Amy Plano - The Reimbursement Dietitian HomepageAmy Plano - The Reimbursement Dietitian

Reimbursement Coach for Dietitians

The Reimbursement Dietitian

Coaching Program

STOP working HARD on the WRONG things. 

In this one-of-a-kind program, I will teach you my step-by-step reimbursement framework, which helps you get credentialed, bill, and make the money you deserve as a Registered Dietitian. 

 

I developed The Reimbursement Dietitian Group Coaching Program based on the many lessons I have learned over the last decade from building my own multi-six-figure group nutrition private practice using health insurance as the predominant payment model.

 

 

Note: If you are a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and reside in a NON-licensure state, you can more than likely accept insurance as well. Check with your state’s statutes. But my course is likely a good fit for you, too! 

 

Trying to figure out insurance reimbursement can be SO overwhelming and time-consuming.

 

And it is fair to say I know those feelings well. Around 15 years ago, when I was trying to figure out this whole insurance thing, there were very few resources available. 

 

*In the Spring of 2024, CDR made MASSIVE changes to its CEU accreditation process. They decreased the possible number of allowable CEUs and made several substantial changes to the requirements for CEUs. Therefore, anyone who joins my program AFTER April 13, 2024, will NOT be eligible for the 40.0 credits. 

APPLY NOW
The Reimbursement Dietitian Group Coaching Program

So after years and years of trial and error – I decided it was time to design a program that not only provided the necessary reimbursement resources for dietitians but also walks you step-step through the process to ensure your success. Enter my EPIC 6 MONTH Reimbursement Coaching Program. 

 

Trust me this SHIT is dope! Like next level …

 

Click HERE to learn about the COST of my program & payment options 

Because I have been in your shoes and I understand…

  • How overwhelming the whole credentialing process can feel.
  • How frustrating it is to understand your true financial potential in your practice but aren’t hitting your revenue goals.
  • How tempting it is to want to give-up with even trying to accept insurance in your practice and revert back to a self-pay model.
  • How important a strong support system is to build your insurance-based practice. My group program includes dietitians just like YOU, in similar stages of the reimbursement process.

And if you are like most of the awesome dietitians I know, you are willing and able to put in the work it takes to create a thriving insurance-based private practice. You just need the support to know exactly what you need to be working on in each stage of the reimbursement process.

 

Curious what other rock-star RDs just like yourself are saying about The Reimbursement Dietitian’s Services? Click HERE to hear more. 

The Reimbursement Dietitian Group Coaching Program

With my proven approach and framework, there is no doubt in my mind you can create a multi 6-figure insurance-based private practice. I did, and you can, too!

A thriving and profitable insurance-based private practice dietitian needs…

  • To be set up appropriately from a BUSINESS standpoint
  • Be CREDENTIALED with the RIGHT insurance companies for their given TARGET patient population
  • MAXIMIZE their insurance reimbursement rates using the correct CPT CODES.
  • Master PREVENTATIVE coding to ensure their patients have UNLIMITED visits
  • Establish TEMPLATES to save loads of TIME and MONEY
  • SUCCESSFULLY DISPUTE insurance rejections quickly to ensure prompt payment
Click Here to view my pricing & payment plans
Wondering what other rockstar RDs are saying about The Reimbursement Dietitian's Services?!? Click HERE to fin out.

With my 6 MONTH group coaching program, you will receive training on EVERY reimbursement area for dietitians in private practice.

 

Wondering how much you can actually make as an insurance-based dietitian? So glad you asked! Watch this video on this exact topic. 

 

My Group Program is evergreen. 

 

This means you can APPLY to my program at any time throughout the year. 

 

And if you are a good fit you can get started within a couple of weeks of your application. Note – I still keep a limited amount of spots. So please fill out an application AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you are interested. 

 

In order to get started with the program you will NEED a physical address in the state you are credentialing in, your business entity ready to go (Sole proprietor, LLC or S Corp), your NPI type 1 and liability insurance. I can help you navigate everything else. 

