FAQs

 

1) Will my insurance cover a visit to see the dietitian?

 

Karin is a provider for the following insurance companies:

 

- Aetna

- Great West Healthcare

- Humana

- Reserve National Insurance Company

- United Healthcare

 

Many insurance companies will reimburse for nutrition counseling, however, some will only

reimburse for certain diagnoses. Some insurance companies will not reimburse for

counseling, but will offer a discount to its members. This results in a lower cost to the

patient at the time of service. It is the patient’s responsibility to call their insurance

company (customer service telephone number on the back of the insurance card) and

ascertain whether their benefits include nutrition counseling. All costs not covered by

insurance will be charged to the patient.

 

See Office Policies for more information

 

 

2) Do I need a referral from my doctor?

 

Some insurance companies or insurance plans require a doctor’s referral for nutrition

counseling. Most PPO or POS plans, however, do not require this. Patients should check

with their insurance company to determine what is necessary before seeking nutrition

services.

 

At the time of service, patients are recommended to provide the name of the physician that

recommended nutrition counseling or the name of their primary care physician so that

nutrition counseling chart notes can be shared.  This allows for better communication

between healthcare providers even when a true referral is not required by the insurance

company.

 

 

3) How many times do I need to see the dietitian?

 

The number of visits is dependent upon patient’s progress towards nutrition goals,

comprehension of diet education, and the patient’s perceived level of need for

accountability. Typically, patients visit once per month unless more intensive counseling is

required. Evaluation of progress and the need for additional sessions is ongoing between

the patient and Karin. It is recommended that weight loss patients and diabetics plan for a

minimum of three visits for maximum success with their programs. Nutrition counseling

packages may be purchased at a discount for those interested in multiple sessions.

 

 

4) Can I bring my entire family to each visit?

 

Healthy habits are stressed for the whole family, not just one individual trying to improve

their diet. The foundation of these healthy habits is a focus of every nutrition visit.

However, parents and children not only have very different nutritional needs due to the age

difference, but also often suffer from different health ailments. Nutrition counseling is highly

personalized with these needs in mind. It is not possible to discuss all these various needs

in a one-hour appointment. Family members should plan on separate nutrition counseling

sessions for maximum success.

 

 

 

- Blue Cross Blue Shield

- Health Allies

- Medical Resource, LLC

- Premera Blue Cross