Coordinate MNT with DSMT for diabetes self-management. Consider telehealth MNT if travel is a barrier. Brevy continuously updates our content to reflect Medicare policy changes and emerging evidence on nutrition therapy.

Georgia Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Resources

  • Medicare General Information: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
  • Palmetto GBA Part B Medicare Administrative Contractor: 1-866-238-9650
  • Georgia Department of Community Health Medicaid Member Services: 1-866-211-0950
  • GeorgiaCares State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): 1-866-552-4464
  • Medicare Rights Center: 1-800-333-4114
  • Atlanta Legal Aid Society: 404-377-0701
  • Georgia Legal Services Program: 1-800-498-9469
  • 211 Georgia (United Way): Dial 211
  • Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
  • Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians (current contact details on the Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Boards site)
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: eatright.org
  • American Diabetes Association: 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383)
  • National Kidney Foundation: 1-800-622-9010
  • Acentra Health (Medicare Quality Improvement Organization): 1-844-455-8708
  • CDC National Diabetes Prevention Program: cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention
  • Georgia Department of Public Health Diabetes Program
  • Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
  • Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES)

Learn More

Find personalized help understanding your Medicare nutrition benefits at brevy.com.


The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.

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Brevy Care Team

Expert eldercare guidance from Brevy's team of healthcare professionals and researchers.