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Do
some homework when hiring a nutritionist
Nov. 23, 2006
Suzanne Havala Hobbs
Looking
for professional nutritional advice?
You’re not alone. I regularly hear from readers who
need advice tailored to their particular needs.
Finding a qualified nutritionist when you need reliable dietary
guidance can be critical to your health. That’s why
it’s important to know who is qualified to give you
dietary advice and how you can best use their services.
In North Carolina, the most reliable source of nutrition information
is a licensed, registered dietitian. Registered dietitians
have at minimum a four-year degree from a program accredited
by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education.
They complete a qualifying practical experience, pass a national
exam, and maintain an ongoing program of continuing education
in the field. Many have completed graduate degrees as well.
North Carolina’s Dietetics Practice Act requires that
anyone dispensing nutrition advice be licensed by the state,
though supersized loopholes permit many others without the
equivalent – or possibly any – nutrition education
to practice as well, including chiropractors, dental hygienists,
psychologists, massage therapists – even funeral home
directors.
That’s why it’s important to be sure your diet
coach has an RD after his or her name.
Where can you find a licensed, registered dietitian? Start
by checking the phone book or asking your doctor for a referral.
Easier still: The American Dietetic Association operates a
nationwide referral service. Call 1-800-366-1655 or go online
to www.eatright.org
and type “Find a Nutrition Professional” in the
search field. You can search for a dietitian by zip code,
type of consultation (individual, group, or classes) and area
of expertise.
But don’t stop your search process when you’ve
located a prospective dietitian. You need to do some more
investigation.
Like most health care providers, credentials are only a start.
The reality is that practitioners vary by level of experience
and competence, as well as style.
If possible, arrange a brief, pre-consultation phone conversation
and ask about what to expect at the initial visit. Ask about
cost, follow-up visits, types of diets the practitioner most
often counsels on and areas of expertise. You’ll gain
insights into his or her perspective – information that
may help you choose between two or more RDs.
Fees for nutrition consultations vary, but expect to pay at
least $200.00 for an initial 90-minute consultation. Check
with your insurance provider ahead of time to determine whether
fees for nutrition counseling are reimbursable. In most cases,
you will be expected to pay at the time of service.
Before you go, be prepared to make the most of your time.
Take along:
* A food diary. Keep a detailed log of everything you eat
and drink for at least one typical week. Write down what you
ate, the portion size, and the time of day. Record where you
were, how you felt, and who you were with. Include exercise,
too – type, intensity, and length of time. This information
can help you and your dietitian identify problem eating patterns
and solutions.
* A medications list. Include all dietary supplements or herbal
preparations you are taking, too. Note how much and how often
you take them, or bring along the containers.
* Your calendar. Be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment.
* Your questions. You’ll forget them on the spot if
you don’t write them down ahead of time.
It’s wise to heed general dietary recommendations for
the public – advice like, “Eat more whole grains”
and “Limit saturated fat and trans fat.” But there
are times when it’s important to get individualized
advice, too. A licensed, registered dietitian is best prepared
to give accurate advice.
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