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BlueCare Tennessee (TennCare) MNT coverage: referrals and who can bill

The short answerBlueCare Tennessee says Medical Nutrition Therapy is a covered benefit when medically necessary and billed under TennCare policy. Dietitians are paid at 85% of the physician rate and bill under their own NPI. The manual lists no MNT codes.

1 row: BlueCare Tennessee · Tennessee. Public policy, not the member's benefits.

BlueCare Tennessee (TennCare)

BlueCare Tennessee Provider Administration Manual · Tennessee

97802Not published
97803Not published
G0270Not published
G0271Not published
Where it appliesThe manual applies to providers who care for BlueCare Tennessee members. Its MNT statement sits in the Obesity Services section. [1]
DiagnosesNot published: call the payer.
Telehealth POSNot published: call the payer.
Telehealth modifierNot published: call the payer.
Visit limitsNot published: call the payer.
Referral and prior authThe manual says referral to a Registered Dietitian may be appropriate for patients starting incretin-based weight management therapy, having side effects, or facing nutrition-related barriers. [1]
Who can billDietitians and nutritionists must bill with their own NPI. For incident-to services the claim uses the supervising practitioner's NPI and the SA modifier. Credentialing requires a Dietitian/Nutritionist license and accreditation from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. [1]
PaymentEffective for dates of service on or after August 15, 2025, BlueCare Tennessee pays advanced practice health care practitioners, a group that includes dietitians and nutritionists, at 85% of the physician rate, based on CMS payment policy. [1]
AlsoThe manual points to its Billing and Reimbursement section and TennCare policy for MNT billing rules. Check TennCare's own policy for codes and limits. [1]
  1. BlueCare Tennessee: Provider Administration Manual (H3259_W14_P2_100126v2), checked October 30, 2026

Check a BlueCare Tennessee claim against the row

Before a BlueCare Tennessee (TennCare) claim goes out, compare it with the row above: the code is one the policy lists, the place of service and modifier match for a video visit, and the units fit the limit. Change the filters to compare BlueCare Tennessee with another payer, then download the PDF of what you see.

Sources

  1. BlueCare Tennessee: Provider Administration Manual (H3259_W14_P2_100126v2)

Sources checked . Payer rules change; verify the member's benefits.

Frequently asked questions

Does BlueCare Tennessee (TennCare) need a referral or prior authorization for MNT?

The manual says referral to a Registered Dietitian may be appropriate for patients starting incretin-based weight management therapy, having side effects, or facing nutrition-related barriers.

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