Are dietetic services covered by insurance?
Many plans now cover dietetic services - check with your individual insurance carrier to inquire about specific coverage and benefit information.
What type of services do registered dietitians provide?
Registered dietitians provide individualized nutritional counseling in a variety of areas. Topics include (but are not limited to):
Type 1, Type 2 & Gestational Diabetes
Obesity & Weight Managment
Hypertension
High Cholesterol
Pre and Post Natal Nutrition
Cardiovascular Disease
Food Allergies/Intolerances
GI Disorders
Kidney Disease
Sports Nutrition
Family Meal Planning
Infant and Childhood Nutrition
General Healthy Eating Guidelines
What can I expect from the appointment?
You will meet with the dietitian who will assess your medical history, weight and diet history, current nutritional status and specific goals. A personalized plan will be given which fits your lifestyle and which incorporates evidenced based nutrition research. A plan for monitoring and evaluating your progress will also be defined.
What is the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist?
Registered dietitians are regulated health professionals and are your most credible source of nutrition information. They are food and nutrition experts who have fulfilled specific requirements including:
Obtained at least a Bachelor's Degree with course work in areas such as food and nutrition sciences, food service systems management, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and chemistry.
Completed an accredited and supervised practice program of at least 900 hours.
Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
The term "dietitian" is protected by law to ensure that education, practice and ethical standards are achieved and maintained. Alternatively, the term "nutritionist" is not protected by law which means that anyone can call himself or herself a nutritionist.
I'm healthy - why should I see a Registered Dietitian?
Prevention is key! Neglecting your diet over time can lead to a number of related health problems such as obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion and/or vitamin deficiencies. A nutritional check up can help to prevent or alleviate these types of problems and can lead to fewer doctor visits and decreased medicine costs. In addition, dietitians are able to separate facts from fads and translate nutritional science into information you can use.
Other ways an appointment with a dietitian can help include:
Improved quality of life through healthy eating habits
Simplified meal planning
Tips and techniques for meal preparation
Improved athletic performance
Better control of eating behaviors to lead a more balanced life
