(MNT) Medical Nutrition Therapy

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MNT (Medical Nutrition Therapy) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach provided by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) to manage medical conditions through personalized nutrition plans.

Plans include conducting a nutrition assessment and screening, performing a dietary evaluation, providing nutrition education and counseling, and supplying medically necessary supplements or food.

CPT/HCPCS Codes:

Medical nutrition therapy codes are time‑based services, but reimbursement also requires thorough supporting documentation that clearly reflects the assessment, intervention, and total face‑to‑face time provided.

CPT Codes
• 97802 — Initial assessment & intervention, individual, each 15 min
• 97803 — Re‑assessment & intervention, individual, each 15 min
• 97804 — MNT, group (2+), each 30 min
HCPCS (Medicare) Codes
• G0270 — Individual MNT re‑assessment after change in diagnosis, condition, treatment, each 15 min
• G0271 — Group MNT re‑assessment after change in diagnosis, condition, treatment, each 30 min

The Midpoint Rule:

  • Applies to time-based CPT codes (97802, 97803, 97804).
  • Billing threshold:
    • 1 unit = ≥8 minutes
    • Additional units based on total time (e.g., 38 minutes = 2 units; 53 minutes = 3 units).
  • Document start/stop times (or total time) and medical necessity for compliance.

Covered Conditions:

CMS (Medicare)
Patients with diabetes, renal disease, or kidney transplant status (within last 3 years) must have an appropriate physician order before receiving MNT services.
Texas Medicaid
Codes that support Medical Necessity:

 (Not an all-inclusive list)

  • E10–E11: Diabetes mellitus
  • N18.1–N18.9: Chronic kidney disease
  • E66.01–E66.9: Obesity
  • E78.0–E78.9: Lipid metabolism disorders
  • F50.x: Eating disorders
  • E70–E72: Inborn errors of metabolism

Telehealth Services 

With H.R. 7148 now enacted, Medicare’s telehealth flexibilities have been fully restored retroactively and are extended through December 31, 2027. This means home‑based MNT is fully covered, and patients may receive services from any location, including their home, workplace, or while traveling. There are no geographic or originating‑site restrictions, and both video and audio‑only MNT visits are covered when performed by eligible practitioners.

Place of Service (POS) Codes

  • POS 10 — Telehealth provided in the patient’s home
  • POS 02 — Telehealth provided outside the home (facility, workplace, etc.)
  • Hospital‑based remote services may continue to bill using standard outpatient POS codes under the restored flexibilities.

Required Telehealth Modifiers

  • 95 — Synchronous audio‑video telemedicine (most Part B claims when required by payer).
  • 93 — Audio‑only telemedicine for Medicare FFS (physicians, NPPs, RDs/RDNs, hospital OP, etc.). Use when the service is allowed via audio‑only and the patient can’t/doesn’t use video (this must be documented in the record).
  • FR — Hybrid/general‑supervision (RHC/FQHC) scenarios (part of the service by the billing practitioner; part by auxiliary personnel under general supervision).

Key Points

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) remains a time‑based, evidence‑based service provided by Registered Dietitians to manage medical conditions through individualized assessment, counseling, and medically necessary interventions. Coverage requires an appropriate order, accurate coding, documented total time, and clear justification of medical necessity.

Medicare restricts MNT coverage to diabetes, kidney disease, and recent kidney transplant, while Texas Medicaid supports a broader list of diagnoses and has expanded MNT access statewide through HB26.

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