Accepting New Clients
Does United Heathcare Cover Medical Nutrition Therapy?
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Alyssa A. Pittman, RDN
Partnering with insurance providers like United Healthcare involves several well-defined steps to ensure you receive the best nutritional guidance, while also streamlining the financial facets of our collaboration.
Credentialing & Partnership
Initially, I engage in a thorough credentialing process with United Healthcare. This is a testament to their commitment to ensuring only qualified professionals serve their plan members. After successful verification, a contractual agreement is set in place between me and the insurance company, which clearly stipulates service deliverables and compensation structures.
Determining Coverage Scope
Before we delve into our nutritional sessions, it's imperative to comprehend the nutritional services your specific United Healthcare plan encompasses. Different plans can vary in coverage, whether it's linked to specific health challenges, preventive care, or general nutrition guidance. I'm here to aid in this assessment or guide you in liaising directly with United Healthcare for specifics.
Medical Documentation
To ensure a seamless claim process, comprehensive documentation of our sessions is mandatory. This might often necessitate a referral or recommendation from your primary care provider underlining the importance of nutritional counseling.
Invoicing & Compensation
After our encounters, I submit a detailed claim to United Healthcare. This entails specific codes to indicate the nature and duration of the service, as well as any pertinent diagnoses. Subsequently, United Healthcare evaluates this claim and proceeds with reimbursement as per our contractual agreement.
Co-pays & Deductibles
Depending on your individual United Healthcare plan, you might encounter co-pays or deductibles. I'll make sure these aspects are transparently communicated from the get-go, ensuring no surprises down the line.
Ongoing Communication
Throughout our collaboration, I'll continuously keep you informed regarding any insurance-related developments or details that might affect our sessions.
Navigating the world of health insurance can occasionally be complex. However, with me by your side, you can be certain of maximizing your United Healthcare benefits while immersing in a transformative nutritional journey.
It’s always a good idea to contact your insurance provider ahead of your appointment to verify coverage details, co-pay amounts, and any other related queries. If you have questions or need further information regarding payments, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Hello! I’m Alyssa Pittman, a 35-year-old Registered Dietitian based in Shrewsbury, MA. I still remember the day I passed the RD exam – it remains one of the best days of my life! All my hard work, dedication, and countless hours poured into studying and understanding the intricate world of nutrition had finally paid off. More than the personal achievement, I was ecstatic about channeling my passion for food and nutrition to aid others. Whether it’s assisting those grappling with weight issues, helping manage diseases through diet, or guiding those with disordered eating patterns, my commitment to making a positive difference has been my driving force.
My intrigue with nutrition took root during my junior year in high school. A vivid memory that stands out is when I eagerly educated my classmates about which granola bar was the healthiest option. 😊 Fast forward a bit, and as I delved deeper into my first nutrition class at Framingham State University, I was taken aback. I had stepped into a universe that was much broader and profound than just granola bars and apples. It dawned on me that nutrition was a profound science, influencing not just our physical wellbeing but also our mental health.
Beyond the professional realm, I treasure the time I spend with my beloved husband and our two spirited young boys in our Shrewsbury home. Our evenings often oscillate between cozy family movie nights and playful sports sessions in the backyard. It’s these moments of laughter and bonding that add true richness to my life.
Now, let me take you through my professional journey, where my passion for nutrition came to life in various impactful roles:
Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center - Director of Nutrition
At Harvard Street, I faced the exhilarating challenge of creating a nutrition department from scratch. Collaborating with dedicated doctors and nurses, I provided specialized nutrition counseling for patients of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, I championed community nutrition, overseeing a food pantry to ensure both availability and education about nutritious food choices.
Blackstone Health Inc. - Nutrition Director
In this role, I was responsible for ensuring that seniors across 13 centers in Rhode Island had access to nutritious meals that met state and USDA guidelines. Beyond the menus, I organized weight loss groups, offered individual counseling, and took to the stage to educate seniors on topics close to their heart – quite literally – such as heart health, diabetes, and more.
College of the Holy Cross - Assistant Director of Nutrition
Here, I worked with the vibrant college community, offering nutrition counseling on various topics like sports nutrition, food allergies, and eating disorders. One of my proud achievements was leading the Food Allergy and Special Diet Program, ensuring that students with dietary needs felt safe and catered for. I also took on the academic hat, presenting to classes about the foundational and specialized aspects of nutrition.
Throughout these roles, one thing has remained constant: my passion for helping individuals foster a healthier relationship with food. By understanding, respecting, and working with our unique dietary needs and preferences, I believe we can all lead healthier, happier lives.