Questions about Nutrition Counseling
Question:
Talking to a dietitian seems scary. Are you the food police?
Answer:
I’m not about that judgy, dogmatic life.
I think people can be pretty dogmatic and judgmental about food, so talking with a professional about food can seem scary.
It’s even been intimidating for me, and I am a dietitian! I can assure you that I am here to listen to, support, and educate you, not judge.
My goal in my practice is to help people feel confident with food. I aim to create a welcoming, accepting, and safe environment where you feel you can be open and honest.
If there is ever something else I can do to help you feel more comfortable, please let me know.
As Ted Lasso says, “Be curious, not judgmental.”
Question:
What is the process of nutrition counseling like?
Answer:
It’s totally customized for your needs.
In an initial 90-minute appointment, I'll collect information about your goals, your relationship with food, nutrition habits, lifestyle, and medical history at the initial appointment.
Then, in the following 60-minute sessions, we’ll talk about hangups with food or concerns about nutrition or body image you may have in order to address your patterns and beliefs that interfere with nutrition supporting you in living vibrantly.
Along the way, we'll make modifications as needed to ensure that food works for you.
Question:
Do you accept insurance?
Answer:
Yes! It is important that nutrition counseling be as accessible as possible.
We currently have contracts with the following insurances:
Blue Cross of Idaho
Cigna
Humana
Medicaid
Medicare
SelectHealth
United Healthcare
We are also open to contracting with other insurance companies, so if your insurance is not listed, please let us know.
In the event that I am not an in-network provider with your insurance, I can provide you with a superbill so that you can seek reimbursement from your insurance.
-
Call the phone number for customer service which is usually located on the back of your insurance card. Ask if Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a covered benefit based on your plan and diagnosis. You will want to ask exactly what they will cover in terms of diagnosis, the number of visits, and what they will pay after you reach your deductible.
If your insurance company says that MNT is a benefit, be sure to document the date and who you spoke with and ask them to send you the information in writing. They may need procedure or diagnosis codes.
The procedure codes I use for MNT are:
97802 (initial assessment)
97803 (follow-up assessment)
The diagnosis code depends on your situation.
I can provide you with a superbill receipt upon request. You can submit this receipt with whatever form your insurance company requests (often a CMS1500) to try to receive out-of-network reimbursement. I recommend keeping track of your visits and submissions with the insurance company in order to keep your reimbursement organized.
Do not sign payment over to me as the provider.
Question:
Can you tell me how much it costs?
Answer:
Absolutely.
At BPNC, we value transparency in the cost of medical care and we strive to be the change we wish to see in that regard. We think more healthcare professionals should be upfront about cost.
If you do not have insurance coverage for our services, our self pay rates are as follows:
Initial Assessment: 1- 90 minute appointment @ $210
Nutrition Counseling: 60 minute appointments @ $140
If you do have insurance, will we bill your insurance for your appointments and you will pay any co-pay or deductible you owe.
We collect payment at the beginning of sessions.
We charge the full rate for sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. There is more information on the cancellation policy in the patient portal.
Question:
What are your hours?
The short answer:
T-F 4:30-8 PM
The long answer:
We are currently seeing patients in the evening and hope to expand hours soon to be able to offer daytime and evening appointments.
Currently, appointments are available Tuesday- Friday starting at 4:30 pm for telehealth or in-person appointments.
I'm Ready To Get Started!
How Do I Schedule An Appointment?
Awesome!
I’m excited for us to get started on your journey!
If you're ready to begin the journey toward a healthier, body-positive lifestyle, please book an appointment with me today!
We’ll start with a 15-minute discovery call so I can answer any questions you might have, to make sure we’re a good fit to work together, and to schedule your first appointment over the phone.
I look forward to meeting with you and helping you achieve your goals.