Nutrition

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Overview

Your eating patterns and food choices can play a major supporting role in your health. The role of a dietitian is to provide you with the information and tools to help you take charge of your health by finding a style of eating and exercise that will support your well-being. Your visit with The Portland Clinic’s dietitian may include any of the following services, depending on your needs and preferences.

SERVICES (including, but not limited to)

• Evaluation of your current eating patterns or diet in relation to your health concerns
• Guidelines to help you choose a more healthful pattern of eating
• Meal plans based on your individual nutrition needs
• Evaluation of your blood glucose response to meals and snacks (for patients with diabetes)

CONDITIONS TREATED

• Diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational
• Heart disease and congestive heart failure
• High cholesterol, low HDL levels and high triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Metabolic syndrome
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lactose intolerance and reflux/heartburn
• Weight issues (diet and exercise programs tailored to the individual, with regular follow-up and weight monitoring)
• Bariatric surgery preparation (insurance-mandated nutrition therapy, to be completed 6-12 months prior to surgery for patients referred by their Portland Clinic physician)
• Eating disorders in adults (initial appointment for evaluation of anorexia and bulimia; ongoing nutrition therapy is done only in coordination with a psychotherapist)
• Health maintenance and disease prevention (for those with specific concerns, or a family history of a specific condition, who want to make changes to decrease their risk)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Kidney stones

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

You will get the most from your appointment with the dietitian if you prepare in advance and follow these steps.

1. Contact your insurance company to ask if your policy covers medical nutrition therapy by a licensed dietitian for your diagnosis or concern.
2. Bring any vitamins, minerals and herbs that you take.
3. Bring labels for unusual foods that you eat regularly or that you want to ask about, such as meal replacement drinks, protein powders and sports bars.

View our insurance information for a complete list of in-network insurance plans accepted at The Portland Clinic.

For Obesity:
Your insurance policy may or may not cover dietitian services or medical nutrition therapy. Policies differ, even within one insurance company.

Here are the questions to ask:

• Are the following CPT codes covered by my policy: 97802 and 97803?
• Is a prior authorization required?
• What % of the visit cost will I be expected to pay?
• Is there any limitation about what diagnosis is covered in my policy?
  • Are any of the following ICD10 codes (these are based on your specific diagnoses) covered: Z71.3, E66.9   
• Is there a limit to the number of visits covered by my policy?  Is the limit ‘per lifetime’, ‘per diagnosis’, ‘per year’ or another limit?
• Be sure to ask about your deductible and copayment.  

For all other referrals:

Your insurance policy may or may not cover dietitian services or medical nutrition therapy. Policies differ, even within one insurance company. View our insurance information for more details.

Here are the questions to ask:

• Are the following CPT codes covered by my policy: 97802 and 97803?
• Is a prior authorization required?
• What % of the visit cost will I be expected to pay?
• Is there any limitation about what diagnosis is covered in my policy?
  • Are any of the following ICD10 codes (these are based on your specific diagnoses) covered: Z71.3   
• Is there a limit to the number of visits covered by my policy?  Is the limit ‘per lifetime’, ‘per diagnosis’, ‘per year’ or another limit?

Be sure to ask about your deductible and copayment.