Eat Right Practice Exam

Which statement regarding the intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) benefit for obese Medicare Part B beneficiaries is NOT true?

1. Coverage for the benefit is granted only in the primary care setting.

2. To qualify, the beneficiary's BMI must be >30.

3. Continued treatment is contingent on weight loss assessed after 6 months of treatment.

4. RDNs may provide the service and bill Medicare using a unique physician identification number.

The correct answer is: RDNs may provide the service and bill Medicare using a unique physician identification number.

The statement regarding the intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) benefit for obese Medicare Part B beneficiaries that is not true pertains to the role of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in providing this service and billing Medicare. Typically, IBT for obesity covers services provided in a primary care setting, focusing primarily on weight loss counseling and behavioral changes. While RDNs can play a significant role in obesity treatment and lifestyle interventions, the ability to bill Medicare directly for IBT services is generally restricted to physicians or healthcare providers who have the appropriate credentials and billing numbers tied to Part B services. In some cases, RDNs may collaborate in these treatment plans, but their billing practices often do not permit them to independently bill Medicare for IBT under a unique physician identification number, which is typically required for those offering services that are reimbursable under Medicare. Therefore, the assertion that RDNs may independently provide the service and bill Medicare using a unique physician identification number does not align with the established billing guidelines for IBT in the Medicare context.