Kate Berger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Nutrition counseling & Health promotion
Feeling healthy on the inside-and-out
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my health insurance cover nutrition counseling services?
Nutrition counseling and packages are considered out of pocket cost. Some insurance plans do cover nutrition services and require verification.
You can start this process by calling your insurance and asking the following questions:
1) Is provider with "NPI# 111 457 0876" in my network?
2) Does my plan cover services 97802 & 97803 for prevention (Z71.3) or for (insert your medical condition)?
3) Is telehealth covered?
4) How many sessions are covered?
5) Is there a limit to the number of sessions per year?
6) What is my co-pay for these services?
7) What is the reference number for this call?
Please reach out to me by email once you have completed these steps.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Electronic payment either debit/credit, cash, check or Venmo (private setting required) are accepted. Payments are collected at time of service.
Credit card information is collected and secured upon initial meeting in case of late cancellations or no show payment.
What are alternative payment options?
Other options may include health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts offered by your employer as part of your work benefits package.
What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
Two key things:
1. Expert training, education, degree and credentialing- A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) has completed a bachelor's degree in a college accredited by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, completed post-graduate supervised practice program, and passed national examination by the Commission of Dietetics. RDNs must meet continuing education to maintain credentialing. For specialized practice, practitioners can obtain additional certification and meet additional education requirements to maintain this specialized training credential.
2. Professional licensing to protect consumers. This means the dietitians are trained to protect the public by giving information based on evidence and research. This means giving health advice and information that has been shown to improve health with science, observation using relatively large amounts of people, and different techniques that measure health outcomes.
Are we a good fit?
This is an excellent question! Studies show that a good client-counselor relationship is one of the most important factors for client progress. In the end, only you can answer this question, but a few things to ask yourself in the first few sessions:
· Can I be open & honest with this dietitian?
· Can I trust this dietitian?
· Do I feel heard and seen this dietitian?
If for any reason you feel that we aren’t a good fit, please tell me! Your growth and care are my first priority, and I will gladly provide referrals to clinicians who may better serve your needs.
How can I prepare for my first virtual (telehealth) appointment?
1. Kate will send you an email with an online portal to set-up as well as a questions form. Please prepare your answers ahead of time before your appointment.
2. The online portal is HIPPA compliant and will email you a link to participate in a secure video chat session 10 minutes before your session begins. If you have a follow-up appointment, your link will be the same in every video appointment and can be used again. You can check that your video quality and sound work before your telehealth appointment.
3. Make sure you have a private, quiet, comfortable place to conduct your session without interruption to keep the meeting confidential. Know that interruptions may happen but your meeting time cannot be extended.
4.You can write down any questions you would like to address.
How can I prepare for an in-person session?
COVID 19 Update: All individual nutrition service appointments will be conducted via telehealth or video chat.
1. Kate will send you an email with an online portal to set-up as well as a questions form. Please prepare your answers ahead of time before your appointment.
2. Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment begins to fill out a form.
3.You can write down any questions you would like to address.
Can I use my phone for a virtual nutrition session?
You may use your phone for a virtual nutrition session. Keep in mind Iphones are considered secure, but that is your decision. Also keep in mind you may be more comfortable using your computer or computer camera so that you don't have to hold your phone. Also, the sound quality may be better and you may have less technical interruptions.
Other apps include: Google duo, Healthline, LuxSciTelehealth
What should I expect of these sessions?
Initial Evaluation is our first time meeyting and you will receive comprehensive recommendations, discuss goals and/or be given nutrition information based on initial impressions. Follow-ups depend on the individual. Keep in mind that thought, belief, behavior change and follow through take time. Follow-up sessions may occur weekly/biweekly/monthly or as needed.
Do you have a cancellation fee?
A fee of $50 is charged for all appointments canceled with less than 48 hours of notice.