What Is…

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a diet and nutrient-based medical treatment provided to patients by registered dietitian nutritionists, to treat or manage specific medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, irritable bowel syndrome, binge eating disorder, and diabetes.

Registered dietitian nutritionists use a 4-step nutrition care process that includes a nutrition assessment, nutrition diagnosis, nutrition intervention (treatment plan), and nutrition evaluation. The treatment plan is evidence-based and often includes a nutrition prescription for specific macronutrients, micronutrients, and supplements to treat a patient’s medical condition or conditions. The number of MNT sessions and length of treatment may vary depending on the medical condition or conditions.

Medical nutrition therapy is a covered treatment by most health insurance companies. Currently, Medicare covers diagnoses of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and 36 months post kidney transplant when a Medicare beneficiary has been referred by a primary health care provider.