Martin's Point Health Educator Urges Members of Congress to Pass Medical Nutrition Therapy Legislation

Colette C. Michaud, Health Education Coordinator for Martin's Point Health Care in Portland, joined more than 400 of her colleagues from around the country in Washington, D.C., March 7-9, during the American Dietetic Association's annual Public Policy Workshop.

Michaud, a licensed and registered dietitian, met with Sen. Collins, Sen. Snowe, Rep. Baldacci and Rep. Allen's legislative assistant to discuss a wide range of nutrition and health- care issues currently confronting the nation. Michaud specifically urged Sen. Snowe and Rep. Allen to support the Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act, scheduled to be introduced later in March. Both Sen. Collins and Rep. Baldacci are co-sponsors of the legislation.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.), and strongly supported by the ADA, would improve health care for millions of Americans by extending Medicare to cover nutrition services, particularly in outpatient settings. The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act, co- sponsored by a majority of members of the House, enjoys widespread bipartisan support.

Medical nutrition therapy refers to the comprehensive services provided by a registered dietitian or other nutrition professional as part of a patient's health-care team. It has been proven effective in treating and controlling heart disease, stroke, some forms of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and other life-threatening conditions. Studies show patients receiving medical nutrition therapy require fewer hospitalizations and medications.

"Independent studies, including one just conducted for the Defense Department, show medical nutrition therapy could save lives and millions of dollars in health-care costs," Michaud said. "These studies give solid evidence that the services provided by registered dietitians to Americans of all ages are vital and should be reimbursable by Medicare."

A resident of Portland, Michaud is a member of the Maine Dietetic Association, the American Dietetic Association, the Maine School Health Education Coalition, and Programs Committee of the Maine Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Martin's Point Health Care, based in Portland at 331 Veranda St., also has clinics in Windham, Topsham and Bath and in Newington, N.H. Established in 1981, Martin's Point has a staff of 240 health care professionals, serving approximately 43,000 patients in the areas of family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, radiology, cardiology, mammography and other fields. Martin's Point is a primary care group practice dedicated to forming clinician/patient relationships that guide medical decision-making.

Martin's Point Health Care, which holds a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide health care services for retired military personnel and the dependents of active duty personnel, accepts all major health plans and insurance, including but not limited to HealthSource, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Harvard Community Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, Maine Partners, Champus, Tricare, Aetna, Cigna and NYLCare plans.

The Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. With nearly 7,000 members, ADA serves the public by promoting nutrition, health and well-being.


# # #