 

Note: If you choose to credential in a different state then the one you live in you are responsible for the potential legal and tax implications of choosing to do so. I can’t speak to the legal aspect of securing out of state contracts. Nor can I tell you what taxes you are responsible for. Some contracts and plans have residency requirements. I can’t speak or address that aspect of reimbursement.  You will need to familiarize yourself with this information BEFORE starting my program. I coach you as if you live in the state you choose to credential in. I can only address questions regarding the process of credentialing and reimbursement as if you live and operate in that state. 


WHAT IS COVERED IN MY COURSE

 
Module 1: Pre-credentialing
  1. Determining your business structure
  2. Identify the importance of an NPI Type 1 & NPI Type 2
  3. Determine how to obtain an NPI Type 1 & NPI Type 2
  4. Identify WHICH insurance companies will request your Type 1 NPI? Type 2 NPI?
  5. How to determine your address if you are only going to practice virtually
  6. Identify the importance of Malpractice Insurance & purchase the one that best suits the needs of your practice
  7. Successfully complete the CAQH application
  8. How to choose a fax

In this module, I set you up for success! We tackle literally everything you NEED to have before starting the credentialing process. We talk business structure, EINS (and why you NEED one!), liability insurance, and exactly HOW to successfully complete the CAQH application. I provide samples of completed CAQH applications so you can compare YOURS against mine.  NOTE – if this part of the reimbursement process  is not completed accurately and in its entirety down the road you will experience issues. 

Module 2: credentialing

  1. Determine which insurance companies to apply to become credentialed with based on your state.
  2. Understand the importance of building your insurance provider number ‘database’
  3. Determine which ‘lines’ of each insurance company you want to credential with (Commercial, Medicare, & Medicaid if applicable for your state) 
  4. Understand the potential value of your state’s Insurance Payment Specialist 
  5. Determine if you will be credentialing through American Speciality Health for your state’s Anthem BCBS product 
  6. Follow a step-by-step process with detailed directions for applying to Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United Health Care & Medicare 
  7. Evaluate an insurance contract & fee schedule
  8. Successfully APPEAL closed insurance networks
In this module, you will apply to the insurance companies you want to participate in. And trust me – there is a strategy.  I will teach you how to make your list and decide who you want to work with. In addition, if the networks are closed (too many RDs already participating), I will give you everything you need to successfully appeal to the closed networks and become an in-network provider. 
 

Plus, while you are waiting (60-90 days) to get your contracts, I have created a series of actionable steps and activities you can do in your practice. This way, you can utilize this time to set up your practice and establish a rock-solid foundation properly. This module includes information about: 

  • Superbills
  • HSA/FSAs
  • Setting your cash rates 
  • Selling programs/packages and a la carte services 
  • Marketing your insurance-based practice 
  • Setting up automation to make your practice as efficient AF
  • Licensure 101 for RDs
  • Suggestions for personal growth
  • How to successfully manage your money 

I am ALL about efficiency. And I don’t want you to waste ANY of your precious time. So I teach you how to spend it … wisely 🙂 

Module 3: CPT codes, ICD codes & Preventative Coding
  1. Determine which CPT codes dietitians can bill insurance with to maximize their reimbursement rates.
  2. Identify the ICD 10 Codes dietitians can use to maximize both their patient’s MNT benefits and their reimbursement rates
  3. Define the modifiers to use on claims to ensure they get paid promptly.
  4. Define the application of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for dietitians
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the 8-minute Rule for Insurance Billing
  6. Interpret preventative coding in the setting of the ACA
This module is literally everything! I say that only because we dive deep into how insurance works. We talk about how to set your fees (cash rate, usual and customary (aka insurance rates)) and prompt pay rates. We discuss ALL the codes (modifiers, ICD 10 codes, CPT codes) and how to avoid deductibles and co-pays. In addition, we talk about how to bill for telehealth so you get paid EXACTLY.
Module 4: Verifying Patient MNT Benefits
  1. Define the importance of verification of a patient’s MNT benefits
  2. Identify the information needed to verify a patient’s MNT benefits
  3. Summarize how to document a patient’s MNT benefits
  4. Identify the information needed to collect from the patient at the initial visit to bill insurance successfully
  5. Determine which insurance companies typically require a referral for MNT
  6. Understand what a preauthorization for MNT is & how to secure one

