Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Nutrition Therapy is a process of physician-referred dietary consults with a registered dietitian for patients seeking to improve diet-related diseases. It is used to treat patients with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and many other diseases and conditions. Medical Nutrition Therapy helps to speed patient recovery, prevent medical complications, and lower treatment costs for many diseases.
A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential "RD". Registered dietitians have a degree from an accredited university, have completed an accredited practice or graduate studies program, have passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and have ongoing professional education to maintain registration.
Dietary Education Services Offered
Diabetes
Hyperlipidemia (cholesterol and triglycerides)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Gastrointestinal Conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance
Eating Disorders, such as Anorexia and Bulimia
Weight Management
Bariatric Nutrition (weight loss surgery)
Prenatal Nutrition
Vegetarianism
Wellness
The benefits of Outpatient Dietary Counseling includeDecreased morbidity factors
Communication between your physician and a dietitian regarding your health needs
Accountability with a trained nutrition professional
Comfortable non-clinical setting outside of a hospital environment
Short or long-term commitment depending on treatment issues
Family members may be invited to attend dietary sessions
What to expect
You may call, or your physician’s office can make your appointment with the dietitian. Most insurance companies do not cover dietary counseling. It is your responsibility to determine if it is a covered service with your plan.
To assist in determining your needs, keeping a journal of daily food and beverage intake for one week prior to your appointment will aid in the dietitian’s review of your current status.
Following an initial session for history, diet recall, and treatment recommendations, patients are scheduled for periodic follow-up visits to monitor dietary and behavioral changes.
Hours of Operation
We offer flexible scheduling at multiple locations – call the center located near you for further details.
Locations for Medical Nutrition TherapySentara Hilltop Therapy Center
(757) 333-7000
Indian River Therapy Center
(757) 961-4974
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center Health Education Center
(757) 984-7106
Sentara CarePlex Hospital
(757) 727-7496