Nutritionist denial

[ThyroidDeb]

Got my formal denial from Medicare for a nutritionist today. Liver was not covered even when asking for an exception, nor was liver transplant. Only things listed were; diabetes, kidney and transplant, weightloss. Nothing about heart although I know there is a heart diet and exercise program, I know of someone who had gone, totally paid for. I don't have straight Medicare I have an Advantage program through State Employees retirement, if that makes a difference, who knows. See primary tomorrow, see what she says. This exceptions was requested by the Gastro.

[kensimmons]

I have never heard of Medicare denying a liver transplant. This is puzzling and I am wondering if something isn't being misunderstood (not necessarily by you)?

Keep in mind this is a UK board. The American Liver Board has a huge thread about this and you should probably go there not here as that is not so much of a concern for many here.

I presume the managers of this board won't mind this cross over link to a better thread for this issue.

Please note this thread is still active but the first posts are from 2017 so what you first read about back then might not be accurate now. Maybe start at the end and work backwards? Your choice.

Good luck, this sounds like some kind of misunderstanding (but I am not an expert, the link is the place to go for you.) All the best!

inspire.com/m/Joy120/journa...

[DonCLG-5]

Hi, My nutritionist with the VA gave me some guidelines you probably already know.....A liver friendly diet includes ingesting foods that make the liver work less and eat healthy foods to support liver function such as lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, avoid processed foods, animal fats, low sodium, etc. Of course avoid sugar and white flour products. Many Meds are hard on the Liver as well as some supplements, especially in larger doses. I think a diabetic diet would be good, with exercise and plenty of fluids.

[NYLassie]

What if you see a RD at your doctor's practice? I have insurance through my job and if I see a dietitian at my hepatologist's office, it is billed as an office visit.

[ThyroidDeb in reply to NYLassie]

Hi thanks for responding. The dietician is through the hospital and for my Medicare Advantage to pay it has to fall under a category it covers. Liver is not one. So my primary put it through as diabetes altho I was pre she said I am still classified as diabetic, that is one they cover. So hopefully it will be approved this time.