Julie C.H. Brake, MS, RDN, LD

What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), or Registered Dietitian (RD), is a nutrition professional who has completed an approved 4-year degree and a dietetic internship as well as passed a national certification exam. RDN’s also are required to keep up with continuing education requirements in order to stay up-to-date on current nutrition research and practices. An RDN is a nutrition expert who translates nutrition science & research into real-life recommendations.

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What measurements do you need to take?

The RDN will measure your height and weight in order to use these measurements in nutrition needs calculations. In certain situations, other measurements may be taken. The RDN will discuss this with you if needed.

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What is Intuitive Eating?

The Intuitive Eating approach uses the body’s natural hunger and fullness signals to determine nutrition needs. Positive Nutrition works with clients to learn or relearn intuitive eating cues and gain lifelong skills of balanced eating.

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What is Biblical counseling?

Biblical counseling is using the Bible to address life’s problems. It is a Scripture-first approach that uses God’s Word over man’s methods. While methods from men can be used, they are secondary to following what God puts forth in Scripture.

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What does Biblical counseling have to do with nutrition counseling?

Many times eating issues have a deeper cause. Eating and nutrition problems can be a symptom of a heart and spirit problem. While addressing the physical issues with nutrition counseling, the spiritual causes of those issues should be addressed as well. This is simply an option for anyone desiring nutrition counseling with Positive Nutrition.

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I think my spouse/parent/friend needs nutrition counseling. Can I make an appointment for them?

Positive Nutrition prefers to confirm appointments with the client if they are 18 years or older. Parents may make appointments for minor children and occasionally for a child who is 18 and/or still living in their household. If you care about someone whom you believe needs nutrition counseling, please encourage them to contact Positive Nutrition. You can even offer to be there with them when they make a phone call or send an e-mail.

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Does my entire family need to be there for a family nutrition counseling appointment?

In most cases, no. It is helpful if both parents in the family can attend the Initial Family Session since both should be involved in the nutrition counseling process. It is often beneficial if older children can attend sessions in order to talk about nutrition, but this can be done at a Follow-Up Session.

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Does Positive Nutrition take insurance?

Positive Nutrition does not file with insurance carriers directly. There are several reasons for this, and you are welcome to discuss this with the RDN. Payments for sessions must be made directly by the client. Positive Nutrition will provide a superbill receipt which can be used to file a claim with insurance, to seek reimbursement from flex/health spending accounts, and/or to document a medical expense for eligible itemized tax returns. While cash and check are the preferred forms of payment, major credit cards are accepted. Please be aware that some HSA or FSA credit cards are not accepted by Positive Nutrition's charging system.

 

Will my insurance reimburse me for my visits to Positive Nutrition?

This is widely variable and depends on the insurance company, the agreement with an employer company, and the individual policy under which you are covered. Call the member services number on your card and inquire as to whether nutrition counseling by a Registered Dietitian is covered. You can always file a claim even if you are told it is not covered. At times, the RDN at Positive Nutrition may be able to tell you whether your sessions are likely to be covered by insurance payments or not.

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Does Positive Nutrition offer a sliding scale?

Yes. The sliding scale determines whether a reduced fee may be offered. If you feel that you would qualify for a reduced fee rate, please discuss this with the RDN.