Medicaid has covered nutrition and weight management services for children for almost two years, but few providers or patients know about this benefit.
In fact, only about 100 visits are billed to Medicaid each month.
A campaign is under way to let patients and providers know about the underused service, and you can help spread the word to patients and their families.
Initial assessments and reassessments are covered—as well as individual, family, or group weight management and nutritional counseling—for Medicaid patients younger than 21.
Initial assessments and reassessments can only be performed by a physician or certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP). The initial assessment determines if further services are needed, and the reassessment gauges how much progress the child has made and whether services are still needed or need to be adjusted. Both must be 30 minutes.
Counseling will only be covered if an initial assessment has already been provided and billed. Nutritional counseling must be provided by a registered dietitian who is enrolled in Medicaid.
Weight management counseling should focus on topics like caloric intake and physical activity, while nutritional counseling should focus on proper nutrition and eating behaviors.
Send your patients to www.myfamilywellness.org/nutritionservices for more information.
Read this story for specific coding information.