Registered dietitians (RDs) or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are nationally recognized food and nutrition healthcare professionals who are uniquely qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT). RDs complete extensive nutrition education and 1,200+ hours of clinical training. They must pass national board exams for licensure and stay up to date on current evidence-based guidelines with mandatory continuing education credits.

RDs receive an NPI number (National Provider Identifier Number), which authorizes them to bill insurance for nutrition care. RDs work in both inpatient and outpatient clinical settings, including hospitals, alongside physicians and other healthcare providers. There is no comparable national standard of education, training, or licensure for nutritionists, who do not offer insurance coverage for their services.

“Nutritionist” was added to RD for the purpose of encompassing a broader concept of wellness, plus the prevention and treatment of conditions. This distinction highlights that all registered dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are Registered Dietitians. The distinction between a dietitian and a nutritionist is a matter of education and training.

Dietitians are recognized medical professionals. It’s a title reserved for people who complete specific education and licensure requirements. You can be confident a dietitian is an expert in matters related to the best eating plan for you and how to use food to fuel your body in a healthy way. And your insurance may cover visits to a dietitian.

Nutritionists, on the other hand, are a self-proclaimed title — there aren’t any requirements about who can or can’t use it. They typically aren’t covered by insurance because they’re not recognized as health professionals.

Nutritionists may or may not have formal training in the field. Some nutritionists may have completed some education related to diet or food science. They may have some experience counseling people about food and healthy eating habits. Or they may just have a passing interest in the field.

Most likely! If you have a commercial insurance plan from a major provider, chances are you have some coverage for Registered Dietitian visits. 88% of my patients receive insurance coverage. I currently work with insurance plans that include Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare. When you book your first session with me, I will verify your insurance coverage for free. Get started.

It’s very effective! Virtual dietitian counseling allows us to engage in meaningful conversations as well as view review visuals and resources within your session. In fact, many of my patients prefer meeting virtually as it allows more flexibility to select the time and location that is most convenient for them. I have evening and weekend availability so you can find the best time that works for your schedule. My hours are 5 – 8p Monday through Thursday and 7a – 12p on Saturday and Sunday.

You can schedule your first session on my website. During the first session, I will ask you some questions to learn more about your needs. At your first session, you and I will decide how frequently we will meet, and whether you might benefit from any other support. The number of sessions needed to achieve and maintain lasting change varies greatly from person to person. I will likely be able to best advise you on a recommended duration of care after 1-2 appointments.