In this module, I explain exactly how to verify your patients’ MNT benefits. This step is crucial, yet so many RDs don’t take the time to learn the correct process. Trust me. If you skip this step, you will have a hot mess on your hands. I provide you with literally everything you need to be successful. This includes access to my verification of benefits script, which has EVERY single important question that MUST be asked. 

Module 5: Insurance billing basics: What can you bill INSURANCE for? 
  1. What things can you NOT bill insurance for? 
  2. What things can you bill the PATIENT for? 
  3. For FEES, should you be prepared to collect from the patient? 
  4. What is a co-pay? And when should you collect it? 
  5. What is a deductible? And when should you collect it? 
  6. What is co-insurance? And when should you collect it?
  7. What is the difference between DOCUMENTATION and an actual REFERRAL?
  8. How to avoid balancing billing.
  9. How to determine if a plan is self-funded or a group-funded plan 
  10. Identify what SELF-FUNDED non-grandfathered plans are required to cover 
  11. Understand the time frame in which you will get paid by the insurance companies
If there is one area that seems to stump RD billing insurance, I would say it is with the basics. In this module, we dive into everything that makes RD’s heads spin – deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance, the difference between documentation and a referral, and how to secure referrals. 
 
Module 6: THE CMS 1500 FORMS
  1. Define what a CMS 1500 form is used for when seeking reimbursement for MNT
  2. Identify different MNT billing scenarios when a CMS 1500 form will be used 
  3. Identify the information that must be included on each CMS 1500 form submission
  4. Define the critical areas on a CMS 1500 that you need to fill out for each claim submission
This is the module you never knew you needed until I recorded it. Trust me. You want to master and dominate the CMS 1500 form. You will literally use it every single time you submit an insurance claim. I review with you what each section needs to have, as well as the most important stuff—like where the referral information MUST go if you want to get paid. 
 
 
MODULE 7: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BILLING EACH OF THE MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES 
  1. Identify EXACTLY how to bill Aetna for medical & preventative MNT
  2. Identify EXACTLY how to bill Cigna for medical & preventative MNT
  3. Identify EXACTLY how to bill Blue Cross Blue Shield for medical & preventative MNT
  4. Identify EXACTLY how to bill United Health Care & UMR  for medical & preventative MNT
  5. Identify EXACTLY how to bill Emblem Health & Health First (NY products) for medical & preventative MNT
  6. Identify EXACTLY how to bill Blue Shield of California 
  7. Identify EXACTLY how to bill Medicare for MNT

In this module, we examine the five major insurance companies. I walk you through the process of billing each of the major insurance companies & some smaller ones as well. 

MODULE 8: submitting insurance claims
  1. How to select an EMR
  2. An overview of the features of Simple Practice, Practice Better, Healthie, Kalix & IntakeQ
  3. How to submit claim using Claim MD + Practice Better 
  4. What is a clearinghouse, and why is this super important 
  5. How to set up your templates in Office Ally 
  6. How to submit claims in Office Ally 
  7. What to expect once you have submitted a claim in Office Ally 
  8. How to SUCCESSFULLY navigate rejections (they happen! even to me) 
In this module, we review the basics of how to select an EMR. I go over the reasons why I decided to switch to Simple Practice in 2020 (and then to IntakeQ in 2023), as well as exactly how to use the most basic clearinghouse to walk you step by step through how to submit your first freaking claim (yay!). When I say I hold your hand when submitting claims, I am there with you every step of the way! 
 
