Frequently asked questions
Can I use my insurance to pay for nutrition counseling?
We are out-of-network with all insurances. However, you can use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) card to pay for nutrition therapy. We can also provide you with a superbill (an itemized receipt) that you can then submit to your insurance for potential direct reimbursement if you have any out-of-network benefits.
In order to help make the cost more manageable, we offer extended payment plans upon request as well as offer a 50% discount to one client at a time. If you feel you qualify for financial assistance, select that option when filling out the application form for nutrition services and we will send you the application for financial assistance. Please keep in mind that since we only offer this to one client at a time, there is usually a wait.
What is the difference between an RDN and a nutritionist?
A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can choose to use the credential RDN or RD (registered dietitian). An RDN/RD has completed the following:
- Earned a bachelor’s degree with coursework approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Coursework typically includes food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, sociology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and chemistry. Note: Effective January 1, 2024, a minimum of a master's degree will be required to be eligible for the RDN exam.
- Completed at least 1,200 hours of supervised practice in an accredited, supervised practice program at a health care facility, community agency and/or foodservice operation.
- Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Met any state requirements. Many states, including KY, have a required licensure process for RDNs.
- Completes continuing professional educational requirements (minimum of 75 units in 5 years) to maintain registration and advance their knowledge and skills.
Some RDNs also have advanced degrees and/or hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as diabetes education or sports nutrition.
The title “nutritionist” is much less regulated. An individual using this title could be highly qualified or not qualified at all.
In order to receive accurate information, I strongly recommend looking for the RDN/RD credential when seeking a nutrition counselor or nutrition-related article or book.
What is the cancellation policy?
Intuitive Nutrition has in place a 24-hour cancellation policy for all appointments.
Appointments cancelled or rescheduled in less than 24 hours prior to the appointment time will result in a fee of $25 charged to the card kept on file. This is not a "penalty," but rather helps to cover the cost of previously arranged childcare and the fact that it is usually too late to fill the slot with another client. Thank you for your understanding.
No calls/no shows (missed appointments): I will call and then email you if you haven't arrived at the office or aren't on the call after 5 minutes. After 15 minutes, the session will be counted as a no call/no show missed appointment. However, if you arrive or join the call within 15 minutes of the original session start time, we can continue with the session until the original end time. With the first occurrence, missed appointments will result in a fee of $25 charged to the card kept on file. With the second occurrence and any following, missed appointments will result in one session being forfeited from the package for each occurrence.
How do I pay you?
I accept payment via credit/debit cards, HSA (Health Savings Account) cards and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards.
A credit/debit card on file is required to secure appointments.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
After you schedule or book with me for the first time, you will receive a welcome email from my electronic health record, Better. Please create a login and complete the intake forms before our first appointment.
Although it is not required, it may be helpful to upload any recent lab work, doctor’s reports, and pictures of medication and supplement bottles.
How should I prepare for a virtual session with you?
- Make sure you are using either Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, as the HIPAA-compliant video chat through Better, my electronic health record, is not supported on other web browsers.
- After you schedule or book with me for the first time, you will receive a welcome email from Better. Please create a login and complete the intake forms before our first appointment.
- Although it is not required, it may be helpful to scan in any recent labwork or doctor’s reports, and pictures of medication and supplement bottles.
What can I expect from a session with you?
Our first session is 75 minutes to give us ample time to discuss your goals and explore your relationship with food and body image throughout your life, including your diet history, current eating behaviors, and any health issues you are managing. At follow-up sessions, we will aim to discuss 1-2 topics per session. We'll review the action steps we set in the previous session and work through any challenges you faced in making changes. I may also refer you to other healthcare professionals as part of your wellness journey.
During our sessions, YOU are in charge. I will primarily be asking questions during our sessions in order to provide more accurate suggestions and direction, and hopefully you will gain some insights about yourself as well along the way!
What is Better?
Better is a HIPAA-compliant practice management and telehealth platform for nutrition and wellness businesses. Once you have booked an appointment or purchased a package, you will receive a welcome email with the link to create an account. You can access Better by going directly to my private bookings page or by clicking the Client Login button at the top right of any page on this website.
Once in your Better account, you can schedule/reschedule appointments, message me securely, purchase services, pay invoices, and view any documents I have shared with you. You can also download the Better app, which has several helpful tools.
How often will we meet?
Our basic 3- and 6-month packages allow for the first two sessions to be about one week apart and then we will meet about every other week after that. Our intensive nutrition therapy packages are set up for weekly sessions. After you have completed a package, you can opt in to monthly sessions if you wish.
Where is your office?
I don't live in or near Lexington, KY. Can I still see you?
Yes! I offer virtual appointments using a HIPAA-compliant video chat through the service Better. Due to current licensure laws, I can see clients who live in KY, UA, ID, WY, UT, CO, CA, AZ, AK, OK, TX, WI, MI, WV, PA, VA, NY, VT, MA, or CT.
I have a question that is not covered here.
I’m happy to answer any questions. You can email me at amy@intuitivenutritioncounseling.com.
