Why do I need to see a
Certified Clinical Nutritionist?
Talking with a nutritionist offers you a
complete understanding of how your daily food intake affects your body
type, weight and/or health condition. You will leave your appointment with a personalized meal plan based on you body composition analysis, resting metabolic rate and any health issues you may have whether it be weight loss, sports nutrition, eating on the go, food allergies, heart health, migraines, an eating disorder or other health condition.
What will my
appointment consist of?
Amy will design a healthy eating program
based on your body composition, lifestyle and goals. She will explain your
personalized plan in detail, as well as offer healthy shopping, cooking, family meal
planning and dining out tips. You will also have the opportunity to ask
any nutrition/food-related questions specific to your lifestyle and/or
any medical conditions you may have. Metabolic testing, which includes a
complete analysis of calories burned daily, body fat, total body water,
muscle mass and healthy ranges for your body type is included with all appointments.
What is metabolic testing and how do I prepare for it?
Metabolic testing uses bioimpedance to read your body composition in percents and pounds of water, fat and muscle. It also gives your BMR (basal metabolic rate) so your daily caloric requirements can be figured into your personalized eating plan. Your body's set-point weight can also be calculated. This a a 5-minute test done by standing barefoot on a platform scale. No preparation is necessary, however, results are slightly more accurate when hydration levels are balanced so it is best not to work out right before the test. Overall, the testing has about a 2% error rate, very similar to underwater body composition testing.
Is health insurance
accepted?
Insurance is not
accepted for nutrition services in our office, however, some insurance companies will reimburse you for your visit if you have been referred by your doctor. Please obtain a diagnosis code from your doctor and you will be given a receipt with the necessary information to submit on your own after your appointment. Payment for your visit is due at the time of service, as explained below. Your insurance may provide you with a few nutritionists that may be covered (typically those working in hospitals), however, your visit will be about 20 minutes and you will not be provided with a personalized mealplan, metabolic testing, shopping lists and other resources as you would with a private nutrition consultation. For example, if you are diabetic, a hospital dietician will show you how to use your blood sugar monitor and tell you which foods to stay away from and which foods to focus on in very general terms and then refer you to the community classes offered there each month. Your visit with Amy Hall, CN is very comprehensive and is for those looking for complete guidance on what to eat, how much to eat based on your metabolism and nutrition education you can incorporate into you busy schedule and family meal planning.
What are your rates & fees?
Initial consults range from $79-$99 depending on the reason for your visit and whether you are booked for a 45 or 60 minute session. Follow-up visits range from $35-65. Packages may be purchased for continuing care, which reduces the cost of individual follow up sessions. Three month programs for weight loss, bariatrics and eating disorder packages are also available for those needing long-term care. Please call our office if you would like package prices emailed or faxed to you: 480-247-6921.
All new patients will be required to hold their upcoming appointment with a credit card. The card will not be charged unless you do not come to your appointment or give 24 hour notice to cancel your session. You may pay for your session by check, cash or credit card when you arrive. We are sorry for the any inconvenience but this policy is in place due to the amount of time blocked for each session (30-90 minutes) and our inability to fill your appointment time with another patient without adequate notice. We are sorry but we cannot schedule your appointment without this information (similar to giving a doctor's office your insurance card).
How many appointments will I need as part of this program?
Generally, patients will have an initial consultation and then be guided toward a maintenance program based on their individual needs, goals and or health conditions. Some people need only one appointment, while others choose to make follow-up appointments or purchase healthy lifestyle packages that result in discounted appointments.
What is the rescheduling policy?
Appointments must be rescheduled at least 24 business hours prior to the set appointment time to avoid being charged for your appointment. Due to the extended amount of time blocked for each appointment, this policy applies to both new and existing patients. Email notice is not considered valid notification. Monday appointments must be changed by the Friday prior. Business hours are 9am - 6pm Monday through Friday. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
What qualifications
does a Certified Nutritionist have?
A Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist has at least six years undergraduate college education with at least a
Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences. A CN must be recertified annually to retain a license and carry malpractice insurance. Continuing education is required
each year to keep their licenses current as well. Certified Clinical Nutritionists have the same basic education requirements as Register Dieticians (RDs,) however, the additional two years of schooling required to become a CN is in the area of alternative and preventive health practices. If you are looking for a help with your diet for any reason, be sure you choose a qualified practioner with a CN or RD designation for your safety and well-being.
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