The Need for Medical Nutrition Therapy as Medicare/Tricare Benefits.
Abstract
Medical nutrition therapy is a medically necessary and cost-effective means of treating, controlling, and preventing diseases. Current interpretation of TRICARE and CHAMPUS regulations specifically excludes coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy, leaving many Military Health Services System and Medicare beneficiaries without access to this vital care. Extensive technological advances in the science of nutrition during the last thirty years are evident in outcome studies that reveal the cost effectiveness of medical nutrition therapy. A conservative study from a DOD committee places estimated cost savings with implementation of medical nutrition therapy at $13.3 million per year. With this knowledge, efforts are being made to change the law and regulations so that medical nutrition therapy can consistently be used as a benefit to help lower the cost of health care.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328060
Entities
People
- Sally S. Hoedebecke
Organizations
- United States Army War College