Are you thinking of making an appointment with a dietitian nutritionist? Not sure where to start? Here is some helpful information for you.
Can a Dietitian Nutritionist Help Me? Should I Book an Appointment?
There are many medical conditions that can be improved with nutrition. Examples of conditions dietitian nutritionists address are diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, PCOS, malnutrition, disordered eating, dysphagia, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, nutrition support needs, constipation, IBS, obesity, and surgical nutrition. While this is not an exhaustive list, it will give you a snapshot of the variety of conditions a dietitian nutritionist can address. If you have a medical condition that can be improved with nutrition, you might want to make a dietitian nutritionist appointment.
Many dietitian nutritionists are comfortable working with patients with complex needs, such as people with multiple medical concerns that seem to have contradictory nutrition recommendations. A dietitian nutritionist can help you understand what are your nutrition priorities. Dietitian nutritionists also care for people with other health concerns that impact their nutrition needs, including those with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, cognitive decline, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. Nutrition is not just a rote answer matched to a particular disease. Good nutrition recommendations will take into account the entire person. A dietitian nutritionist appointment with a provider who can care for complex patients is crucial if you have complicated needs.
How to Find a Good Dietitian Nutritionist
If you have decided you want to make a dietitian nutritionist appointment, how do you find the dietitian nutritionist to work with? There are a few resources you can use. First is your medical provider. Your doctor can recommend a dietitian nutritionist who he or she refers patients to. Specialist physicians may know dietitian nutritionists who also specialize in the issues they deal with. You can also check with your medical insurance. They can give you a list of dietitian nutritionists who are in your local area.
Another good resource is the list of dietitian nutritionists from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. You can search this list for registered dietitian nutritionists in your city. This is a good place to start to get a few names.
Once you have some names of dietitian nutritionists, you can check out their websites for more of their information. You can look for information on their expertise, experience, approach, and education. Some dietitian nutritionists will offer free phone consultations before you even make the appointment. You can use all that information to find someone who you feel comfortable with.
Does Insurance Cover Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Appointments?
The good news is that most medical insurance plans have coverage for dietitian nutritionist appointments! It is a good idea to check with your own insurance company to find out if these appointments are covered, and if there are any limitations on visits per year or which medical diagnoses are covered.
Not every dietitian nutritionist will take insurance. If that is a concern, make sure you clarify that before starting. You can ask the dietitian nutritionist or ask your own insurance company if the provider you are considering is in network. There are many providers who do take insurance, so if high out of pocket cost is a factor for you, keep looking.
How to Schedule Your Dietitian Nutritionist Appointment
There can be a few ways to book your appointment. For many people, the easiest way is to just call the dietitian nutritionist's phone number and speak to them or their receptionist directly. They will gather some basic information and schedule your appointment. Some dietitian nutritionists have online booking capability, so you can book your appointment yourself on their website. Some providers will allow you to email them or message them online. Reach out the way that is most convenient and comfortable for you.
Your Dietitian Nutritionist Appointment
Now you have all the information you need to schedule your dietitian nutritionist appointment. This is a great step in caring for your health and making changes that can improve your lifestyle. Good work!