Do I Need a Referral to See a Dietitian? 

Whether trying to lose weight or manage a health condition, what you eat greatly influences your overall health. But it’s not just about what you eat; how much and how frequently you eat plays a role in your health, too. 

For many, managing your diet alongside other responsibilities can be overwhelming. This is where registered dietitians can help. Trained to educate you on proper nutrition, they can help you create a practical plan to stay on track. Working with a registered dietitian can be the missing piece for living a healthier life, allowing you to eat balanced meals without it taking over your day-to-day routine.

Still, seeing a dietitian can be uncharted territory. You might be wondering, do I need a referral to see a dietitian? Is seeing a dietitian right for me? This article answers these and other frequently asked questions about seeing a dietitian.

A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a licensed professional specializing in nutrition through a behavioral health lens. They act as nutrition educators, helping clients develop positive relationships with food and eating plans that support their long-term goals.

Furthermore, what sets registered dietitian nutritionists apart from nutritionists is their level of training. RDNs must earn a master’s degree in nutrition, pass a national exam, and complete ongoing continuing education credits annually to maintain their credentials.

These nutrition professionals have worked traditionally in clinical settings like a medical office or hospital. However, at Dietitian Live, registered dietitians are available via telehealth for more accessible, comprehensive care.

You don’t need to have a health problem to see a dietitian. Anyone who wants to learn more about nutrition and preparing healthy, balanced meals tailored to their lifestyle can benefit from a dietitian’s guidance.

That said, nutrition therapy can be especially beneficial for people with diabetes, digestive issues, food sensitivities, or a history of strict dieting. Dietitian Live dietitians can support you with:

●   Diabetes or another health condition: Understanding how foods affect your condition and creating a plan that helps manage your symptoms. 

●   Food allergies, sensitivities, or intolerance: Identify your triggers and develop strategies for avoiding them. Whether looking for dairy or gluten-free foods, dietitians can help you find suitable substitutes for a well-balanced diet. 

●   GI problems: Offering guidance on identifying food triggers and adjusting your diet to avoid aggravating your symptoms.  

●  Breaking the dieting cycle: Helping you quit diets and heal your relationship with food through practices like intuitive eating.

●   Weight loss: Understanding your dieting history and eating patterns and developing sustainable, balanced habits geared towards weight loss.

●  Practical advice: Teaching you more about nutrition and creating a healthy, balanced eating plan that suits your lifestyle.

In most cases, you don’t need a referral to see a dietitian. You can schedule an appointment by contacting the dietitian directly. However, some insurance companies or individual policies may require a referral to cover treatment costs. In this instance, you may need to ask your primary care physician or nurse practitioner for a referral.

You do not need a referral to see a dietitian at Dietitian Live. Booking your first session with us is quick and easy.

Firstly, complete a brief form and choose a date that fits into your schedule. It takes less than a minute to complete. Plus, your first session comes at no cost to you!

Afterward, you’ll receive a text and email asking you to confirm your appointment and fill out your insurance information.

We accept most major insurance providers. For example, Aetna, United Healthcare, Humana, Anthem, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, and more. Lastly, confirming your appointment quickly helps secure your spot.

For your first appointment with Dietitian Live, you will connect with a dietitian from the comfort of your own home through our secure telehealth platform. Your dietitian will ask about your medical history, current dieting, lifestyle, and your health goals.

From there, you can begin developing an eating plan tailored to your specific needs. At this stage, the discussion may include your food preferences, eating patterns, and any dieting-related concerns. Remember that dietitians are there to help, not judge, in a safe, accepting environment.

At the end of your session, your dietitian will discuss insurance coverage and create a schedule for ongoing sessions. We aim to schedule follow-up appointments weekly, which last up to an hour. We offer the option to pay with self-pay or through an HSA account if you are uninsured or don’t have insurance that covers dietitian services.