Nutrition Counseling
Nutrition Counseling with one of our licensed dietitian nutritionists is for individuals who have been referred by a medical provider for a specific medical nutrition condition such as but not limited to; high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, sports nutrition, PCOS, acid reflux, food allergies, infertility, hypoglycemia, Crohn's disease, weight loss, celiac disease, binge eating, and bariatric surgery or has done their own research and think they need to develop a more nutritious lifestyle.
To get started, first contact our office to schedule:
1. Nutrition testing at our Nutrition Assessment Center at our Alexandria office location. Nutrition testing includes; Micronutrient testing , the DEXA SCAN and Metabolism testing. All are administered at this location.
2. An initial nutrition counseling session with a licensed dietitian nutritionist virtually or at one of our office locations. Metabolism testing is the only test that can be administered at your initial nutrition counseling appointment, if your appointment is in the office. Please let our receptionist know if you choose this option so your dietitian nutritionist can plan. Metabolism testing may also be covered by your insurance plan.
Nutrition testing is optional, but it does help your dietitian nutritionist customize the nutrition plan for you. The DEXA SCAN and Micronutrient testing are self- pay although Metabolism testing may be covered by your insurance company. Your dietitian will evaluate your nutrition status based on the nutrition tests you did with us and another testing including blood work performed by your primary care or other physicians. Please send or have with you at the appointment any blood you have had with – in the past year.
Evaluation:
At your initial nutrition counseling session your licensed dietitian nutritionist will go over your nutrition testing results with you and any other blood work you bring to the visit. The more information your dietitian nutrition has to evaluate your nutrition status the more accurate she can tailor your nutrition program to help you reach your health goals. Your dietitian nutritionist will then evaluate your health condition(s) and give you advice on how to help improve your nutrition-related conditions. The approach your dietitian chooses will be very individualized depending on your nutrition status and needs.
If you choose micronutrient testing, the results take 2 weeks to come in, therefore a detailed supplement evaluation will be discussed at your next nutrition counseling session. If you are looking to lose weight in addition to improving nutrition related conditions your calories and macronutrients will be calculated, your dietitian nutritionist will explain how to use our preferred food tracking software and our weight loss programs will be explained. Please visit our weight loss programs and support page for more detailed information on what your initial nutrition counseling session will look like.
Follow-up virtual or in-office nutrition counseling sessions
If you have a nutrition condition other than weight loss, or in addition to weight loss we recommend weekly 25 to 55-minute in-office or virtual nutrition counseling sessions at least for the first month to make sure you are on the right track to optimal health.
Other follow-up options
At this time we have a face group support group for IBS and weight loss and we have a more individualized weight loss and fitness coaching app. If you have a nutrition condition other than weight loss, or in addition to weight loss we recommend in – office or virtual follow – up nutrition counseling sessions.
Insurance coverage and rates:
All of our licensed dietitian nutritionists are in-network with United, BCBS, Cigna and Aetna, and Medicare. Initial and follow-up nutrition counseling sessions in many cases are covered, as most insurance companies now offer nutrition health benefits. The DEXA Scan and Micronutrient Testing are self-pay, although Metabolism testing may be covered. If you have insurance benefits for nutrition counseling and you have met your deductible you only need to pay your co–pay at the time of session if you have one. For more information about your insurance benefits please visit our insurance and billing page.
If you do not have United, Aetna, Cigna, BCBS or Medicare payment will be accepted at your time of the visit and you will receive a superbill for your services to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Self – Pay Rates For Nutrition Counseling
- 55 minute initial nutrition counseling session ………………$200
- 25 minute follow-up nutrition counseling session…………………..$100
How do I get started?
Contact us and our receptionist will ask you to fill out our insurance verification form and schedule you with one of our licensed dietitian nutritionists for an initial 55 minute session at one of our office locations or virtually through our HIPPA compliant telehealth system or over the telephone.
