Independence Blue Cross MNT coverage: codes, limits and referrals
The short answerIndependence Blue Cross says members can have up to six nutrition counseling visits a year at no cost with an in-network registered dietitian, in person or by secure video, if their benefits include it. A 2013 provider notice says no referral is needed and group MNT is not payable. No current medical policy was found.
By Javier Alvarez · Updated · 1 min read
1 row: Independence Blue Cross. Public policy, not the member's benefits.
Independence Blue Cross
Commercial plans (Provider News archive, member flyers) · Pennsylvania
| 97802 | Not published |
|---|---|
| 97803 | Not published |
| G0270 | Not published |
| G0271 | Not covered (group MNT codes 97804 and G0271 stopped being payable for group sessions on March 1, 2013 (only diabetes education is payable in a group).) [1] |
| Where it applies | Most commercial managed care members, per a Provider News Center notice dated February 1, 2013 (archived). The member flyers tell members to check their benefits. Dated sources: confirm in the current Medical and Claim Payment Policy Portal. [1][2] |
| Diagnoses | Not published: call the payer. |
| Other codes | 97804 and G0271 are not payable for group sessions since March 1, 2013. Only diabetes education is payable in a group. [1] |
| Telehealth POS | Not published: call the payer. |
| Telehealth modifier | Not published: call the payer. |
| Telehealth rules | A member flyer lists participating dietitians who offer nutrition counseling through HIPAA-secure video and repeats the six visit benefit. [3] |
| Visit limits | Up to six one-on-one nutrition counseling visits per benefit contract year at no cost, with an in-network registered dietitian. [1][2] |
| Referral and prior auth | Members do not need to obtain a referral for nutrition counseling services (2013 notice). [1] |
| Who can bill | Registered dietitian or, per the 2013 notice, primary care provider. The flyer names in-network registered dietitians. [1][2] |
- Independence Blue Cross: Provider News Center archive, Reminder: Nutrition counseling in a group setting not eligible for payment (February 1, 2013), checked October 30, 2026
- Independence Blue Cross: Nutrition counseling flyer, checked October 30, 2026
- Independence Blue Cross: Nutrition counseling via video, checked October 30, 2026
Check an Independence Blue Cross claim against the row
Before an Independence Blue Cross 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 Independence Blue Cross with another payer, then download the PDF of what you see.