Chronic diseases are overwhelming our healthcare system—and physicians are on the front lines. Yet, traditional treatment models often overlook one of the most powerful interventions available: food.
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The Food as Medicine (FAM) movement is changing that, and at its center are Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), licensed professionals who use evidence-based nutrition therapy to improve clinical outcomes and reduce costs.
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Why Nutrition Belongs in Every Physician’s Care Plan

When RDNs lead Food as Medicine programs, the results are remarkable:

• Fewer hospital readmissions
  
• Improved blood sugar and cholesterol control
  
• An estimated $13.6 billion in annual healthcare savings
  

Despite this, many care settings still lack consistent access to RDNs or sustainable funding models. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is working to change that with its Food as Medicine Strategic Roadmap, built around four key goals that directly support physician-led care.
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1. Expanding Patient Access to RDNs

Every patient with a nutrition-related condition, whether diabetes, obesity, or heart disease, should have access to a dietitian.

The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act aims to expand insurance coverage for these services, ensuring that nutrition care becomes a standard part of the treatment plan, not an optional add-on.
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Physicians can play a pivotal role in advancing this change by referring patients and partnering with RDNs early in the care journey.

2. Building Sustainable Payment Models

The future of Food as Medicine depends on reliable reimbursement. The Academy is collaborating with policymakers and insurers to develop value-based payment models that recognize nutrition as an essential intervention—one that reduces overall system costs and improves patient outcomes.
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3. Proving Outcomes With Data

To earn its place in mainstream medicine, Food as Medicine programs must continue demonstrating measurable results.

The Academy is prioritizing data-driven research that shows how Medical Nutrition Therapy improves long-term patient health, lowers readmissions, and enhances quality-of-life metrics.
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For physicians, this evidence supports integrating nutrition into care pathways and helps unlock new reimbursement opportunities.
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4. Fostering Collaboration Across Disciplines

The next phase of healthcare depends on collaboration.

Through interprofessional education and practice, physicians, RDNs, and healthcare teams can design comprehensive, food-based interventions tailored to each patient’s condition.
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When healthcare, nutrition, and food providers work together, prevention becomes just as important as treatment.
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A Call to Action: Join the Future of Preventive Care

The Academy’s vision is clear: a healthcare system where nutrition is recognized as medical care.

For physicians, this is an opportunity to lead a transformative shift, moving from reactive disease management to proactive health optimization.

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Food is medicine. Physicians are the bridge.