Medical Nutrition Therapy

It is clear that many of the leading illnesses and causes of death in Tennessee are related to nutrition, and can be prevented or delayed by Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). This service, provided by a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) at Henry County Medical Center, involves personalized plans for diet management, nutrition education, weight control, exercise, and behavior modification.

Good Nutrition is Important for Your Health

At Henry County Medical Center, our Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist provides nutrition counseling for individuals with specific medical needs as well as those who wish to maintain optimal health. Our approach integrates nutrition counseling with your overall health maintenance program. All nutrition counseling requires a physician referral.

What is Medical Nutrition Therapy

Outpatient Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a nutrition program that provides patients with the skills they need to manage their disease through healthy eating and lifestyle. Health professionals agree that nutrition services are one of the first treatments that individuals should receive to improve conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

What to expect from our Program?

Together with the RD, you will set nutrition goals to improve your health with tools including:

  • A review of your usual intake and eating habits.
  • A thorough review of your nutritional health.
  • A personal nutrition treatment plan.

Your first visit with the RD will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes. After the first session, the RD will schedule follow-up appointments as needed to monitor your progress and see if changes are needed in your nutrition goals and treatment plan. Ask your doctor if a referral for MNT provided by a Registered Dietitian is right for you.

Nutrition Counseling is available for a wide range of needs:

  • Cardiovascular disorders (cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.)
  • Pre-diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes
  • Gastrointestinal diseases
  • Bariatric surgery
  • Weight management
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Celiac Disease
  • Non-oral feeding management

What to Bring

Obviously, you want answers and strategies to improve your nutritional health. It is important that you bring questions with you to your sessions that you would like answered. Other items include:

  • A support person if needed. HCMC encourages educating everyone who can help you achieve a healthy lifestyle.
  • A three-day food record.
  • A list of all your medications and the dosages including any supplements you take.
  • Any lab results you may have.
  • A positive learning attitude.

What disease states are covered under Medicare?

MNT is reimbursable for Medicare Part B recipients with:

  • Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
  • Gestational Diabetes
  • Non-Dialysis Kidney Disease

For all other disease states, there will be a charge for initial and follow-up outpatient visits with a Registered Dietitian. Reimbursement varies according to different insurance coverage plans.

What are the benefits of MNT?

Medical Nutrition Therapy produces savings for hospitals, physicians, and patients by preventing hospitalizations, shortening hospital stays and decreasing complications. Evidence of other savings includes a decreased need for medicines, surgeries and other costly treatments. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, an analysis of nearly 2,400 case studies of patients who received MNT showed that on average, $8,000 per patient can be saved.

How are patients scheduled for out-patient MNT?

  • Your physician completes an MNT referral from and faxes to RD.
  • The RD contacts you upon receipt of referral to schedule a convenient appointment time.

All MNT is provided by appointment only.You will need to arrive early on the day of your appointment for registration. Please bring your three-day food record, medication and supplement list, and any available laboratory records.

What if I’m in the hospital?

In-patient MNT is provided by our clinical RD for many hospitalized patients with identified needs. The RD helps to make sure you are on an appropriate diet while you are staying at Henry County Medical Center, and that you know how to achieve optimal nutrition for your individual disease state once you go home.

For more information, fee schedules or to make an appointment, please call (731) 644-8575.