FAQs
Do I need a medical diagnosis in order to see a dietitian?
No. In fact, many of our patients struggle with chronic health issues that are undiagnosed. By working together, we are often able to pinpoint the root cause of your symptom, which your doctor can then use to make a medical diagnosis. Despite this, I encourage everyone to see a dietitian to get a better understanding of nutrition/food science and their dietary needs.
Do you accept insurance?
There are many nuances to insurance coverage for nutrition counseling. Florida Nutrition Group LLC makes every effort to ensure that your nutrition costs are reimbursed by your insurance carrier and are happy to verify insurance coverage before scheduling your appointment. This is the only way to know for certain whether or not your carrier will reimburse you. Currently, we accept Medicare. Note that Medicare will only cover nutrition counseling for diabetes, renal disease, and post-renal transplant. Anyone who wishes to submit a claim to their insurance company for nutrition appointment coverage will need to get a referral from their physician.
Do you do food sensitivity testing?
No. I can refer you to labs or physicians who will do this if you think this is an avenue you’d like to pursue.
Do you prescribe medication for weight loss?
Registered dietitians cannot write medication prescriptions for substances that are not over-the-counter. However, I do make medication recommendations and directly connect with my patients’ provider to relay and discuss those recommendations. I strongly urge anyone who is currently on a prescription medication, especially for weight loss, to make an appointment with Florida Nutrition Group LLC in order to review dietary needs, nutrient absorption, medicine interactions, and weight changes.
Do you recommend supplements?
Sometimes. It depends on the patient, the condition, and the supplement. I do not receive any financial compensation from any companies whose products I might recommend.
Do you make meal plans?
I can. Depending on the patient and their dietary and medical needs, I might. My initial goal is to help each patient understand what is already in their body and how to make healthy food and nutrient choices before limiting them to a meal plan that may or may not be sustainable.
Do you have hospital privileges? Can you treat a patient if they are admitted to the hospital?
No. Hospitals have their own dietitians who see patients while they are admitted. If a patient of mine is admitted to the hospital, I can connect with that facilities nutrition team (provided the patient has authorized me to do so via written consent) to provide continuation of care during their admission.
