Outpatient Nutrition Education FAQ's

1. What is Medical Nutrition Therapy?
   A number of Americans are suffering from chronic health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, joint pain, diabetes, and many more related to unhealthy food choices and lifestyle habits.  The term used to manage medical conditions through nutritional intervention is Medical Nutrition Therapy, or MNT.  Many medical conditions and illnesses can be managed, improved, and even corrected by a specific diet.
2. Who can benefit from Medical Nutrition Therapy?
   If you answer YES to any of the following questions, you can benefit from MNT:
   * Do you have trouble losing or maintaining your weight loss?
   * Do you suffer from indigestion, heartburn, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive problems?
   * Do you have diabetes, cardiovascular problems, or high blood pressure?
   * Are you thinking about having weight loss surgery?
   * Do you need help choosing food wisely in light of allergies or intolerances?
   * Are you confused about what diet is best for you?
   * Would you like to improve your health and well bing through diet, nutrition, and a healthier lifestyle?
3. What will I receive during my initial assessment?
   The initial assessment last about 1 our and involves a medical history review, a diet and weight history, examination of current diet and lifestyle habits, goal setting and personalized nutrition plan based on your health goals, activity needs, age, size, and food preferences.  Educational materials and tools will be provided to help you int the pursuit of your goals.
4. What is a Registered Dietician?
   Anyone can use the term nutritionist, even without any formal education or training.  It is not a professionally regulated term - which means that there are no minimum qualifications for a person to call themselves a nutritionist.  Registered Dieticians (RDs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria:
   * Completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree at an accredited university or college
   * Completed an accredited supervised practice program (internship)
   * Passed a national registration examination
   * Continues professional educational requirements to maintain registration
5. Can I bring my family?
   We work with clients of all ages to help them develop a personal meal and activity plan that meets their individual health goals and lifestyle.  However, a consultation is most successful when family members, friends or any person in a supportive role can attend with you.
6. Does my insurance cover my Medical Nutrition Therapy?
   Some insurance companies will cover MNT with a physician's referral (prescription).  If you have an HMO you will need pre authorization obtained by your physician's office.  You may want to contact your insurance company to determine coverage.  You must obtain a physician's referral for us to bill your insurance.
7. What is accepted for payment?
   If covered, direct billing to insurance is available, but must be established during initial registration.  For those paying "out of pocket", payment is due in full at time of service, and cash, checks, or credit cards are accepted.  For those uncovered by insurance who pay in cash, a significant discount is available.
8. How do I schedule an appointment?
   Once you obtain a physician referral to the Doctors Medical Center Outpatient Nutrition Education program, those referrals must be faxed to 510-741-2414.  Following this, you can make an appointment by calling 51-741-2442 or emailing ttaylor@dmc-sp.org.  Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday.
9. How do I cancel an appointment?
   You can cancel an appointment by calling 510-741-2442 or emailing ttaylor@dmc-sp.org.  Appointments must be cancelled 24 hours in advance or you will be responsible for payment.
10. How do I stay on track?
    We suggest half-hour follow-up session to help.  The focus will be tailored around your personal goals and needs.  For example, if your focus is weight loss, you may want to schedule routine weigh-ins, body fat testing, or an occasional motivational session.  For example, if you eat out quite a bit, we encourage you to collect restaurant take-out menus, so we can create a plan of action for dining out.
11. What is metabolism?
    Metabolic rate, or metabolism, is the rate at which the body expends energy or "burns" calories.  Knowing your metabolic rate is vital for weight loss, as the body gains or loses fat based on energy balance.  It can make the difference between success and failure as you strive to reach your weight goal.  We can help by measuring your resting metabolic rate.
12. Is it necessary to have a diet containing carbohydrates, protein, and fat?
    Everyone needs to include high quality carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in their food choices.  Amounts vary for each individual, based on age, activity, medical conditions and weight.  Carbohydrates are necessary as they are the main source of energy.  Protein is important for growth and repair of every cell.  Fat is necessary to have in our diet because it helps us to feel full.