A FEW NOTES ON INSURANCE

Blue Cross Blue Shield, UHC, & Pacific Source

Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following questions to ensure coverage: 

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• Do I have coverage for outpatient nutrition counseling?

  • Procedure codes 97802 and 97803

• Are there limitations on what diagnoses are covered?​

  • is the diagnosis code Z71.3 for dietary counseling and surveillance covered?

  • if you do need a diagnosis, I will need a referral from your doctor stating this diagnosis. 

• Do I have to meet a deductible before I receive insurance reimbursement?

  • If so, how much is my deductible?

• Do I need a referral from my primary care provider?

• Do they limit the number of covered sessions?

• Are services covered when conducted virtually?

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Pursuing reimbursement from other insurance companies: 

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- please note: payment will be required at time of service. 

- call the number on the back of your insurance card to ask whether you have out-of-network benefits for dietitian services. 

- the billing codes we utilize are 97802 and 97803. 

- if they limit which diagnoses are covered, ask about diagnosis code Z71.3 (dietary counseling and surveillance). If they require a different diagnosis (ie. diabetes or an eating disorder), you will need to provide me with a referral from your doctor. 

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A few other questions to consider: 

• Do I need a referral from my primary care provider? 

• Do I need prior authorization? 

• Do I need to meet my deductible first? What is that deductible? 

• Are there any limits to the number of sessions covered? 

• What is the reimbursement amount and process to submit for reimbursement? 

• Are virtual services covered? 

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Be sure to let your dietitian know if you are hoping to submit for reimbursement so they can provide you with a superbill.