Utilizing Registered Dietitians to Improve Outcomes for CCM Patients

Story by Connor Danielowski / May 15, 2025

For millions of Americans managing multiple chronic conditions, diet is one of the most powerful (and often underutilized) tools for better health.

That’s why integrating Registered Dietitians (RDs) into a Chronic Care Management (CCM) program isn’t just helpful — it can be transformative.

Let’s break down how dietitians can enhance your CCM strategy, reduce hospitalizations, and help patients achieve better long-term outcomes.

Why Diet Matters in Chronic Care

Many chronic conditions are directly impacted by nutrition, including:

• Type 2 Diabetes
  
• Heart Disease
  
• Chronic Kidney Disease
  
• Obesity
  
• Hypertension
  
• GI Disorders
  

A poor diet can worsen symptoms, trigger flare-ups, and lead to emergency visits. On the flip side, even small improvements in nutrition can lead to:

• Lower A1C levels
• Reduced blood pressure
• Fewer complications
• Better medication effectiveness

How Registered Dietitians Add Value to CCM

When you embed RDs into your Chronic Care Management workflow, patients gain access to:

Personalized Nutrition Plans
Tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, lifestyle, budget, and cultural preferences.

Monthly Check-ins & Accountability
RDs can participate in non-face-to-face care, making them eligible for CPT billing under CCM codes like 99490 and 99439.

Food-as-Medicine Education
Helping patients understand how nutrition supports their treatment plan and overall well-being.

Symptom & Outcome Tracking
Dietitians can monitor progress using EMR-integrated tools, reporting results directly into the care plan.

CCM + RDs = Better Outcomes Without More Burden

Many practices hesitate to bring in dietitians due to staffing or workflow concerns — but when you partner with Chronic Care Staffing, our team can provide:

• Fully trained RDs as part of your remote care coordination team
• Seamless EMR integration
• Documentation for Medicare compliance
• Monthly outreach and engagement for eligible patients

No extra hires. No additional tech. Just better care.

Medicare Reimbursement and RDs in CCM

Did you know?
Dietitian time can be billed as part of the 20-minute monthly minimum under CPT code 99490. This makes them an asset not just for health outcomes — but for revenue generation too.

And with CPT 99439, every 20 minutes of additional time qualifies for more billable income, especially for complex patients.

Final Takeaway

Nutrition is a foundation of good health — and Registered Dietitians are a key asset in delivering high-quality chronic care. When combined with a CCM program, they help patients:

• Stay out of the hospital
  
• Improve clinical markers
  
• Gain confidence in managing their conditions
  
• Enjoy better quality of life
  

Want to learn how a dietitian-powered CCM program can work in your practice?

Connor Danielowski

Chief Operating Officer, Chronic Care Staffing

Connor Danielowski is the Chief Operating Officer at Chronic Care Staffing, where he leads operations, strategy, and growth initiatives focused on delivering high-impact virtual care solutions. He brings a unique blend of clinical service knowledge and financial expertise to help healthcare organizations implement and scale Chronic Care Management (CCM), Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), and other virtual care management services.

Connor began his career in investment banking and private equity, where he focused on investing in healthcare businesses and working closely with management teams to drive revenue growth and profitability. This experience shaped his hands-on, results-oriented approach to healthcare operations today.

He holds a degree in Accounting from Washington & Lee University and brings both analytical rigor and a patient-first mindset to his role. In addition to his work at Chronic Care Staffing, Connor serves on the development board for the MUSC College of Nursing. He lives in Charleston, SC, with his wife and son.

Categories: Chronic Care Management News