Nutrition Education, or Medical Nutrition Therapy

A well-balanced diet is one of the most important factors in overall health — especially for people with chronic conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity and gastrointestinal disorders. Changing your diet isn’t always easy or intuitive, but Cascade Health’s Nutrition Education program, also known as “medical nutrition therapy” (MNT) can help.

Our experienced, compassionate dietitians have extensive training and work with you to set realistic nutrition goals and develop a safe, healthy plan to achieve them.

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What to Expect in Medical Nutrition Therapy

  • Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an evidence-based approach to managing certain medical conditions — including obesity — through a personalized nutrition plan.

  • MNT is a key component of diabetes management and is associated with significant decreases in A1c levels for people with both type I and II diabetes.

  • While in MNT, you work closely with a dietitian to establish nutrition goals, create a plan and regular follow-up to support behavior change.

  • Medicare, Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan and most commercial insurance plans cover MNT if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Commercial plans may offer coverage under additional circumstances.

Professional Help to Reach Your Nutritional Goals

Unlike diets, MNT teaches you how to make behavioral and lifestyle changes that will positively affect your long-term eating habits and health. Cascade Health’s registered dietitians are dedicated to helping you succeed through a supportive 3-step process:

First, your dietitian will assess your physical health and look at your nutritional needs. They will ask you about your current eating habits, your level of physical activity, your lifestyle and more to get a holistic understanding of your nutritional strengths, challenges and opportunities.

Assessment

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After figuring out where you are, your dietitian will work with you to create a customized plan to get you where you want to be. They’ll help you set realistic goals and provide individualized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations to help you achieve them.

Planning

3.

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As you implement your plan, your dietitian will monitor the changes you’re making, evaluate your progress and adjust your plan as needed to help you succeed.

Monitoring and Adjustment

When to Consider Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)

Because MNT helps you make lasting changes to your nutrition and lifestyle habits that make you healthier, there are many conditions it can improve. You may wish to start MNT if you:

Have high cholesterol or triglycerides.

Have high blood pressure.

Have obesity

Experience digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Have heart, liver or kidney disease.

Have diabetes or pre-diabetes

Have celiac disease.

Would like support practicing new, healthier habits.

Need guidance for special diets, including nutrition for improved sports performance.

There are many of circumstances in which MNT can benefit your life. If you are unsure if it can help you, contact us at (541) 228-3020 and we would be happy to help you determine if MNT makes sense for you. We can also help you determine your insurance benefits.

How to Begin

To begin your journey toward healthier nutrition, please contact us at (541) 228-3020 or email dne.info@cascadehealth.org to determine if MNT is appropriate for you. We will then: 

  • Determine if your insurance will cover MNT. If not, we will discuss alternate payment options with you.

  • If your insurance does cover MNT, we will help you secure any necessary referrals.

  • Cascade Health cares for people in Lane County, Oregon, including Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove, Junction City, Creswell, Monroe, Veneta, Noti, Blue River, McKenzie Highway, Harrisburg, Sweet Home, Oakridge, Coburg and Lowell.

  • Most insurance companies require a referral from your physician. We can help you determine your benefit requirements and seek a referral if needed.

  • Yes. However, not all insurance companies cover telehealth visits, and it has not been determined if Medicare will continue covering telehealth in 2023. Please contact us and we can help you find out whether your insurance carrier will cover virtual appointments.

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