MODULE 9: simple practice
  1. The basics of using Simple Practice 
  2. How to set up your Back End of Simple Practice 
  3. How to submit claims in Simple Practice 

In this module, I walk you through the fundamentals of billing using Simple Practice, Office Ally and Practice Better. Also, note that one time per month, we have specific office hours dedicated to using and setting up EMRs. So don’t worry if it feels a little overwhelming at first. We are ALWAYS here to help you navigate the good, the bad, and the ugly. Attend the office hours, and we can answer any and all of your questions about most EMRs. 

 
Module 10: Explanation of payments (EOPs) & setting up EFTS
  1. Define the importance of an EOP
  2. Identify the critical components of an EOP
  3. Recognize what to do with an EOP once you have read it
  4. Determine how to set up electronic payments (EFTs) with each of the major insurance companies
  5. Identify the steps to process a V-card through your credit card processor 
In this module, I teach you how to read an EOP/EOB/ERA. This is basically an invoice both you and the patients receive for the services you provide. I will teach you how to determine if you were paid in full, whether or not your patient has a deductible or cost-share for the visit, as well as how to enroll with receiving electronic payments. 
 
Module 12: MARKETING YOUR INSURANCE-BASED PRACTICE 
  1. Explain how to utilize group counseling in your practice to maximize your reimbursement rates using a health-insurance-based model.
  2. Identify how to develop critical alliances with local businesses to administer corporate wellness programs using a health-insurance-based model.
  3. Build strong alliances with local doctors who treat your target patient population.

This module tackles how to market your insurance-based practice like a rock star. Trust me, Sis. It doesn’t involve social media. What it does involve is creating authentic, long-lasting relationships with your community. Marketing your practice will be fun and not nearly as complicated as you think. After all, what you have already is gold. And we just need to get your story and marketing message out there to the right peeps. In this module, I supply you with samples of everything I send out and use in my practice. You will see sample business cards in all shapes and forms, rack cards, postcards, and MD introduction letters. You can also share what you are working on during one of our live calls or on our private Facebook page for honest feedback. I got you boo! 

 
MODULE 13: Medicare Basics
  1. Identify who qualifies for Medicare
  2. Identify what RDs can bill Medicare for
  3. Summarize the three different Medicare enrollment applications 
  4. Recognize the six unique billing factors of Medicare 
This is a basic Medicare module. However, when you join my group reimbursement coaching program, you automatically get access to my stand-alone Medicare course. This course literally walks you step by step through the Medicare enrollment, bill, and claim submission process. So, when you join the group coaching program, you get a whole other course within a course! 
 
 
MODULE 14: Documentation 
  1. Identify the key criteria required for insurance-based documentation 
  2. Identify the critical mistakes not to make when documenting in your insurance-based practice 
  3. Establish performance metrics for RD charting in your practice 
  4. Determine and establish medical necessity for your patient visits 
This module is dedicated to navigating the ins and outs of documenting in an insurance-based practice. I provide a documentation checklist and several samples of exactly what documentation MUST look like for all of your insurance-based visits. This module is a true gem, as most RDs don’t know it needs to be in their documentation. 
 
 
MODULE 15: Submitting Secondary claims 
  1. Identify how to determine what insurance is primary & what insurance is secondary.  
  2. Demonstrate how to submit a secondary insurance claims. 
This module is dedicated to navigating secondary claims. I walk you step-by-step through the process of the MANY different scenarios you may be faced with when it comes to billing secondary insurance.
 
In addition to this all-star curriculum, you will receive the following:
  • WEEKLY LIVE Group Coaching Calls, including office hours on average four times per month, & access to workshops and webinars. 
  • Here is a link to our current calendar of events. 
  • Access to my stand-alone Medicare Course
  • Access to the following Master Classes: How to Bill a la Carte Services, Billing and Coding 101, How to Bill out State Insurance Companies & How to Ace your Insurance Audit 
  • Access to essential reimbursement resources like referral forms, verification forms, and scripts that save you TONS of time & money
  • Resources on telehealth, AI Charting, the legal aspect of your business, licensure, pediatric billing, the role of dietitians & body image, behavior change,  professional goal setting, info on taxes, Insurance Audits,  & what is expected from a documentation standpoint. 
  • Webinars on clinical aspects of care such as CKD, Insulin Dosing for Type 1 Diabetics, Behavior Change, Practice Metrics, Bariatrics, 
  • Access to my kick-ass CheatSheet & Reimbursement Start Pack for Billing the Major Insurance Companies 
  • Peer networking and ah-mazing support within our Private Facebook Reimbursement Group Coaching Community for the duration of your 6-month program
  • Killer advice and guidance on common reimbursement topics of discussion in the weekly LIVE Facebook Videos from yours genuinely – Amy Plano, The Reimbursement Dietitian.
APPLY NOW

