Now Accepting All Major Connecticut Insurance

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

What is a registered dietitian (RD or RDN)?

Education & Credentials

  • Master’s degree
  • 1,200+ hours of supervised clinical practice
  • Passed a national board exam
  • Required to complete continuing education and hold a license in most states

Scope of Practice

  • Can diagnose and treat nutrition-related medical conditions
  • Can order and interpret labs related to nutrition
  • Can develop personalized nutrition therapy plans for complex diagnoses like IBS, diabetes, PCOS, eating disorders, & more
  • Covered by insurance

When to See a Dietitian

  • You want to improve your health in a more comprehensive, lasting way
  • You’ve tried traditional healthcare but feel your concerns haven’t been fully addressed
  • You’re done with diet culture and ready for real, regulated nutrition care

What’s the difference between a dietitian and a “nutritionist”?

A registered dietitian is a licensed medical provider. Most other titles (like “nutritionist” or “health coach”) are not regulated and don’t require clinical training.

How is a dietitian different from a naturopath or holistic practitioner?

Naturopaths and dietitians bring different strengths to the table, and when we work together, it creates truly well-rounded care.

  • Naturopaths specialize in herbal medicine, supplements, homeopathy, and general lifestyle therapies. 
  • Their nutrition education tends to focus on general wellness, and it may sometimes rely on newer or less-validated testing methods (like food sensitivity panels).
  • Dietitians specialize in medical nutrition therapy to prevent, manage, and treat specific conditions with clinical research.

If you’re navigating a long history of GI symptoms without a firm diagnosis — maybe labeled only as “IBS” — a naturopath might recommend eliminating a long list of foods based on a food sensitivity test to calm symptoms. A dietitian would step in to create a structured reintroduction plan, helping you systematically test foods, monitor symptoms, and identify true triggers based on clinical evidence

What if I already work with a personal trainer or health coach?

We love collaborating with trainers and health coaches — we’re all on the same team, working to support your health from different angles! It’s important to know, though, that most trainers and coaches are not licensed or trained to:

  • Use nutrition to treat or manage chronic diseases
  • Address gut or hormone health in a clinical capacity
  • Interpret lab results or design therapeutic nutrition plans (anything beyond general healthy eating — and yes, weight loss plans count as therapeutic nutrition)

If your trainer recommends a keto diet for weight loss but you have insulin resistance and IBS, it could actually worsen your symptoms. A dietitian would tailor a nutrition plan to protect your gut health, improve your insulin response, and support safe weight loss. Meanwhile, your trainer can focus on building a movement routine that enhances your strength, supports blood sugar control, and keeps you feeling motivated — complementing the nutrition plan designed by your dietitian.

How is seeing a dietitian different from asking my doctor about food?

Doctors do their best, but most receive under 20 hours of nutrition training — and have limited time to address it in care.

Your doctor might say, “Try eating low FODMAP.” A dietitian will guide you through what that means, ensure you meet your nutrition needs, and help reintroduce foods safely.

Bottom Line Comparison
RoleRegulatedCan Treat ConditionsInsurance Covered
DietitianYesYesYes
NutritionistNot AlwaysRarelyRarely
Naturopath Not in NutritionLimited No
Health Coach No No No
DoctorYes (but limited nutrition training)YesYes
Personal TrainerNot in Nutrition No No

Let Your Insurance Pick Up the Tab*

Did you know many insurance plans cover dietitian services at little or no cost to you? That’s right—your path to better health might already be covered. We’ll help you navigate your benefits and take care of the paperwork, so you can focus on feeling your best without stressing about the bill.

*Plan Specific

General FAQs

Most patients do not need a referral. Some insurance (always Medicare and Medicare advantage) plans may require one—we’ll help you find out.

95% of our patients pay $0 per visit through insurance. Our private pay rate is $100/hour.

Signing up for nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian typically won’t affect your insurance premiums, but coverage and costs can vary depending on your plan.

Depends on your insurance plan! Some plans may cover nutrition counseling with a copay, but most offer it as part of preventive care with no cost. Check beforehand to confirm coverage.

Your first visit is 55 minutes and includes:

  • Medical history review
  • Food and symptom exploration
  • Goal setting
  • A personalized plan (not just a handout)

This isn’t a one-time “eat better” visit. We use labs, behavior change tools, and structured follow-up for long-term results.

Yes! We advocate for labs and referrals when symptoms suggest a missed diagnosis.

Absolutely. We often help patients explore root causes before they have a formal diagnosis.

Yes. We provide weight-inclusive care and support goals beyond the scale.

We offer meal structure and ideas—not rigid plans. You’ll learn to build sustainable, satisfying meals that work for you.

Most patients meet with us every 1–3 weeks. We offer recurring appointments to support progress.

We hear this often. Our care is different—relationship-driven, trauma-informed, and adapted to your needs.

Call the number on the back of your card and ask about:

  • “Medical nutrition therapy with a registered dietitian”
  • CPT Codes: 97802, 97803
  • Diagnosis codes: Z71.3, Z82.49, Z68.25+

You can still work with us. Our rate is $100/hour—and we’ll help you explore insurance options if possible.

We’ll notify you immediately if insurance denies or partially covers a claim. No surprise billing. Ever.

At Dietitian Driven, you’re not getting another one-size-fits-all plan. You’re getting a licensed medical provider who makes you a personalized plan. We combine evidence-based nutrition therapy with behavior change counseling, so you’re supported not just in what to do, but how to actually make it stick.

We offer telehealth across all of Connecticut and see patients in-person in Cheshire. More locations are coming soon!