Credentialing 101
Dietitian Definitions
Numbers to Know
Payer Pains
Reinbursement Re-Do’s
100

Platform that streamlines credentialing process by allowing providers to create a comprehensive profile to share with multiple health plans.

What is CAQH?

100

A formal request for payment by a healthcare provider to an insurance company.

What is a claim?

100

This CPT code is used for initial nutrition assessment and intervention session lasting 15 minutes?

What is 97802

100

CMS covers this nutrition service for diabetes or kidney disease with a doctor’s referral.

What is Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)?

100

This term refers to the process of negotiating better payment rates with an insurance company.

What is contract negotiation?

200

RDN must apply for this identification number, required for billing before becoming credentialed with insurance company

What is an NPI (National Provider Identifier)?

200

This term refers to an entity that pays for healthcare services.

What is a payer?

200

This ICD-10 code is used for diagnosing “obesity due to excess calories.”

What is E66.01?

200

Many private insurers often require this documentation to cover nutrition counseling.

What is a qualifying diagnosis?

200

The best way to ensure payment is to obtain this from the insurance provider before seeing a patient.

What is verification of benefits?

300

When reviewing an insurance contract, an RDN should examine these codes that determine how services are billed and reimbursed.

What are CPT codes?

300

A RDN is considered this in the healthcare system?

What is a provider?

300

CPT code that represents a 15-minute, face-to-face follow-up session for medical nutrition therapy 

What is 97803?

300

Dietitians struggle with CMS reimbursement because they’re not classified as these providers.

What are "recognized providers"?

300

Form of RDN documentation to use to ensure proper reimbursement and compliance.

What is a SOAP/ADIME note?

400

RDNs establishing a private practice must choose a business structure such as a LLC and register it with this government entity.

What is the appropriate state business registration office (e.g., Secretary of State’s Office)?

400

When a claim does not provide payment due to coverage issues or medical necessity.

What is a denial?

400

This ICD-10 code is commonly used for a diagnosis of essential hypertension

What is I10?

400

The governing agency that oversees reimbursement?

What is CMS?

400

This term refers to the percentage of the service cost that the patient must pay out-of-pocket.

What is coinsurance?

500

This form is required by insurance companies to verify a provider’s taxpayer identification information.

What is a W-9 Form?

500

When an insurance company refuses to process a claim due to errors.

What is a rejection?

500

This CPT code is used for group counseling or education services, typically for MNT in a group setting.

What is 97804? 

500

This insurance step involves requesting approval for non-covered nutrition services.

What is prior authorization or a coverage appeal?

500

Some insurance plans cover telehealth MNT under this policy expansion due to COVID-19.

What is parity law?

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