F.A.Q....
What is a Registered Dietitian (RD)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?
Registered Dietitians and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are food and nutrition experts who are leaders in the field of nutrition and have met the minimum academic and professional requirements to quality for credentials of an “RD” or “RDN”.
How is an RD/RDN different than a nutritionist?
The “RD” credential is a legally protected title that can only be used by practitioners who are authorized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Some RDs may call themselves “nutritionists,” but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The definition and requirements for the term “nutritionist” vary. Some states have licensure laws that define the range of practice for someone using the designation “nutritionist,” but in other states, virtually anyone can call him- or herself a “nutritionist” regardless of education or training.
Individuals with the RD credential have fulfilled specific requirements, including having earned at least a bachelor’s degree (about half of RDs hold advanced degrees), completed a supervised practice program and passed a registration examination — in addition to maintaining continuing education requirements for recertification.
This question and answer is supplied from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Website: http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6713)
Do you take insurance?
For now, I do not take insurance but some insurance companies will directly reimburse you for working with a registered dietitian. It is the client’s responsibility to check insurance benefits and coverage prior to your appointment. You will be responsible for any non-covered services, deductibles, co-payments or co-insurances, as determined by your insurance carrier. You will need to call your insurance company and ask if they cover dietitian services. Some will cover a certain percentage and some will offer full coverage. If your insurance company offers any type of coverage, I can provide with you with a Super Bill that you will send in to your insurance company and they will reimburse you directly. If you will be sending in the Super Bill, a physician consult for the nutrition consult will be required for reimbursement. Your doctor can fax his/her referral directly to me. Reimbursement rates vary depending on your insurance company.
Insurance Coverage and Flexible Spending Account Reimbursements?
Depending on your insurance coverage and the rules for your healthcare flexible spending account (FSA), you may be able to have your Nutrition Counseling services covered partially or completely by your health insurance plan, and/or be able to pay for my nutritional services with untaxed funds in your FSA. Misty Clackum Nutrition LLC is an “out of network” provider for all insurance companies. I do not file insurance claims on behalf of my clients, however, I will provide you with the necessary documentation for you to file your claim with your insurance company. It is the client’s responsibility to check insurance benefits and coverage. You will be responsible for any non-covered services, deductibles, co-payments or co-insurances, as determined by your insurance carrier.
All appointments are considered “fee-for-service," and fees are due at the time of your appointment. I accept cash, check, credit card and payments via Venmo. I also accept FSA cards for our fees. I provide you with a receipt for all services.
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICES?
I can create personalized nutrition programs for each of my clients depending on the care needed for their case. Program quotes outline the anticipated length of time I plan to work with the client to achieve their goals, the amount of time devoted to each appointment, as well as the number of total appointments. For now, my prices are in line with (if not lower than) the market for dietitian services at $150 per hour.