What is
Medical Nutrition Therapy
(MNT)?
MNT (Medical Nutrition Therapy) is a complete nutrition counseling service. The registered dietitian provides the patient with the knowledge they need to make healthier nutrition and lifestyle choices to better manage chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
How can MNT benefit a patient with kidney disease?
Slow progression of kidney disease
Make up for loss of kidney function
Make a patient feel better
Control blood sugars
Lower cholesterol
Lower blood pressure
How is MNT different from a nutrition consult?
In the past, diets were written with little knowledge of an individual’s usual food intake and lifestyle habits. An MNT dietitian will not just give the patient a preprinted diet, but individualize the nutrition plan. MNT will provide the patient with the tools to: set realistic goals, help identify food and lifestyle changes, and overcome obstacles in the way of reaching those goals.
MNT includes:
An assessment of nutrition and lifestyle habits
A review of blood test
A review of medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) as well as vitamins, minerals and any herbal products to help in developing the nutrition plan
A nutrition prescription based on level of kidney function, as well as other medical conditions
Meal pattern designed for the patient
Follow up appointments to evaluate success, change and set new goals, motivate, educate and problem solve
Other topics may include:
Dining out
Altering Recipes
Grocery Shopping
Label Reading
Healthy Heart Tips
Fiber
Cooking Tips
Activity/Exercise
What can a patient do to make the most of the MNT appointment?
Patients need to allow approximately 60 minutes for the first session. Family and friends are welcome to attend. Have recent lab testing available for review prior to the appointment. Completing a three day food history prior to the MNT appointment would be helpful. Food diaries may be obtained at Rockford Nephrology Associates.
Who pays for MNT?
Upon referral from the physician, Medicare and many private insurance companies cover MNT services if the patient has been diagnosed with kidney disease and/or diabetes. To find out more about MNT insurance coverage, please contact the billing coordinator at Rockford Nephrology Associates at 815-227-8300.
If you are a patient at Rockford Nephrology Associates and would like to see our dietitian, please call the office at #815-227-8300 and speak to a secretary to be scheduled.
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