Nutrition
Crozer Health offers credible nutrition information for patients and the community. Services are available for children and adults of all ages.
Whether you have a health condition or you just want to learn how to eat healthy, Crozer Health offers counseling to help you reach your goals.
Learn more about nutrition therapy services, what to bring to your appointment and what to expect during your time with a Crozer Health dietitian.
Meeting our Dietitian Nutritionists
Sarah Chesky, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Springfield Hospital, explains how proper nutrition and a balanced diet can improve your overall health.
Meet Our Dietitians and Nutritionists
What Is Medical Nutrition Therapy?
Medical nutrition therapy is a program designed to help you take control of your nutrition needs. A registered dietitian will assist you in setting personal goals and creating a plan to improve the quality of your life by providing the education you need. Dietitians have specialized knowledge in nutrition and nutrition-related disease management. Some areas of expertise include, but are not limited to:
- Weight management for adults and children (ages 16 and over)
- Allergies and food intolerances
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Heart disease (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides)
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Specialty nutrition for cancer, kidney disease, and liver disease
- Sports nutrition
About Your Appointments
The following information will help you understand what services Crozer Health provides during a nutrition counseling appointment, how long the sessions last, insurance information requirements, what you must bring prior to your visit and where you need to go first at Crozer-Chester Medical Center. In addition, please refer to the Patient Checklist provided for you to ensure that you are well-prepared in advance for your appointment.
What Should I Expect from Meeting with a Dietitian?
You may schedule one session or multiple sessions to assist with various nutrition-related needs. Sessions may include:
• Assessment of nutrition needs
• Planning meals
• Reading food labels
• Cooking techniques
• Dining out tips
• Other needs as identified by you or your dietitian
How Long Is a Session?
- Initial Medical Nutrition Therapy individual visits are 60 minutes.
- Initial Medical Nutrition Therapy individual visits for those with diabetes and seeing a dietitian first time are usually 90 minutes. However, accommodations for 60 minute visits can be made pending insurance coverage and patient availability.
- Follow-up appointments are available as needed, and are recommended for 30-60 minutes every one to three months pending the individual’s needs.
Is Medical Nutrition Therapy Covered by Insurance?
- By checking with your individual insurance company, you can verify whether your specific medical condition is covered for medical nutrition therapy. If asked for a procedure code, 97802 and 97803 are used for initial and follow-up visits, respectively.
- Medicare covers 100 percent of Medical Nutrition Therapy for people with diabetes or kidney disease before dialysis. Medicare does not cover Medical Nutrition Therapy unless you have diabetes with a fasting glucose over 126 or random glucose over 200 mg. Kidney disease without dialysis is also covered. Medicare provides three hours initially, and two hours each additional year.
What Do I Ask My Insurance Company to See If It’s a Covered Benefit?
When calling your insurance company, ask if Medical Nutrition Therapy is covered under your plan. Make sure you inquire specifically what diagnosis is covered, and how many visits you are entitled to. If you are asked for the procedure code, respond by stating, 97802 or 97803.
Do I Need a Referral from My Doctor?
A referral from your doctor or other healthcare provider is necessary for all appointments. Orders given by your doctor provide the dietitian with important medical information so she can meet your individual needs. A doctor's order is also necessary so you can receive insurance reimbursement.
Nutrition Classes
Gestational Diabetes Class
The Outpatient Nutrition Center offers group nutrition classes for women with gestational diabetes. The goal of these classes is to provide expectant mothers with the nutrition-related information and skills necessary to manage their gestational diabetes and optimize the health of themselves and their babies.
Class Features:
- Taught by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
- One comprehensive 90-minute class
- Take-home education packets for ongoing reference
- Ability to schedule 1:1 follow-up with a dietitian after class completion
Please note:
- Patients are responsible for calling their own insurance companies to determine coverage. If asked for a procedure code, please use 97804.
- A physician referral or prescription is required.
To register, please call: 610-328-8920.