For HEN coverage, which statement accurately reflects nutrition feasibility?

• A. Adequate nutrition must not be possible by dietary adjustment and/or oral supplements
• B. Adequate nutrition must be possible by dietary adjustment alone
• C. Enteral feeding must be rejected by the patient
• D. The patient must rely solely on parenteral nutrition

Answer: (A)

The key idea is feasibility of meeting nutritional needs through the oral route. For Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) coverage, the patient qualifies when adequate nutrition cannot be achieved by dietary adjustment and/or oral supplements, meaning oral intake alone is insufficient to meet energy and nutrient needs. If a feasible and appropriate enteral feeding plan could provide the needed nutrition, HEN is considered necessary.

If nutrition could already be achieved with diet and supplements, there would be no need for HEN. Requiring patient rejection of enteral feeding or mandating exclusive reliance on parenteral nutrition does not define eligibility for HEN—enteral nutrition is distinct from parenteral nutrition, and coverage decisions focus on whether oral methods can meet needs, not on a preference that cannot be accommodated.