CSG Documentation & Health Records 3

Question 1

Which CPT code is used for the initial individual Medicare Part B medical nutrition therapy assessment and intervention, billed per 15 minutes?

Accepted Answer

97802

Answer

97802 covers the initial individual MNT encounter in 15-minute units.

Question 2

Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy by a registered dietitian for which diagnoses?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes and non-dialysis chronic kidney disease, including post-kidney transplant

Answer

The Medicare MNT benefit is limited to diabetes, non-dialysis renal disease, and the post-kidney-transplant period.

Question 3

How many hours of MNT does Medicare cover in the first calendar year of referral, without a new referral for changes?

Accepted Answer

3 hours

Answer

Medicare covers 3 hours in the first year and 2 hours in each later year.

Question 4

Under the ASPEN/Academy consensus, at least how many of the six characteristics must be documented to support a malnutrition diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Two

Answer

At least two of the six characteristics (intake, weight loss, fat loss, muscle loss, fluid accumulation, grip strength) are required.

Question 5

A dietitian identifies malnutrition, but the hospital can't code it for reimbursement. What is the most likely missing step?

Accepted Answer

The attending provider did not document or agree with the diagnosis in the record

Answer

Coders assign diagnosis codes from the provider's documentation, so the physician or NPP must document the malnutrition diagnosis.

CSG - Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition Practice Test