Rockville, MD October 5, 2026: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has established a new Physician Nutrition Specialist (F7) specialty code, effective for dates of service beginning October 1, 2026. The code was implemented in Medicare systems on October 5, 2026. It provides a way to identify physicians with advanced expertise in clinical nutrition within the Medicare system.
The National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists (NBPNS), with support from the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), requested that CMS establish the code.
“The new CMS specialty code is an important milestone for physicians who have developed advanced expertise in clinical nutrition,” said Michael M. Rothkopf, MD, FACP, FASN, NBPNS Board member. “It provides a way to identify Physician Nutrition Specialists within the Medicare system and supports greater recognition of clinical nutrition as an area of specialized physician practice. Physician Nutrition Specialists work closely with Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and other health professionals as part of an interprofessional care team to meet patients’ nutrition needs.”
The new CMS specialty code allows Physician Nutrition Specialists to be more accurately identified within Medicare enrollment and claims processing systems. The code does not create a new Medicare benefit or guarantee payment for specific services. The change comes as efforts continue to strengthen nutrition education in medical training. These efforts reflect growing recognition of the role nutrition can play in patient care and the importance of preparing physicians to incorporate evidence-based nutrition into clinical practice.
What is a Physician Nutrition Specialist?
A Physician Nutrition Specialist is a physician who has developed advanced expertise in clinical nutrition in addition to their primary medical specialty. They may diagnose and treat primary nutritional diseases, use nutrition as part of the care of patients with complex nutrition-related conditions, contribute to disease prevention, and work with other health professionals as part of an interprofessional care team.
PNS certification
The National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists offers voluntary certification for physicians who have developed advanced expertise in clinical nutrition. PNS certification provides a way for physicians to demonstrate their knowledge and competency in clinical nutrition. NBPNS offers year-round testing and secure remote proctoring, providing physicians with greater flexibility in pursuing certification.