Published: July 6, 2022
In a recent article in Advantage Magazine, we asked one of our registered dieticians at Dignity Health to talk about reasons to see nutritionist and what to expect during the visit. Read the entire article: Doc Talk feature on How a Nutritionist Helps Smart Eating.
We all know that it’s important to eat healthy, but how do you know when your diet could use a makeover, or how and when you eat can contribute to a developing health condition?
Nutritional Counseling for Weight Management
In a recent article in Advantage Magazine, we asked one of our registered dieticians at Dignity Health to talk about reasons to see nutritionist and what to expect during the visit. Read the entire article: Doc Talk feature on How a Nutritionist Helps Smart Eating.
We all know that it’s important to eat healthy, but how do you know when your diet could use a makeover, or how and when you eat can contribute to a developing health condition?
Prevent health conditions from getting worse
Maybe you are concerned about high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes, then a registered dietician can work with you to develop meals tailored to your dietary needs. By lowering your cholesterol or improving blood glucose levels, can ultimately reduce or eliminate the need for medications. For diabetic members, check out WHA’s diabetes reversal program from Virta, at mywha.org/Virta. In addition, members can look into other diabetes prevention and management support at mywha.org/diabetes.
WHA offers nutritional counseling coverage for weight management
To lose weight, you must take in fewer calories then you use, as well as pay attention to the timing and the nutrient content of your meals. At times, it can be hard to eat right and lose weight on your own. On the other end, you may be recovering from a medical condition, such as cancer treatments, and need support for gaining weight.
For members on large or small group employer plans, there may be coverage for nutritional counseling available for those struggling with weight-related illness – obesity, eating disorder, or weight loss secondary to illness – so members should talk with your doctor. You will need to get prior authorization to receive these covered services. Learn more by visiting our Nutritional Counseling webpage for details.
If you are referred to a nutritionist by your PCP, be prepared to talk about your medical history and concerns, food preparation, social situations (such as cultural food preferences), and eating habits. He/she can help you analyze your food choices and provide meal plans specific to your health goals and lifestyles.
*NOTE: the nutritional counseling benefit is only included on WHA small and large employer group health plans for 2022. You will have the same cost-sharing that you would have for a primary care office visit. Refer to your plan’s copayment summary for cost-sharing amounts.