Question 1

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Given the administration requirements of managing health insurance payments, I am not in-network with any insurance providers. I am authorized to accept payments from an HSA or FSA via an eligible payment card. At the time of your appointment, I will provide you with a Superbill suitable for submitting to your insurance company. I cannot be certain if your particular plan provides coverage and reimbursement for medical nutrition therapy counseling. Many insurance companies do not cover Dietitian services unless you have a diagnosis of Diabetes, Kidney disease or obesity, however, some plans offer a "Wellness" benefit which allows for coverage of Dietitian services, so it's always worth verifying with your plan. To be certain if you will be able to receive reimbursement for services, you will need to contact your insurance company directly.
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Medicare places severe restrictions on my counseling protocol and would prevent me from practicing in a manner that would provide optimal outcomes. I am only in-network with Medicare for Diabetes and CKD, so if you have those diagnoses, even if you are not coming to me for that reason, please ask me about it.
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Please contact me if you would like a schedule of fees.

Question 2

Can you help me find out if Dietitian services are covered by my insurance company?

Accepted Answer

Sure! Just ask me -- I have created a "script" to use when calling your insurance company so you know exactly what to ask them. Dealing with insurance companies can be complicated so I'm happy to help you get the coverage you are entitled to. Contact me for a copy.

Question 3

What's the difference between a Nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian?

Accepted Answer

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) are food and nutrition experts. An RDN's expertise includes explaining the role of food and nutrition in your health and counseling clients that may have chronic diseases such as Diabetes, Celiac Disease and/or cardiovascular disease. RDNs have met academic and professional requirements including:
Completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education and have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
Coursework includes but not limited to biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, general nutrition, lifecycle nutrition, clinical nutrition assessment and planning, and medical nutrition therapy.
Completed 1200 hours of supervised practice in a dietetic residency program at an accredited, supervised dietetic residency program.
Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Must maintain and complete continuing professional education requirements that includes a minimum of 75 continuing education credits every 5 years.
https://www.credly.com/badges/6c076bef-6831-4f2d-bdb6-9122a1680cd8/public_url

Question 4

Do you work with children?

Accepted Answer

My practice is focused on the many nutritional needs & health challenges of adults starting at the age of 18. In order to stay up to date with the science of nutrition for the benefit of my patients, I leave the care of children to specialists in that area. I am happy to provide a referral for a trusted Pediatric Dietitian should you have a need.

Question 5

Can my spouse, significant other or caregiver attend the appointment with me?"

Accepted Answer

Of course! They are often eating with you and involved in meal preparation so they are more than welcome to join the appointment as long as it doesn’t limit your ability to speak freely. To make sure we have enough time to cover everything, I ask that you limit to one extra guest at our appointment, please.

Question 6

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

I will provide you several forms ahead of time to start gathering information about you. I ask that you return those to me at least a day ahead of your appointment if possible so I can be as prepared as possible when we meet. If you have labwork that was completed within the previous 2 - 3 months, please provide that as well. If not, please bring them with you to our first session or email them to me prior to our session.

Question 7

What can I expect from my initial assessment?

Accepted Answer

We will review your health history and any specific health needs or challenges, history with food & diets, medications, habits, activity & exercise, and review your food log from the previous few days if you have completed one. If you have provided labs, we’ll review them and discuss any implications on your diet and health. We’ll discuss your lifestyle and set goals for what you’d like to accomplish. Then we’ll strategize about how to get there. Before we finish, we’ll set some goals until our next session. Within 48 hours, you’ll receive a written assessment with your goals, recommendations, suggestions, notes and customized resources as needed.

Question 8

Can you speak to my doctor about my care?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as you sign the Release form I send which gives me limited permission to speak to your doctor about only those issues related to our work together. Please make sure I have the contact information for your doctor and know any specific issues you’d like me to coordinate.

Question 9

What type of payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I accept checks, cash, and credit card payments for a 3.5% credit card processing fee. I also accept Venmo at time of service at @KateCohenRD for no additional fee.

Question 10

Do I Need A Referral?

Accepted Answer

Some patients are referred by physicians and others come on their own. Some insurance companies require a physician referral to use the nutrition coverage on your plan. If you are using insurance you can use the Insurance Script I have created to know exactly what you will need to have your services covered by your insruance company. Contact me for a copy.

Question 11

How Do I Find Out If My Insurance Will Cover My Nutrition Appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please call your insurance provider. The phone number is on the back of your insurance card. I know dealing with insurance companies can be confusing so please use this Insurance Script as a guide to ask the appropriate questions.

Question 12

Do You Customize Recommendations for Each Person?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Nutrition recommendations are based on a variety of factors that from weight to health history to health status. These individualized recommendations are based on the information you provide me in the Welcome form, goals & priorities we discuss in our first session, and then adjusted during follow-up visits.

Question 13

I See A Lot of Nutritionists Selling Nutritional Supplements. What Should I Know About These Supplements?

Accepted Answer

I am a big proponent of eating well-balanced meals and reducing the need for supplements. However, there are certain situations where vitamins and minerals are needed. Since the supplement industry is not well regulated it is wise to know the research that can be found in medical or nutrition journals. Look for the USP label. It is a voluntary testing and auditing program that helps dietary manufacturers ensure the quality of their products for consumers. To see a complete list of USP Verified Products.

Frequently asked questions