Most U.S. Insurance Plans Cover Dietitian Visits - Here’s Why That Matters When Starting the Low FODMAP Diet

Monash University developed the FODMAP Diet to help individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) find lasting relief from digestive symptoms. It’s a powerful, evidence-based approach - but one that requires careful guidance to be effective.

What many people in the United States don’t realize is this: most U.S. health insurance plans now cover visits with a registered dietitian, especially when managing medical conditions like IBS, with little to no cost to the patient. Thanks to healthcare policy changes - starting with the Affordable Care Act and expanding during COVID-19 - dietitian support is now more accessible and affordable than ever before.

If you’re considering or already navigating the FODMAP Diet, this is the perfect time to take advantage of your insurance benefits and get expert help from a qualified, in-network dietitian.

Why Dietitian Services Are Now Covered by Insurance in the U.S.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Passed in 2010, the ACA expanded preventive health coverage by requiring most private plans to include Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and nutrition counseling at no additional cost when delivered by in-network providers for qualifying conditions. This marked a turning point in how nutritional care was valued and reimbursed.

COVID‑19 and the Telehealth Boom

The pandemic fast-tracked telehealth services, enabling both Medicare and private insurers to reimburse virtual dietitian visits broadly. Many of these policies are now permanent, making expert support more accessible than ever across the U.S.

Today, most plans cover virtual dietitian services, letting you access support from home.

Good News: Most U.S. Insurance Plans Now Cover Dietitian Services

Dietitian consults use MNT - typically covered if tied to a medical diagnosis like IBS, diabetes, obesity, or heart disease. Here’s how coverage breaks down:

Private or Commercial Insurance (typically through an employer)

• UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna:
  Most major providers generally cover in‑network dietitian visits for chronic and digestive conditions. Many plans allow at least 6 visits per year, with no referral required in many cases

Medicare (US Federal Health Plan for individuals 65+ years of age)

• Medicare Part B covers 100% of MNT for diabetes and chronic kidney disease only; requires a referral.
• If you also have IBS, dietitian visits can address multiple conditions in one go. For IBS alone, self-pay or supplemental Medicaid/Medicare Advantage applies.

Medicaid (State-Based)

• Coverage by state varies, but many programs include dietitian visits for chronic conditions such as IBS, diabetes, or obesity.

Bonus tip: Virtual visits are usually covered too - so you can work with a dietitian from the comfort of your home, instead of having to go to an office or clinic. This also allows you to work with expert dietitians who are licensed in your state but located outside your state.

Why This Matters When Starting the Low FODMAP Diet

The Low FODMAP Diet involves three strategic phases:

1. Low FODMAP – substitute high FODMAP foods with low FODMAP options
2. Reintroduction – test food tolerances
3. Personalization – tailor a sustainable plan

DIY attempts can potentially lead to excessive restrictions, missed triggers, nutritional deficiencies, and/or ongoing symptom issues.

A trained FODMAP dietitian can:

• Guide you through each phase correctly
• Ensure nutritional adequacy
• Identify specific triggers efficiently
• Build a sustainable, personalized plan

Thanks to most U.S. insurance plans covering dietitian visits, this expert support could come at little to no cost.

What Does It Cost to See a Dietitian in the US?

Costs can vary so we would encourage you to contact your insurance plan to confirm both coverage and cost. That said, in general, you can expect the following in most cases:

• In-network with insurance: often $0 out of pocket, sometimes with a co-pay of $10-$50.
• Self-pay: Virtual sessions range from $100–$175, with many offering packages or sliding scales.

Where to Find Monash Trained, In-Network U.S. Dietitians

Monash trains and certifies dietitians for the FODMAP protocol globally. In the U.S., find qualified professionals via our FODMAP Dietitian Directory - please note: not all dietitians on this list accept insurance or are in-network with all insurance plans.

Our US commercial partner, ModifyHealth, is also a great resource for dietitian support. Their service provides:

• In-network, FODMAP trained dietitians (accepting Cigna, UHC, BCBS, Aetna, Medicare, Medicaid)
• Monash University Low FODMAP Certified, Home-Delivered Meals shipped nationwide

Don’t Miss Out - Your Support May Be Fully Covered

If you're starting the FODMAP Diet for IBS, now's a great time to schedule a consult with a Monash University FODMAP trained dietitian who will help you achieve relief faster, prevent unneeded restrictions, receive personalized care and minimize costs.

Visit ModifyHealth.com to:

• Check your insurance coverage
• Book a virtual visit with a Monash University FODMAP trained dietitian
• Order Low FODMAP Certified Meals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need a referral to see a dietitian?
A: It depends - private insurers often don’t require referrals; Medicare and some HMOs do. Always check your plan to confirm coverage for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). Dietitians will bill the following codes for reimbursement: 97802 (initial visit); 97803 (follow-up visits). Provide these codes to your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

Q2: How many visits are covered?
A: Typically 3–6 dietitian visits per year - sometimes more based on specific chronic conditions. As always, we recommend confirming with your insurance provider.

Q3: What if IBS is my only diagnosis? Will all plans cover IBS support?
A: Insurance may not cover MNT under Medicare, but commercial plans, Medicaid (in many states), or self-pay options are still available.

Q4: Can telehealth visits really save money?
A: Yes - virtual consultations reduce costs by eliminating travel and allowing more frequent follow-ups.

Q5: How do I find an in-network, Monash-trained dietitian?
A: Use Monash’s directory or our US commercial partner, ModifyHealth - it’s easy to search by insurance and location.

Q6: How do I check with my insurance to see if I have coverage for MNT?

A: Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

1. Are CPT codes 97802 and 97803 covered? (These are used for outpatient nutrition counseling.)
2. Is a registered dietitian a covered provider? Or are they excluded?
3. How many visits are covered? Per year or lifetime?
4. If not covered, can a pre-authorization be submitted to request coverage?
5. Are telehealth visits covered?

Finally, ask for the reference number for the call and write it down in case you need it later.