Would a patient with a functioning GI tract that is unable to meet nutrition needs due to anorexia or nausea be eligible for Medicare coverage of home enteral nutrition?

• A. Yes
• B. Only if they also have dysphagia
• C. Only if they have cancer
• D. No

Answer: (D)

Medicare coverage for home enteral nutrition hinges on a medical need that prevents meeting nutritional requirements by mouth due to a disease process, with a functioning GI tract. Anorexia or nausea represents a reduction in appetite, not a condition that proves an inability to safely or adequately intake nutrition by mouth. If the GI tract is functional and the patient can’t meet their needs solely because of appetite loss, there isn’t a medical necessity for tube feeding in the eyes of Medicare. In short, this scenario doesn’t meet the criteria for home enteral nutrition coverage.