Frequently Asked Questions( FAQ)

When should I see a Registered Dietitian(RD, RDN)?

Registered Dietitians are specialists in food and nutrition. Although you can see a Registered Dietitian to simply understand the role food and nutrition play in your health, many people with chronic diseases may need special advice and counseling. For example, patients with diseases like cancer, kidney disease or diabetes may not be able to eat normally due to the disease itself or as a result of treatment for the disease. These patients need advice on adding new foods to their diets or how to prepare food to meet their nutritional needs to stay as healthy as possible. Seeking the advice of a Registered Dietitian can better help patients fight their diseases, as well as keep them from being nutritionally depleted and susceptible to opportunistic infections that can further compromise their health condition.

Is there a difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

Yes! Many people who call themselves “nutritionists” have not met the same rigorous standards as those who have completed a Registered Dietitian program.
Registered Dietitians (RD, RDN) are trained in the nutritional sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition pathophysiology, medical nutrition therapy, and nutrition counseling.
The title “RD” is a credential protected legally and therefore can only be used by practitioners who have met the academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential “Registered Dietitian”. These requirements include receiving a bachelor’s /masters degrees from an accredited United States university or college and course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association; completing a 6-12 month CADE-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, hospital, community agency or food service corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies; and passing a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Registered Dietitians must complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain their “Registered Dietitian” status.
The title “Registered Dietitian”, “Dietitian”, and “RD” are protected by law through provincial legislation, so that only qualified practitioners who have met education requirements can use these titles.
Registered Dietitians can call themselves “nutritionists” but nutritionists cannot call themselves “Registered Dietitians”. The term “nutritionist” is unregulated, so essentially anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.

What are the benefits of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)?

Medical Nutrition Therapy produces savings for physicians, hospitals, and patients by preventing hospitalizations, shortening hospital stays and decreasing complications. Evidence of other savings includes a decreased need for medicines, surgeries and other costly treatments.

Do I need a referral?

You do not need a physician referral to see an RD/RDN.

Do you work with all age groups?

We enjoy working with all age groups, from infant through geriatric. With our younger clients it is a family affair and we require a parent to be involved in the session(s). Once your children are teenagers we find it is beneficial to work with them privately and will share pertinent information with the parent, only with the teen’s permission.

Does insurance pay for Dietitian services?

Yes! most  insurance policies cover the cost of seeing a Dietitian.  But Medicare restrict nutrition services coverage for seniors.

Am Uninsured, can I still receive nutrition therapy services from Healing favor Nutrition, 

Yes, through donations to this organization, we can offer free nutrition education and nutrition therapy services based on a sliding scale fee schedule or zero cost.

Client Forms

If your appointment is via Telehealth, please fax the completed forms at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.