Nutrition Counseling, what to expect

Onk Nutrition & Wellness Solutions LLC offers one on one office counseling sessions or group sessions with a Registered Dietitian (RD) for clients of all ages with a variety of nutrition related problems or concerns. We address the issues that lead to life influences and how they affect your eating, fitness and mind. These sessions are titled Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).

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What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

The term “nutritionist” is not protected by law. A nutritionist can only provide general nutrition advice. A Nutritionist can be anyone without any degrees, education, or hands on experience. A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a legally governed credentialed individual who is recognized as a provider by insurance companies as a reimbursable nutrition expert. Therefore; your health care provider may refer you to a Registered Dietitian for nutrition counseling for Diabetes, Weight Control, Celiac Disease, and for many other nutrition questions or concerns.   A Registered Dietitian (RD) must have: Earned a bachelor’s degree with coursework approved by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) including in-depth science-based courses such as Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Physiology, Sociology, food and nutrition sciences, Nutritional Biochemistry, and others that are deemed necessary for a degree in Nutrition. Completed an accredited, supervised internship practice program that includes up to one year of intense evaluation and hands on experience in clinical, community, food service, and other rotations like that of a physician’s rotation.Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.Required, on-going continuing education credits each year from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and state licensure boards.

 

What can an RD do for you?

• When you cannot determine, what is fact or fiction and need nutrition information based on scientific evidence because the wealth of information is overwhelming and confusing, the RD can educate you on what is evidence based.

• If you feel you know a lot about nutrition, but you’re still struggling to reach your weight or health goals, an RD can design a personalized plan to help reach your goals.

• If you need to know how to prevent or control a disease, an RD can assist you with changes that would benefit you specific to your medical condition.

• If you are constantly busy and exhausted and find it impossible to eat right and exercise, an RD can help you with making positive behavior changes, which will motivate you to succeed.

• An RD can work with your physician to develop and provide you with an individualized program that meets your needs and goals.

 

How long are office visits?

Initial nutrition counseling sessions are 60 minutes and follow-up nutrition counseling sessions are 30-75 minutes in length depending on your medical condition and goals. There is a minimum commitment of 3 hours to 6 hours depending on whether you are self-pay or being reimbursed by insurance.

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What can you expect at an office visit?

• Effective meal planning

• Identifying emotional eating cues

• Healthy dining out

• Weight loss

• Becoming a vegetarian

• Eating “on the go”

• Supplements and vitamins

• Adjusting food intake and physical activity to assist with medical issues

 

How many visits do you need?

Each person has individualized needs and each appointment is catered toward your individual needs and goals. You will discuss your goals and establish an appropriate and realistic schedule to meet your goals. The allowed number of visits may depend on what is covered by your insurance, or what you want to pay. You can choose how you want to schedule a specific number of visits based on your motivation level, your health, and your nutrition goals. Sessions include body composition testing, lipid panel profile, stress management, an exercise prescription program and weekly accountability check-ins.

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How much is a nutrition visit?

Most insurance plans will cover anywhere from three to an unlimited number of office visits per 12-month calendar year. For more specific information, we ask that you contact your insurance provider at their 1-800  number and get prior approval for your visits based on your medical condition or goals. If you do not have insurance, we offer self-pay options that are discounted to provide you with the opportunity to reach your health goals.