by Vickie Austin
Registered dieticians are there for us in a variety of ways, whether it’s advising school districts on school lunches or following through on doctor’s orders in a hospital. When is it time to consult a dietician or a nutritionist for yourself?
Depends on your goals
The time to hire a dietician, or to ask for a referral from your doctor, is different for people depending on their goals. If managing your weight is the target, you can opt for a nutritionist, someone who can advise on food management and consumption. For clinical issues like diabetes, heart disease or other medical conditions, a registered dietician (R.D.) would be more appropriate. If you’re taking multiple medications for a variety of illnesses, an R.D. would be your best bet.
There are different types of dieticians, including those who work in clinical settings like hospitals and nursing homes. The dietician is part of the care team in those cases. Community dieticians may work for nonprofit organizations, government or corporate wellness. Consultants have their own private practices and work directly with clients one-on-one to determine their plan of action. And there is a cohort exclusively devoted to research, specializing in studies like diabetes or allergies.
Making the connection
Finding the right dietician for you may take a little research, but it’s worth it to invest the time, especially if you’re paying out of pocket. Some insurance companies will pay for a consultation. If not, employees can use a flexible spending account or health savings account if they have one. To get any kind of coverage, you may need to have a referral from your physician, documenting the need for counseling.
Within the specialty of registered dietician, there are professionals who specialize in geriatric, pediatric and sports nutrition. Some specialize in obesity and weight management, and others may focus on oncology or eating disorders. There is a wide range of specialties; it’s good to do your homework.
Many insurance plans cover some type of nutrition counseling for patients who have chronic health conditions. However, this is where the differences between nutritionists and R.D.s count. Insurance plans lean toward using registered dieticians who have more specific training than nutritionists. Seniors with issues related to diabetes or kidney disease, or those who have had a kidney transplant, might be eligible for the services of an R.D. through Medicare Part B.
Whatever you choose, make sure you’re clear about your goals. Understand how the professional gets paid and leverage employee benefits if they are available. For seniors, understand the parameters of Medicare, and if you’re on Medicaid, there’s a different set of rules for you.
Here’s a hearty endorsement of dieticians on the Cleveland Clinic website: “Dieticians… play a critical role in helping people get the nutrients they need to lead a healthy lifestyle.”