Insurance Verification Checklist

Calling your insurance company can feel overwhelming, but taking a few minutes to verify your benefits can help you feel informed and avoid unexpected costs.

While network participation may be verified as a courtesy, insurance coverage varies by plan. For this reason, I encourage clients to confirm their benefits directly with their insurance provider so they can better understand any potential out-of-pocket expenses. 

This checklist walks you through what to ask so you can feel prepared before your first appointment.

Step 1: Call Your Insurance Company

Call the Member Services number on the back of your insurance card.

When connected, you can say:

“Hi, I’m calling to verify my benefits for nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian.”

Step 2: Share Provider Information

If the representative asks for provider details, you can share the following:

  • Provider name: Rochelle Adriano

  • Provider type: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN)

  • Individual NPI: 1861038564 (Rochelle Adriano)

  • Business NPI: 1760358907 (Rochelle Adriano Nutrition)

Step 3: Ask These Questions

(You can read these questions directly to the representative.)

1. Coverage

  • “Does my plan cover nutrition counseling or Medical Nutrition Therapy with a registered dietitian?”

2. Billing Codes & Diagnosis Requirements

  • CPT code: “Are CPT codes 97802 (initial visit) and 97803 (follow-up visits) covered under my plan?”

  • ICD code: “Is Z71.3 (dietary counseling and surveillance) covered as a preventive benefit, or is a medical diagnosis required?”

  • “Is coverage limited to certain medical diagnoses?”

3. Out-of-Pocket Costs

  • “Will I have a copay or coinsurance per visit?”

  • “Does my deductible apply, and if so, how much is remaining?”

4. Referrals & Authorization

  • “Do I need a doctor’s referral or prior authorization for these services?”

5. Visit Limits

  • “How many nutrition visits are covered per year?”

  • “Do those visits reset by the calendar year or benefit year?”

Step 4: Confirm Before Ending the Call

Before hanging up, ask for and write down:

  1. Representative’s name

  2. Reference or confirmation number for the call

  3. Date of the call

Helpful Reminders

  • Insurance benefits are estimates, not guarantees of payment.

  • Coverage depends on your specific plan and eligibility at the time claims are processed.

  • Even when services are covered, some out-of-pocket costs may apply (such as deductibles, copays, or coinsurance).

If I Am Out-of-Network

  • A Superbill (itemized receipt) can be provided for you to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

  • Reimbursement amounts and policies vary by insurer and plan.