MEDICARE COVERAGE: Diabetes self-management education and support/training (DSMES/T) and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) are separate and complementary services to improve diabetes self-care. Individuals may be eligible for both services in the same year. Research indicates MNT combined with DSMES/T improves outcomes. DSMES and DSMT are the same thing: DSMT is the name of the Medicare Benefit.
DSMT: 10 hours initial DSMES in 12-month period from the date of first encounter, plus 2 hours follow-up per calendar year with signed referral from the treating qualified provider (MD/DO, APRN, NP or PA) each year.
MNT: 3 hrs initial MNT in the first calendar year, plus 2 hours follow-up MNT annually. Additional MNT hours with change in medical condition, treatment and/or diagnosis with signed referral from any physician (MD/DO).