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Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance & Payment

Do you accept health insurance? Which plans?

Yes, we accept PPO and Medicare Advantage health insurance! Many plans cover nutrition services.  We are currently in-network with the following health plans:

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross

  • Blue Shield of CA 

  • Medicare (will only cover diabetes or kidney disease, referral needed)

  • United Healthcare

  • For all other insurance providers, we are considered an out-of-network provider.  Many insurance plans provide out-of-network benefits.  Please call your insurance plan prior to your visit to verify your benefits for nutrition counseling.

How do I verify my insurance benefits for nutrition counseling?

Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask them the following questions:

  • Does my plan cover nutrition counseling? (referred to as procedure or CPT codes) -  97802 and 97803

  • Is nutrition counseling covered under my preventative benefits? (referred to as diagnosis or ICD-10 code) - Z71.3

  • Is there a limit on the number of visits allowed per year?

  • Are telehealth visits covered?

Can I use HSA/FSA funds for your services?

Yes, nutrition counseling services are usually eligible!

Functional Labs

Why are functional labs not covered by insurance?

Functional lab tests, like DUTCH, GI-MAP, and HTMA, are considered advanced or specialty tests that focus on optimizing health rather than diagnosing a specific disease. Insurance typically only cover tests that are medically necessary for diagnosing or treating a recognized medical condition. Because functional labs are designed to look at hormone balance, nutrient status, or gut health for wellness and prevention, they usually fall outside standard insurance coverage.

Are functional lab tests required to work with you?

No, we offer these tests as a way to provide deep insights that allow for highly personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, helping you address root causes rather than just symptoms.

How do I know which functional lab would be best for me?

You can book a free 15-minute discovery call here!

How do I get started with purchasing a functional lab test?

You can see what tests we offer and how they can be helpful to you here. After booking a discovery call we will send you a link where you can purchase your test package.

General

What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist ?

A Registered Dietitian (RD) or a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a nutrition professional who has completed:

  • A bachelors degree in nutrition and dietetics

  • A practice program (internship) with at least 1200 hours of supervised experience at an accredited healthcare facility

  • Passed a national credentialing exam administered by the Commission of Dietetic Registration 

  • Regular completion of continuing education credits to maintain their board certification

  • RD/RDNs are licensed or credentialed in all 50 states, meaning they meet strict standards for education, clinical training, and professional ethics. They can provide medical nutrition therapy, work in hospitals, and treat specific health conditions like diabetes.

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A nutritionist, on the other hand, is a broader term. In many states, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, even without formal training. Some nutritionists may have degrees and certifications, but the title itself does NOT guarantee standardized education or licensing.

 

Bottom line: All RD/RDNs are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are RDs. Choosing a Registered Dietitian ensures you’re working with someone who is clinically trained, licensed, and qualified to provide evidence-based guidance.

What do our visits typically look like?

  • Initial Appointment (scheduled for 1-1.5 hours): The first appointment is all about getting to know you! Your dietitian will review your health history, current nutrition and lifestyle habits, preferences and health goals with you. Depending on if time allows, a collaborative creation of a personalized plan tailored to support your health and wellness goals will be created with you.

  • Follow-Up Appointments: Individualized nutrition education and collaborative goal setting. Your dietitian will provide guidance in establishing realistic, actionable steps that can be built upon over time to help you meet your goals. Research shows that gradual, sustainable changes lead to long-term success.

Do I have to commit to a certain number of appointments upfront?

There are no required sessions upfront that you have to commit to, however, clients typically work with their RD for a minimum of 3-6 months. The number of appointments you might need depends on your individual goals, current health, your confidence in making and sustaining your lifestyle changing and your progress. Periodic check-ins are encouraged to ensure ongoing success. 

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