Insurance is an integral part of healthcare in America, yet the thought of billing insurance can feel overwhelming for many dietitians and RD2Bes. In a recent poll of 27 dietitians and RD2Bes, participants were asked, “How difficult do you think it is to apply for insurance credentialing independently?” With 1 being “Easy, I could do it myself” and 5 being “Difficult, I would need outside help,” not a single participant rated the process as a 1 (easy) and the majority rated it a 5 (difficult) (Graph 1). This data shows a common misconception that insurance credentialing is complex.
The good news is that registering your private practice, or future private practice, with insurance companies is easier and less expensive than you might think. With plenty of free step-by-step resources available online, it’s entirely possible to navigate the insurance process.
For example, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers a comprehensive Coding and Billing Handbook tailored to dietitians. Furthermore, Amy Plano, also known as “The Reimbursement Dietitian,” provides valuable tools and guidance for those new to the world of insurance billing. Additionally, online communities like Facebook groups can be incredibly valuable for sharing experiences and advice with other nutrition professionals. Resources like these, plus others, will be linked below.
A common misconception is that you have to wait until you are credentialed as a registered dietitian to begin building your own business and learning about insurance. In reality, little projects before you’re actually an RD will allow you to lay the foundation of your private practice. For instance:
Create your website.
Build a social media presence.
Register your LLC.
Learn the basics of marketing and insurance.
Why embrace the insurance process? In the same poll referenced earlier, 63% of respondents said they were unlikely to see a healthcare provider who did not accept their insurance, and 71% reported that they “almost never” pay for healthcare providers out-of-pocket. Furthermore, the majority of respondents with or planning to have a private practice said they would credential with insurance, 22% said “maybe,” and only 15% said “no” (Chart 1). This data highlights not only the strong client preference for in-network providers but also the growing recognition among dietitians of the value of insurance credentialing. Working with insurance companies can allow you to reach a broader audience while still accommodating those who choose to pay out-of-pocket.
Throughout my time interning for Dana, I have learned first-hand about how to bill insurance as a private practice dietitian. Like many others reflected in the survey data, I initially felt intimidated by the entire process. However, Dana walked me through every step of billing from start to finish. I learned how to set up client profiles, follow up on reimbursements, and troubleshoot common billing issues. One of the most helpful tools that Dana introduced to me using Excel spreadsheets to track client claims and payments. This helps ensure that no detail is overlooked.
The importance of organization was a key takeaway from my time interning for Dana, and showed me that a systematic approach can make any intimidating project more manageable. Gaining this knowledge as a student has given me the confidence to incorporate insurance into my future practice. I have also realized how critical insurance is for expanding access to care and making nutrition more equitable. For aspiring or practicing dietitians who might be interested in the thought of billing insurance, I can confidently say that the process becomes less daunting with the right mindset. By starting small and leveraging your tools, you can position yourself for success and make a great impact in the field of dietetics.
Resources:
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: https://www.eatrightpro.org/career/payment/coding-and-billing
Amy Plano - The Reimbursement Dietitian: https://reimbursementdietitian.com/
Facebook Groups
Insurance For Dietitians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/InsuranceForDietitians
Dietitians in Private Practice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/927575603995649
Health Insurance Advisory Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/205640831255690
Registered Dietitians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1668855333391958
Healthie: https://www.gethealthie.com/blog/dietitian-billing
Today’s Dietitian Magazine: https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0217p40.shtml
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