Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, individuals with obesity have dietitian coverage under their insurance plan. We are in-network providers for HealthPartners, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medica, Mayo, Preferred One, MinnesotaCare, Medicaid, Medicare and others.

General information

• Our goal is to provide you with a range of payment information, so you can select the best option for your budget.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) are usually eligible for coverage. Health reimbursement accounts (HRA) also may provide coverage under certain circumstances.
• Insurance coverage varies. Ask your insurance company (find the customer service number on your insurance card) about covered services. Here are a few questions to ask:
  
  1. Will my plan cover (insert service)? It may be helpful to share these CPT codes for dietitian visits: 97802 and 97803.
  2. How many visits are allowed per calendar year?
  3. Do I need prior authorization?
  4. Do I need a referral?
  5. Do I have a co-pay?
  6. Do I have a deductible? If yes, has it been met?
• Some policies require a referral from a primary care physician for the treatments to be covered and may have annual limits. Most policies do not require a referral.
• Medicare has limited coverage for dietitian visits.
• Our cash price is $150 for three visits with a dietitian. If billed through insurance, cost would be about $640 due to added paperwork for medical billing, diagnostic coding, communication with insurance companies, etc.
• Your insurance may require you to pay your deductible before covering dietitian visits. A deductible is an amount of out-of-pocket expense that you must pay before your insurance benefits start. Deductibles are usually calculated on a calendar-year basis, and any covered medical expenses that you pay for out-of-pocket should be applied toward your deductible until it’s been met for the year.
• If you are in a high deductible plan, our cash option may be the best value for you.
• If you have questions, please call our office.

CentraCare Weight Management offers both food-based and product-based programs. Pre-packaged foods or meal replacements have been shown in clinical trials to enhance weight loss. This is at least in part because they are portion-controlled, satiating and convenient to use. Many of our patients choose meal replacement programs for the initial weight loss phase, transitioning fully or partially to a regular food-based program later. The choice of program is up to you and will be discussed with one of our providers during the initial consultation.

CentraCare Weight Management emphasizes the importance of developing eating habits that will encourage weight loss while meeting the specific needs of each client. We are sensitive to preferences for organic foods, vegan or vegetarian, prepared or packaged foods, and individuals with allergies or sensitivities. We work with our patients to develop a meal plan that will mesh with personal preferences.

Personal coaching visits are an extremely effective strategy for patients during the weight loss AND weight maintenance phases. Personal coaches provide regular, on-going support, motivation and accountability. At CentraCare Weight Management our coaches represent the important specialties of nutrition, behavior and exercise so you have an option to work with a specialist week-to-week. Lastly, when you purchase a 12 visit coaching package you gain access to unlimited weight management classes and life-long monthly personal coaching visits. These benefits highlight our dedication to supporting your life-long efforts!

Meal replacement products are an evidenced-based tool used to promote weight loss in a safe and effective manner. Our program has options that uses meal replacement products and other options that do not. How to use them and when to use them are decisions you make with your weight loss team.