Now Accepting All Major Connecticut Insurance

Initial Inquiry Call

Now Accepting All Major Connecticut Insurance Affordable, accessible, effective nutrition care—covered by your health plan. No referrals needed* (some plan exceptions apply).
Initial Inquiry Call
Patient Portal

Insurance Covered Care

95% of Our Patients Pay $0 Per Visit

Insurance Plans We Accept

General Rules / Onboarding

Disclaimer: This information is a general guide. Benefits vary by plan. Always confirm coverage by calling Member Services before your appointment.

  • We use preventive billing codes to help ensure your visits are covered — often with no copay, no deductible, and no surprise bills.

  • Unlike most practices, we don’t just accept your insurance — we advocate for it. We question unclear benefits, use accurate codes to maximize coverage, and keep you informed.

  • Because coverage isn’t universal, we strongly encourage you to call Member Services to confirm your benefits. Even within the same company, coverage can vary by plan.

Preventive Coverage

  • Often billed using Z71.3 (dietary counseling).
  • Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many plans cover preventive nutrition counseling without cost-sharing.

Medical Coverage

  • When nutrition counseling is tied to a medical condition (such as diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, or GI disorders), we bill using the most accurate medical codes to support your care and maximize coverage.
  • We typically bill visits under preventive nutrition counseling codes whenever possible, since this often means no copay or deductible for you.

     

  • At the same time, our sessions address both preventive goals and medical concerns.

     

    • Example: If you are working on weight management (covered as preventive), we may also address IBS, PCOS, diabetes, or cardiovascular risk factors.

       

  • This approach supports your health now and prevents complications later.

     

By combining preventive and medical nutrition therapy in one visit, we maximize coverage while addressing your full health needs.

Questions to ask when calling Member Services:

  1. Does my plan cover nutrition counseling / Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) with a Registered Dietitian?

     

    • CPT Codes: 97802, 97803, 99404

       

  2. How many visits are covered each year?

     

  3. Do I need a referral or prior authorization?

     

  4. What diagnosis codes are covered? (Ask about Z71.3 and Z68.30)

     

  5. Are telehealth visits included?

     

  6. Will I owe a copay, deductible, or coinsurance?

     

Are there any exclusions I should know about?

Coverage can range from 3 visits per year to unlimited visits.

Note: Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans tend to be the most restrictive.

Varies by plan. Please check your specific insurance tab or call Member Services.

Coverage rules differ by insurer. See your insurance tab for details.

Find Your Insurance Company

General Rules / Onboarding

This short video will show you what the onboarding process looks like and how easy it is to get started with one of our dietitians.

You’ll see how to:

  • Fill out your intake forms
  • Use Practice Better (our secure health platform)
  • Review our policies and what to expect at your first visit

Our goal is to make the process simple and stress-free so you know exactly what to expect when you begin working with us.

Preventive Coverage

  • Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many plans cover preventive nutrition counseling without cost-sharing.


Medical Coverage

  • If your plan does not offer any preventative coverage, we can explore your medical coverage. Usually, nutrition visits that are applied to your medical benefits, will result in a cost-share.

At Dietitian Driven, we will always use your preventative benefits to ensure you get the most visits without the barrier of cost sharing.

At the same time, our sessions address both preventive goals and medical concerns.

Use this guide to help your make the most of your call to member services.

  1. Does my plan cover nutrition counseling / Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) with a Registered Dietitian?
    • CPT Codes: 97802, 97803, 99404
  2. How many visits are covered each year?
  3. Do I need a referral or prior authorization?
  4. What diagnosis codes are covered? (Ask about Z71.3 and Z68.30)
  5. Are telehealth visits included?
  6. Will I owe a copay, deductible, or coinsurance?
  7. Are there any exclusions I should know about?

  • Coverage can range from 3 visits per year to unlimited visits.

    Note: Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans tend to be the most restrictive.

Varies by plan. Please check your specific insurance tab or call Member Services.

Coverage rules differ by insurer. See your insurance tab for details.

Preventive dietary counseling (Z71.3), weight management, obesity, and family history of cardiovascular disease.

  • PPO Plans: Often unlimited visits (exceptions: self-insured, out-of-state, or special restrictions).

  • HMO Plans: Member Services may say “3 visits,” but more can often be unlocked if linked to weight management or family history of heart disease.
  • Most plans: No referral required.

  • HMO plans: Referral may be required (check the back of your card).
  • Self-insured or out-of-state Anthem plans may limit coverage.

  • Some HMO plans restrict visits unless preventive or specific conditions are documented.
  • Does my plan cover nutrition counseling or MNT with a dietitian?

  • Ask specifically about preventive coverage under ACA guidelines.

  • How many visits are covered?

  • If they say 3, ask if more are available for weight management or family history of heart disease.

  • Do I need a referral?

  • Are telehealth visits covered?

  • Will I owe copay, deductible, or coinsurance?
  • Preventive counseling (Z71.3).

  • 10 visits per year under preventive benefits.

If BMI ≥ 30 (see CDC BMI Calculator), you may qualify for 16 additional visits per year.

  • Preventive: 10 visits/year + possible 16 additional if BMI ≥ 30.

  • Medical: After preventive, additional visits billed medically may apply to copay/deductible.
  • Most plans: No referral.

  • HMO plans: Referral may be needed (check card).
  • Some HMO plans require referrals.

  • Self-funded plans may have limited coverage.

  • Once preventive max is reached, medical billing may apply with out-of-pocket costs.
  • How many preventive visits are covered?

