Frequently Asked Questions

Rhode Island Nutrition Therapy is In-Network with many major insurance plans for Medical Nutrition Therapy, or nutrition counseling. (See next section below for specific information regarding health insurance plans).

Benefits Verification

For patients with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (including BlueChip), Medicare, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, and UnitedHealthcare, our office is able to verify your nutrition benefits before your appointment. We will notify you of your estimated coverage and any anticipated out-of-pocket costs prior to your visit whenever possible. Please note that coverage varies by individual plan.

If you have Blue Cross Out of State or BCBS Federal (FEP), please note that we are unable to verify your benefits. We can only confirm whether your policy is active. Our office bills through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and we are Out-of-Network with Blue Cross plans from other states. Because of this, your plan may apply deductibles, co‑insurance, copays, or non‑covered services. We strongly recommend contacting your insurance carrier directly to review your nutrition benefits and any potential out‑of‑pocket costs.

Important Notices

Insurance coverage varies by individual policy, even within the same insurance company. While we make every effort to help you understand your benefits, patients are ultimately responsible for any services not covered by their insurance plan. We encourage all patients to become familiar with their individual coverage before receiving services.

Medicare, Aetna Medicare Advantage, and certain UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans may only cover Medical Nutrition Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes or Chronic Kidney Disease. A referral from your primary care provider is required and must be faxed to 401-633-6956 at least 3 business days before your appointment.

Rhode Island Nutrition Therapy is In-Network with many major insurance plans for Medical Nutrition Therapy (nutrition counseling), including:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (including BlueChip)

• Medicare

• Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island

• UnitedHealthcare

• Aetna

• Cigna

• Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

• Tufts Health Plan

Benefits Verification

For patients with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (including BlueChip), Medicare, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, and UnitedHealthcare, our office is able to verify your nutrition benefits before your appointment. We will notify you of your estimated coverage and any anticipated out-of-pocket costs prior to your visit whenever possible. Please note that coverage varies by individual plan.

If you have Blue Cross Out of State or BCBS Federal (FEP), please note that we are unable to verify your benefits. We can only confirm whether your policy is active. Our office bills through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and we are Out-of-Network with Blue Cross plans from other states. Because of this, your plan may apply deductibles, co‑insurance, copays, or non‑covered services. We strongly recommend contacting your insurance carrier directly to review your nutrition benefits and any potential out‑of‑pocket costs.

For patients with Aetna, Cigna, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Tufts Health Plan, we are In-Network for nutrition services; however, these insurance companies do not provide our office with the information necessary to verify your nutrition benefits before your appointment.

If you have one of these plans, please contact the Member Services (the phone number is on the back of your insurance card) before your appointment and ask the following questions:

1. Is Medical Nutrition Therapy (nutrition counseling) covered under my plan?

2. Are the following CPT codes covered?

3. 97802 – Initial Medical Nutrition Therapy Assessment

4. 97803 – Follow-up Medical Nutrition Therapy

5. 97804 – Group Medical Nutrition Therapy

6. Is a referral or prior authorization required?

7. Are there any visit limits or frequency restrictions?

8. What are my copay, coinsurance, deductible, or other out-of-pocket responsibilities?

Medicare, Aetna Medicare Advantage, and certain UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans may only cover Medical Nutrition Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes or Chronic Kidney Disease. A referral from your primary care provider is required and must be faxed to 401-633-6956 at least 3 business days before your appointment.

If insurance does not cover your care, we offer self-pay options, structured programs, and packages. Many patients choose private pay for greater flexibility and continuity of care.

Check out our private pay Medical Nutrition Therapy options here.

Yes! We accept Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).