What exactly does a dietitian do?
Dietitians work with people for anything that is related to food, eating, and/or your health. A lot of medical conditions can be managed or improved through making changes to your eating patterns. Dietitians can help you to make changes that make sense for your life. We take into account all of the things that might impact how, why, and what you eat, so that you can take actions to support your health and your overall wellbeing. I usually start with asking lots of questions, and then give you some suggestions on how to address your concerns. Then we’ll work together to make a plan on how to implement your desired changes and support you through any barriers.
Read more here: https://www.dietitians.ca/About/Learn-About-Dietitians
Is a nutritionist the same as a dietitian?
Registered Dietitians are regulated health professionals, which means that this title is protected by law in the province of Alberta. In each province in Canada, Registered Dietitians are governed by a provincial regulatory body. In Alberta, the title “Nutritionist” is also a protected title that can only be used by Registered Dietitians, but this varies from province to province. It’s always a good idea to check with the regulatory body in your province to ensure the practitioner you are working with is a registered member in good standing.
Read more here: https://collegeofdietitians.ab.ca/public/how-do-i-know-my-dietitian-is-registered/
Do you offer direct billing to my insurance?
Yes! I can direct bill to a number of health insurance providers – however, not all plans cover dietitian services. Some of the main providers I bill to include Alberta Blue Cross, Greenshield, Manulife, Desjardin, and Simply Benefits, as well as several others. Contact me to find out if this is an option for you. If your provider is not available for direct billing, or if you have multiple plans, you will receive a receipt after each appointment that you can submit for reimbursement.
I can’t afford to see a dietitian – are there any other options for me?
There are many ways to access dietitian services in Alberta, although some options may not be readily available where you live. Registered Dietitians may work in private practice (like me) where you pay out of pocket for care. If you have private health benefits, you may have coverage to see a dietitian – contact your HR department or benefit provider for more info. Other options in Alberta include Primary Care Networks (https://albertafindadoctor.ca/pcn) and AHS Health Link (https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/811/811.aspx#nutrition). Please get in touch if you would like any support in accessing a dietitian through these services.