  • Am I eligible for 16 extra if my BMI ≥ 30?

  • Do I need a referral?

  • If preventive runs out, will medical visits be covered?
  • Preventive often covered if:

    • BMI ≥ 25

    • Cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., cholesterol, hypertension, family history of CVD)

    • Diabetes/prediabetes
  • Preventive: Unlimited or frequent visits if above criteria met.

  • Medical: Without risk factors, visits may be billed medically (copay/deductible applies).
  • Most plans: No referral.

  • HMO: Referral may be needed (check card).
  • Self-funded employer plans set their own rules.

  • Without qualifying factors, coverage defaults to medical billing.
  • Do I qualify for preventive coverage? (BMI ≥ 25, CVD, diabetes)

  • Are visits unlimited or bi-weekly?

  • What happens if I don’t qualify?
  • Preventive is broad: weight management, obesity, CVD risk, diabetes.
  • Often told “3 visits.”

  • With preventive codes (e.g., 99404), coverage usually expands to unlimited, no copay/deductible.
  • Most: No referral.

  • HMO: May require referral (check card).
  • Self-funded plans vary.

  • Reps may not mention preventive coding unless you ask.
  • Are preventive codes like 99404 covered?

  • If told “3 visits,” ask if more apply under preventive.
  • Only two: Diabetes or Chronic Kidney Disease (not on dialysis).

  • No exceptions.
  • Initial: 3 fully covered visits per year.

  • Additional: Unlimited only if second MD/DO referral indicates change in status.
  • Always required.

  • Must be from MD/DO (not APRN/PA).
  • If not diabetes or CKD → no coverage.

  • Private pay option: $100/visit.
  • Am I covered for diabetes or CKD?

  • How many visits?

  • Referral rules?

Please Note: Representatives often give incorrect info. See the official page: Medicare.gov: Medical Nutrition Therapy

  • Must have qualifying diagnosis on referral. Examples:
    • Diabetes
    • Hypertension
    • Hyperlipidemia
    • Obesity
    • CKD
    • Malnutrition
    • Anemia

       

  • Eating disorders
     👉 See full list: (CT Medicaid Covered Diagnoses PDF)
  • 3 visits per calendar year — no exceptions.
  • Referral required for all visits.

  • Must include a covered diagnosis.
  • No preventive-only counseling unless tied to approved diagnosis.

  • Strict 3-visit limit.

  • Private pay rate: $100/visit if additional care needed.
  • Does my plan cover nutrition counseling?

  • How many visits per year?

  • What diagnoses qualify?

  • Referral requirements?

Z71.3, weight related diagnoses, CVD risk factors

2-4, if you have a BMI of over 30 and your plan allows, you may qualify for an additional 12 visits

  • Most plans: No referral required.

  • HMO plans: Referral may be required (check the back of your card).

Self-insured plans may limit coverage.

  • How many visits do I have with the CPT code 97802/97803? 

  • What diagnosis are covered under those codes? 

  • My BMI is over 30, do I qualify for the additional 12 visits with the CPT code 99404?

  • Do I need a referral?

  • Are telehealth visits covered?

  • Will I owe copay, deductible, or coinsurance?

Disclaimer: This information is a general guide. Benefits vary by plan. Always confirm coverage by calling Member Services before your appointment.

Why Use Insurance for Nutrition Counseling?

Serving Cheshire and all of Connecticut via telehealth

Many people don’t realize that nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian is often covered by insurance under preventive care benefits—meaning no out-of-pocket cost for you.

Get Started →

Hormonal Health

PCOS, Menopause, Bone Loss & More

Digestive Health

IBS, SIBO, Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhea, Chronic GI Symptoms & More

Blood Sugar Management

Pre-diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes

Relationship with Food

Emotional Eating, Food Obsessions, Binge-Restrict Cycles, Poor Body Image, & Disordered Eating Patterns

Cardiometabolic Health

High cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Liver Disease, Kidney Disease & More

Weight Management

Weight Cycling, Chronic Dieting, Food Guilt, & Body Dissatisfaction

Fatigue & Mental Health

Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, & Low Self-Care Motivation

Neurological Health

Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, & Movement Disorders

What Happens If Nutrition Counseling Isn’t Covered?

If your plan doesn’t include nutrition counseling benefits or you don’t have a qualifying diagnosis:

Here’s what may happen:

  • Your visit may apply toward your deductible
  • You may owe a copay or coinsurance
  • The claim may be denied entirely


Our private pay rate is $100 per visit, and as always, you’ll be informed as soon as your claim is processed. We believe in full transparency—no surprise bills, no mystery charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Yes! We offer telehealth and in-person visits. Most plans cover both—just confirm during your benefits check.

Do I need a referral?

Most plans don’t require one. Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans always will. If yours does, your provider can fax it to 860-498-9703.

Can you help me check my coverage?

Yes! Schedule a free initial inquiry call and we’ll walk you through the patterns we normally see based on your insurance card. Note: this call is not a guarantee of coverage.

Patient Policies

48-Hour Cancellation Policy

Please cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours in advance to avoid a $50 late cancellation fee.

Credit Card Required to Book

A card must be placed on file to reserve your appointment. If it’s not added within 24 hours, your appointment may be canceled.

Book Ahead for Best Results

We recommend booking 3–10 recurring sessions to stay on track. You can always cancel with proper notice.

Complete Forms Before Your First Visit

All intake forms must be submitted in advance. If not, your session may be rescheduled.

Patient Portal
Initial Inquiry Call