ALL the training modules are released at the start of the course.  Therefore, you can work at your own pace. You have access to course modules for 6-months. Therefore, there is NO rush! Take them at your own speed. 

 

The course contains specific, reimbursement training, as well as implementation exercises, resources, and actionable checklists to ensure your reimbursement success.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

The course is designed for ALL dietitians and Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) looking to reach more people with their services, grow the shit out of their practice AND maximize their reimbursement rates so they can make more money.  This program is for any of the following peeps. 

 

  • If you are brand spanking new (YAY. Welcome!) with no established practice or insurance contracts 
  • You have been working for another clinic, practice OR online Telehealth agency and need to credential and learn how to bill on your own.
  • You have an established CASH based practice, but now want to switch to an Insurance-Based Practice 
  • You have insurance contracts, an established practice but really don’t know what you are doing with billing insurance and know you need to get better in order to survive 

 We literally cover EVERYTHING about reimbursement. And trust me Sis, you don’t know what you don’t know. 

 

Getting credentialed is the easy part. Learning how to successfully bill, reconcile claims and maximize your reimbursement – well that takes some solid education and handholding. And that is exactly what my program is all about. SUPPORT. 

Click Here to view my pricing & payment plans

My course includes 6-months of access to the trainings, resources, live group calls and our rad Facebook page community.  Once your 6 month is up (TIME really flies!) you will have the option to join my membership style program that is only open for clients who have completed my group coaching program. 

Yes. Yes. Yes. 

In my experience just because you are credentialed it does not mean you know how to bill in a way that maximizes your reimbursement rates as a dietitian. 

I have RDs in my programs who have been credentialed for years – but still don’t know half the shit they should. Plus, with my tiered system I have something to offer even the most advanced RDs. 

I feel SOOOOO strongly that the answer to this question is a HARD YES that I did whole video on this. Click HERE to watch. 

So while I commend you for your ability to get credentialed on your own – we will be covering everything from how to efficiently verify your patient’s benefits, to ‘special’ codes to use to get unlimited visits & what to do when your claims get rejected.

Trust me. Getting credentialed is the EASY part. 

Learning how to maximize your reimbursement, successfully correct rejections and navigate ALL the major insurance companies weird billing rules that is the HARD part. 

Due to evergreen nature of the course, the size will depend on the ‘season’ of enrollment. There are generally on average about 40-50 dietitians completing this epic program at any given time. 

In my coaching program, I coach you as if you live in the state you choose to credential. There may be legal and tax implications for practicing in a state you don’t physically live in. Some insurance companies DO have residency requirements for the provider. Therefore, you should work with the appropriate professionals to determine if this is legal and the tax implications. My coaching course provides no education or support regarding interstate or out-of-state credentialing. 

You can either pay in full is $4264 or 6 opt for 6 payments of $780 

I BELIEVE my coaching program is so incredible that if you DO NOT love your experience within the first 30-days you can email me and I will provide you with a 100 percent refund of any money you have paid so far. Therefore, there is NO risk is joining. If you don’t love it I will refund all your money. Spoiler alert: I have had hundreds of RDs go through my program and no refunds to date.  Trust me. You will love it! 

Absolutely! Of course. My goal is to make my program accessible for ALL RDS interested in getting credentialed with insurance in their state.  A six month payment plan at $780/month. 

