What to Expect from Nutrition Counseling (2024)

Before your visit

Here is a checklist to follow before making an appointment.

1. Determine if your health insurance covers nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian. This may be called "Medical Nutrition Therapy."Carefully read our section on insurance information.
2. Next, we require a Mass General Brigham-affiliated physician to enter an order in our EPIC system to BWH NUTRITION. (Note:At this time, we are unable to see patients who are not followed by a Mass General Brighamprovider.)
3. You may then schedule your first appointment bycontacting us. Based on your location preference and nutritional concerns, you will be matched with the appropriate dietitian. If you have not been seen at BWH in 6 months, call 866-489-4056 to ensure that your registration information is up-to-date.

Note that Brigham and Women’s is a teaching hospital, and the Department of Nutrition has a renowned dietetic internship program. You will be asked permission for a dietetic intern to be present during your appointment with the registered dietitian.

You may fill out and bring to your appointment a3-Day Food Log. If you are receiving tube feeding or IV nutrition (called total parenteral nutrition or TPN), bring information about the type and amount of formula you use or the TPN order.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment. If you have a co-pay, it must be paid prior to the appointment. Contact us at least 48 hours in advance for any cancelled appointments. Learn more about our no-show policy ahead of time.

We look forward to working with you and helping you on your way to better health!

During your first visit

Your first visit will last about 45 minutes. Our dietitians will listen to your concerns and get to know you. We will review your3-Day Food Log, learn the foods you like and dislike, discuss your lifestyle, and begin creating a realistic nutrition plan. At the end of the session, the dietitian will schedule your follow-up appointment.

Follow-up appointments

Follow-up appointments are about 30 minutes. We will discuss your progress and continue to take steps toward achieving your goals. We will help you make small changes over time so that you maintain these changes and reach your goals. Follow-up appointments occur anywhere from 1 to 6 months after your first visit.

After your visit

You may usePatient Gatewayto communicate questions to your dietitian or to request a follow-up appointment.