In response to the growing need for therapeutic nutrition interventions among members with chronic conditions, L.A. Care has made Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services available for direct line of business members. MNT services are provided over the telephone by a registered dietitian (RD) who can counsel members in English and Spanish (or through an interpreter for those who speak other languages).
“L.A. Care has taken this innovative approach to improve the health outcomes of our members, especially those who are suffering from diabetes and kidney diseases,” says Joseph Wanski, M.D. and Medical Director at L.A. Care. “MNT is a cost effective therapy that can help members improve their health outcomes and reduce their dependency on medication with dietary interventions.”
Referred members receive a one-hour consultation and typically three follow-up consultations. The RD will perform an assessment, determine a nutrition diagnosis and prescription, implement an intervention, and evaluate/monitor progress. A chart note will be sent to the referring provider to inform him or her of the patient’s progress.
To qualify for MNT services, a member must have:
• A diagnosis of uncontrolled diabetes
• Pre-end-stage renal disease
• Obesity
• Or be underweight
To learn more about MNT services at L.A. Care, please contact Janine Souffront, RD, CHES, CDE
1-213-694-1250 x4495 or by e-mail at jsouffront@lacare.org.