LETTERS: MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY SUPPORT

To the editor:

We would like to publicly thank Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson for her support of House Resolution 1375, the Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1997, by signing on as a cosponsor of this important piece of Medicare legislation.

Research has shown that medical nutrition therapy is an effective way to save health-care dollars and improve patient outcomes. By reducing and shortening hospital admissions and by preventing and controlling medical complications, medical nutrition therapy can lower the cost of treating a variety of diseases. Of particular note are the savings that have been documented for patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, two ailments that account for a staggering 60 percent of all Medicare expenditures. The role of medical nutrition therapy and the dietitian's impact on lessening the severity and duration of disease, as well as shortening the length of stay in hospitals, are undeniable. By including these services in the Medicare bill, Congresswoman Emerson continues to support preventive health-care measures. We applaud her support of the health of her constituents.

GEORGEANNE SYLER, Ph.D.

MARCIA NAHIKIAN-NELMS, Ph.D.

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau