Accepting New Clients
Does Harvard Pilgrim Cover Medical Nutrition Therapy?
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Alyssa A. Pittman, RDN
Navigating your nutritional journey with the assistance of insurance like Harvard Pilgrim involves several stages, designed to ensure that you benefit from top-notch counseling while also addressing the financial aspects seamlessly.
Credentialing & Contracting
To begin, I undergo a rigorous credentialing process with health insurers like Harvard Pilgrim. This ensures I meet their stringent standards to serve members of their insurance plans. Upon successful credentialing, a contract is established between me and the insurance company, setting the terms for service provision and reimbursement rates.
Coverage Verification
Before embarking on our counseling sessions, it's pivotal to ascertain what nutrition services your Harvard Pilgrim policy covers. Each plan has its nuances, so it's essential to understand what's covered, whether it pertains to specific health conditions, preventative care, or other nutritional needs. I'm here to assist in this verification process or guide you on how to check with Harvard Pilgrim directly.
Documentation & Medical Necessity
For an insurance claim to sail smoothly, comprehensive documentation is crucial. This encapsulates notes from our meetings, relevant evaluations, and often a referral or note from your primary physician indicating the necessity of our sessions.
Billing & Reimbursement
After our meet-ups, I'll forward a detailed claim to Harvard Pilgrim. This claim uses specific codes that signify the kind of service, its duration, and any relevant diagnoses. Once Harvard Pilgrim processes this, they determine the appropriate reimbursement based on our pre-established agreement.
Co-pays & Deductibles
Depending on your individual plan, there might be associated co-pays or deductibles. These potential out-of-pocket costs will be transparently discussed beforehand, ensuring you're fully aware.
Continuous Liaison
As we journey together, rest assured that I'll keep you updated on any insurance-related shifts or nuances that might impact our sessions.
Health insurance, while invaluable, can sometimes feel like a maze. But worry not! I’m here every step of the way, ensuring you harness the full potential of your Harvard Pilgrim coverage while equipping you with insightful and holistic nutritional advice.
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.