No. This course will provide you with the framework, guidance, and support necessary to support you in the credentialing process. It is your responsibility to follow-through by implementing this framework.

YES. As always check with the statutes for your state. In many states that don’t have licensure rules surrounding the practice of MNT CNSs can credential/contract with health insurance. BUT do your homework on your end regarding the legality of this process. I have had over 20 ah-MAZING CNSs complete my program. And I am happy to connect you with one of them if you have additional questions. 

Sis, how can you not take this course? Seriously!  If you are NOT accepting insurance in your practice then you are leaving money on the table. So, of course, the program is worth the cost.  My reimbursement methodology shows you step by step how to get credentialed, bill and make killer money. The average reimbursement rate in the U.S. is $110/per hour. 

You have access to the training modules for 6-months.  This includes the training modules, resources, Facebook Community and live weekly calls. After 6 months you lose access. BUT have the option to renew at $150/month. 

The group coaching program is EVERGREEN. This means you can APPLY at anytime and if accepted you can get started within 7 days of getting accepted into the program. 

Unfortunately, YES. Sadly, right NOW Florida & Michigan are states that are next to impossible to get credentialed with the insurance companies. So I currently DO NOT accept dietitians practicing in these states for my reimbursement coaching programs. 

You know I am a straight shooter. And to be quite frank MOST dietitians are not ready to kill it in business let alone private practice after 6 months. 

Many (uuuummm like 99 percent!) of RDs will need MORE support. So I promise I have an amazing next step for you once you finish up your 6 months of the program. And this next step (a.k.a. my membership just for my clients) will NOT break the bank [It is under $200 per month]. 

But with that being said. This ‘be your own boss shit’ is HARD. TOTALLY worth it. But hard. It takes discipline, patience, focus and direction. And you need to commit to the end game. OR don’t start in the first place. 

Also never forget, “If you look close enough every overnight success took a long time.” 

Anyone who enrolls in my coaching program BEFORE April 13, 2024, will receive 40.0 credits for your CDR portfolio.

In the Spring of 2024, CDR made MASSIVE changes to its CEU accreditation process. They decreased the possible number of allowable CEUs and made several substantial changes to the requirements for CEUs. Therefore, anyone who joins my program AFTER April 13, 2024, will not be eligible for the 40.0 credits. 

I wish I were able to offer the CEUs. But there is no way I could ever make my program compliant with the new requirements. It would literally require me to RE-DO my entire course. And my course if freaking amazing! I am so, so, so bummed. But it is out of my hands at this point. If something changes in the future, I will let everyone know. 

 

So as someone who has purchased a TON of coaching programs, I understand first hand what it feels like to make a big investment. Therefore, I have done my very best to help decrease the anxiety many dietitians/CNSs feel at the start of a new coaching program. 

 

1. I offer a money back guarantee. If within the first 30-days the program doesn’t deliver on the promises I will provide you with a full refund of any money you paid towards the program. The money back guarantee is only valid if you feel like like program itself was not consistent with what was portrayed. This money back guarantee is NOT valid if the participant falls upon financial hardship or for any other internal personal reason(s). So, if the program sucks, you get your money back. 

 

2. Many dietitians have told me it has been helpful to talk to other dietitians and CNSs who have completed my program. While I am happy to answer any questions about my program, I know you may have some personal questions you might not want to ask me. I get it!

 

Therefore, I have created a data base of previous coaching clients who have volunteered to serve as Reimbursement Dietitian Ambassadors. These are dietitians and CNSs who have completed my program and are willing to make themselves available to you so you can ask them ANY questions about the program you like or insurance in general. 

 

3. TRY before you BUY! I offer a FREE 24-hour trial of the course. You DO need to fill out an application and qualify. But once I assess our fit I am happy to provide a trial of the course. The trial doesn’t include access to the CheatSheet, Starter Pack, Hiring Course or any of the Master Classes. 

Ready to grow your practice by accepting health insurance, make some serious money and increase the number of people you can help with your services? Apply now for The Reimbursement Dietitian Coaching Program.

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