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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Please be advised that we do NOT diagnose medical conditions nor prescribe Rx drugs. Instead,
we evaluate nutritional status related to optimal health and medical conditions, and recommend
nutritional therapies. We do NOT do scratch testing for allergies, nor do phlebotomy. We do NOT
treat cancer, nor any emergency medical conditions, nor do any invasive or medical treatments.
We DO order lab tests where allowed by state laws to aid in nutritional evaluation.
WHAT IS “MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY”?
MNT is defined by the AMA medical CPT code book:
“Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is the assessment of nutritional status followed by nutritional
therapy. The nutrition assessment includes review and analysis of 1) medical, nutrition and
medication histories, 2) physical examination, 3) anthropometric measurements, and 4) laboratory
test values. Nutrition therapy may include 1) diet modification, 2) counseling and education, 3)
disease self-management skills training, and 4) administration of specialized therapies such as
medical foods, intravenous or tube feedings.” [American Medical Association, Current Procedural
Terminology code book.] [Codes: 97802, 97803, 97804.]
WHO MAY PRACTICE MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY?
Maryland and Washington DC regulate MNT by licensing. Virginia does not yet have a licensing
law. However, Virginia law restricts use of the terms "nutritionist" and "dietitian" to those who
have national certification as "Certified Nutrition Specialist" or "Registered Dietitian", or who hold a
license from another state. Additionally, Virginia law specifically does not preclude persons from
providing assessment, evaluation, advice, counseling, information or services that are otherwise
allowed by law. Further, Virginia's laws must comply with and be consistent with federal laws.
Federal Medicare law classifies nutritionists and dietitians as Specialty Code 71, and mandates that
"Nutrition Professionals" and "Registered Dietitians" may be reimbursed for Medical Nutrition
Therapy services, provided that they meet established educational standards and specific
certification or licensing standards.
PRIVACY POLICY
We are required by law to notify you of your privacy rights regarding your health information.
Your health information at our Clinic will be provided to you, but remain confidential as required
by state and federal laws.
DISCLOSURES: We may also use and disclose health information for the following purposes:
health care services in the Clinic, treatment coordination with your other health care providers,
billing and payment, health insurance, appointment reminders, and if required by law (judicial
hearings, abuse or neglect, or national security). Health information will be provided to parents of
minor children. Health information (or limited health information) may also be provided with your
request to other parties you designate, such as: children of elderly patients, or other family
members or friends, or to third parties (such as schools, nursing homes, or group care homes).
EXCEPTIONS: Your health care or personal information will not be used for marketing, or given or
sold to third parties. Exceptions: (1) We may use email addresses to send free nutrition
newsletters or notices to our patients. (2) Certain case histories may be used anonymously as
examples. (3) Certain lab test data and demographic data may be used for research purposes, but
will be kept coded and anonymous. However, if you object to any of these, you may notify us in
writing, and your information will be excluded.
PATIENT RIGHTS: You may review or get copies of your health information, with limited
exceptions. A fee will be charged for copying and staff time. You may have a list of disclosed
health information and recipients. You may request alternative means or location for
communications. You may place limited restrictions on our use of your health information, or
request that we amend your health information; such requests must be made in writing and
provide reasons, and we may deny your request under certain circumstances.
If you are concerned about violations of your health information you may contact us, or contact the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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