Now Accepting All Major Connecticut Insurance

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers about insurance, your first visit, and how dietitians differ from other providers.

1

Getting started

Most patients don’t. Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans always require one, and some other plans may too. We’ll help you find out on your free inquiry call.
Your first visit is 55 minutes and includes a medical history review, food and symptom exploration, goal setting, and a personalized plan, not just a handout.
Absolutely. We often help patients explore root causes before they have a formal diagnosis.
Both. We see patients in person in Cheshire and East Hartford, and by telehealth anywhere in Connecticut.
Most patients meet with us every 1–3 weeks, and we offer recurring appointments to support your progress.
2

Insurance and cost

95% of our patients pay $0 per visit through insurance. Our private pay rate is $100 per hour.
It depends on your plan. Most plans cover nutrition counseling as preventive care at no cost, and some apply a copay. Check your coverage before your first visit.
Nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian typically won’t affect your premiums, but coverage and costs vary by plan.
Call the number on the back of your insurance card. Our insurance guide shows exactly what to ask for your plan, plus a one-tap number to call.
You can still work with us at $100 per hour, and we’ll help you explore insurance options where possible.
We’ll tell you right away if insurance denies or partially covers a claim, so you know what to expect.
3

Our approach

We offer meal structure and ideas, not rigid plans. You’ll learn to build satisfying meals that work for your life.
Yes. We provide weight-inclusive care and support goals beyond the scale.
Yes. We advocate for labs and referrals when symptoms suggest a missed diagnosis.
You’re not getting another one-size-fits-all plan. You’re getting a licensed medical provider who builds a plan for you, combining evidence-based nutrition therapy with behavior change counseling, so you’re supported in what to do and how to make it stick.
We hear this often. Our care is relationship-driven, trauma-informed, and adapted to your needs.
This isn’t a one-time “eat better” visit. We use labs, behavior change tools, and structured follow-up for long-term results.
No questions match that search. Our Practice Administrator can answer it on a free 15-minute call.
Section 4

Dietitians vs. other providers

What a registered dietitian is, and how that compares to the other people you might see for nutrition.

What is a registered dietitian (RD or RDN)?

1

Education and credentials

Master’s degree
1,200+ hours of supervised clinical practice
Passed a national board exam
Continuing education and state licensure
2

Scope of practice

Diagnose and treat nutrition-related conditions
Order and interpret nutrition-related labs
Build therapy plans for IBS, diabetes, PCOS, eating disorders, and more
Covered by insurance
3

When to see a dietitian

You want lasting, comprehensive change
Traditional care hasn’t fully addressed your concerns
You’re done with diet culture and want regulated care

vs. a “nutritionist”

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

vs. a naturopath

Naturopaths focus on herbal medicine, supplements, and general lifestyle therapies. Dietitians specialize in medical nutrition therapy to prevent, manage, and treat specific conditions using clinical research.

Real-life exampleA naturopath might remove a long list of foods based on a food sensitivity test. A dietitian builds a structured reintroduction plan to find your true triggers.

vs. a personal trainer or health coach

We love working alongside trainers and coaches. Most aren’t licensed to use nutrition to treat disease, address gut or hormone health clinically, or design therapeutic plans, and weight loss plans count as therapeutic.

Real-life exampleIf a trainer suggests keto but you have insulin resistance and IBS, it could worsen your symptoms. A dietitian tailors a plan for both while your trainer focuses on movement.

vs. asking your doctor

Most doctors receive under 20 hours of nutrition training and have limited visit time to address it.

Real-life exampleYour doctor might say “try low FODMAP.” A dietitian walks you through it, protects your nutrition, and reintroduces foods safely.

At a glance

Provider
Regulated
Treats conditions
Insurance covered
Dietitian
RegulatedYes
Treats conditionsYes
Insurance coveredYes
Doctor
RegulatedYes, limited nutrition training
Treats conditionsYes
Insurance coveredYes
Nutritionist
RegulatedNot always
Treats conditionsRarely
Insurance coveredRarely
Naturopath
RegulatedNot in nutrition
Treats conditionsLimited
Insurance coveredNo
Health coach
RegulatedNo
Treats conditionsNo
Insurance coveredNo
Personal trainer
RegulatedNot in nutrition
Treats conditionsNo
Insurance coveredNo

Didn’t find your answer?

Ariel, our Practice Administrator, can answer insurance and scheduling questions on a free 15-minute call.

New East Hartford Location Coming July 1st, 2026