Decoding Enteral Nutrition Reimbursement: Policies, Laws, and Patient Access

Patients with malabsorptive conditions—like short bowel syndrome, bariatric surgery, or chronic GI disorders—are at high risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In this episode, Christina Rollins sits down with clinical dietitian Gabriela D. Gardner, RD-AP, CNSC, LD, to explore evidence-based strategies for assessing, supplementing, and managing micronutrients in these complex patients. Gabriela shares practical tips for monitoring lab values, navigating product selection, and helping patients manage multiple supplements without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a dietitian, clinician, or healthcare professional, this episode offers actionable insights to optimize patient care and improve outcomes.Listen now and learn how to confidently support patients with malabsorptive conditions.🔗 dnsdpg.orgThis epsiode was recorded on 10/5/2025 and is hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC.

Accessing enteral nutrition (EN) through durable medical equipment (DME) providers often hinges on one critical factor: medical necessity. Yet payer requirements, documentation standards, and coverage rules can make the process complicated for both clinicians and patients.In this episode, host Christina Rollins sits down with Kim Iles and Brittany Buchholz to unpack how DME suppliers determine coverage, clarify what constitutes medical necessity, and explore how policies differ across Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance.🎙️ Whether you’re a dietitian, healthcare provider, or advocate, you’ll gain practical strategies to document effectively, work with DME providers, and ensure patients receive the EN support they need. This episode was recorded on 9/17/25 and is hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC. Learn more at dnsdpg.org.

Are you a dietitian interested in telehealth, cross-state licensure, or expanding your RDN practice? In this episode, Christina Rollins talks with Charla Burill from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to unpack how the Dietitian Licensure Compact could transform the way dietitians work and improve patient access to care.Listen now to learn what it means for clinical dietitians, telehealth providers, and nutrition support specialists — and how you can advocate in your state.This episode was recorded on 9/3/25 and is hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC. Learn more at www.dnsdpg.org.

Enterocutaneous fistulas present one of the most complex challenges in clinical nutrition—and parenteral nutrition often plays a central role in management. In our latest episode, we’re joined by Vanessa Kumpf, PharmD, leading expert in nutrition support, to discuss evidence-based strategies, real-world decision-making, and how to optimize outcomes for these high-risk patients.🎙️ Hosted by Christina Rollins, this conversation covers:When and how to initiate parenteral nutritionManaging high-output fistulas and fluid/electrolyte balanceNavigating complications and multidisciplinary careTransitioning to enteral/oral feeding when appropriatePractical insights for clinicians working in acute and home care settingsWhether you’re a dietitian, physician, pharmacist, or nurse, this episode offers valuable tools to support your practice. This episode was recorded on 8/18/25.

How can NDTRs transform clinical nutrition care and boost RDN productivity? Join us on the DNS Podcast as we chat with Sami Hupp, MS, NDTR, about the critical — and often underappreciated — role of Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered in healthcare.✨ Delegation strategies that work✨ Enhancing patient outcomes✨ Building stronger nutrition teamsThis episode was recorded 8/4/25 and is hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC. Learn more at dnsdpg.org.

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of nutrition management following pneumonectomy—a rare but high-risk surgical procedure that requires expert nutrition care.Join Stacey Pelekhaty, MS, RD, CNSC, as she shares her clinical expertise on the metabolic demands, nutrition strategies, and interdisciplinary collaboration needed to support patients through recovery. From optimizing energy needs to managing complications, Stacey offers practical insights that every nutrition professional should hear.Hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC, this conversation is a must-listen for dietitians working in critical care, surgery, and nutrition support. Recorded 7/19/25.

Disclosure: Deanne Branstetter is a former employee of Compass Group, North America (ended May 3 2025), paid participation in Experts Insight Meeting 6/2025 Foodminds and Almond Board of California.We’re celebrating a remarkable career and looking ahead to the future of nutrition leadership! Join us on the DNS Podcast as we sit down with Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RDN, CDN, FAND — reflecting on her retirement from Compass Group North America, her role as the incoming President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the power of standardizing clinical nutrition practices across healthcare systems. Hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC, this episode was recorded on 7/19/25.

Disclosure: Michelle May, MD, is the founder of Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Programs and Training and author of the Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat book series.In this episode of the Dietitians in Nutrition Support (DNS) Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Michelle May—physician, mindful eating expert, and founder of Am I Hungry?—to explore the transformative power of weight-inclusive care in clinical nutrition practice. Dr. May shares her personal journey from yo-yo dieting to developing a more compassionate, evidence-based approach to patient care. You’ll learn how to shift away from weight-centric models, address weight stigma in healthcare, and integrate mindful eating and Health at Every Size® (HAES®) principles into nutrition support and medical nutrition therapy (MNT). This episode was recorded on 6/23/25 and hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC.🔗 Show Notes & Resources:📄 Peer-Reviewed Article:Mauldin, K., May, M., Clifford, D. (2022). The consequences of a weight‐centric approach to healthcare: A case for a paradigm shift in how clinicians address body weight. Published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice. Read here🧠 Bias Awareness Tool:Take the Weight Implicit Association TestGo to “Project Implicit Social Attitudes” → Click “Go” as guest → Select “Weight IAT”📚 Health at Every Size® Framework:Learn more at ASDAH – Association for Size Diversity and Health

What we eat matters—but emerging research suggests that when we eat is just as critical. Timing meals in sync with the body’s circadian rhythm may influence metabolism, sleep, and even long-term health outcomes.In the latest episode of the DNS Podcast, we’re exploring the intersection of circadian rhythm, chrononutrition, and home nutrition support with leading expert Dr. Hassan S. Dashti—Assistant Professor at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.🎙️ Join us as we discuss:✅ How food timing influences metabolism and overall health✅ The role of circadian rhythm in parenteral and enteral nutrition support✅ Practical strategies for optimizing patient care✅ Cutting-edge research on sleep, nutrition, and health outcomesTune in for insights that could transform how we approach nutrition support! 🎧 This episide was recorded on 6/16/25 and hosted by Christina M. Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC.

What’s in a word? More than you might think.In this thought-provoking episode of the DNS Podcast, Terese Scollard, MBA, RDN, joins us to challenge a commonly used term in nutrition support—“bridle.” We explore how language influences perception, practice, and patient care.A must-listen for dietitians, clinicians, and anyone working in enteral nutrition. Access Scollard's letter to the editor at https://doi.org/10.1002/jpen.2430. This episode was hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC and was recorded on 5/5/25.