FAQ
Nutrition for Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders Frequently Asked Questions
Does your practice accept insurance?
I do not take insurance at this time. However, I can provide you with a superbill after each session. Then you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. First, I need a referral from your primary care provider or specialist to create the superbill. Please ask me for a Physician Referral Form at our initial meeting. Reimbursement depends on your insurance carrier, the diagnostic code provided by your physician, and any minimum deductibles that need to be met according to your insurance plan.
Biomedical testing is currently not covered by insurance. Therefore, it cannot be reimbursed by your insurance company. We will discuss testing options at your initial consultation.
How much does your RePAIR program cost?
To learn more about my program and investment, please schedule a free discovery call with me. If you are interested in one of my group programs, please refer to my enrollment page or grab a spot on the waitlist to receive more information.
Can you cure my autoimmune disease?
While there are no cures for autoimmune diseases, making diet and lifestyle changes can dramatically minimize your symptoms. I never promise my clients that I will put their disease into remission or help them get off of their medications because everyone is different, and every autoimmune disease is complex. My goal is to help you feel better. I want you to live a more vibrant and fulfilling life. Moreover, I want to teach you to be your own advocate for your healing journey.
Can diet and lifestyle really make a difference in my disease symptoms?
Absolutely! Eating the foods that are right for you can help reduce inflammation and heal your leaky gut. Leaky gut is a known trigger for autoimmune diseases. Other lifestyle changes like managing stress, getting adequate sleep, moving your body and connecting with others and with nature may positively affect your healing journey as well.
I’ve never worked with a dietitian before, what can I expect?
When I work with clients, I like to think of it like a partnership. Everyone comes to the table with a unique set of challenges, and we will work together to find the best solution to help you reach your goals. You may be asked to keep a food journal of what you eat and symptoms you experience. Or we might focus on your relationship with food and focus on emotional triggers and hunger cues. Whatever your ultimate goal may be, we will create a nutrition roadmap of small, achievable goals that will help you get to your idea of better health and disease management.
Do you practice in my state?
Licensure laws vary by state. Please check my State Licensure page to see if I am allowed to practice telehealth in your state. If your state is not listed, you can still participate in my group programs. Please go here for more information.
What autoimmune conditions can you help with?
Almost all autoimmune conditions can be helped with diet and lifestyle changes. A majority of my past and current clients struggle with rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and psoriasis. However, I am familiar with most autoimmune diseases. If you have a question about your specific condition, please contact me to discuss.
How long does this process take to start seeing results?
I wish I had a magic wand to predict when you will start feeling better. However, everyone is different in their response to both dietary and lifestyle changes. Some people notice a difference after a few weeks, and for others it may take several months. I have some clients who respond to dietary changes and others may need to incorporate both diet and lifestyle shifts. My RePAIR Program lasts 3 months, but I have many clients who continue working with me past that for accountability and additional guidance.
What’s the difference between a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and a Nutritionist?
An RDN or Dietitian must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program and complete 1200 hours of supervised clinical training. They must also pass a national certification exam to become an RDN and recertify every 5 years. The undergraduate degree includes science-based courses such as biochemistry, medical nutrition therapy, food science, and physiology. Starting in 2024, all RDNs must have a Masters degree in a related field. A nutritionist is a blanket term for anyone to use and they can have varying levels of education. Put it this way, all Registered Dietitians are nutritionists, not all nutritionists are dietitians.
If you are seeking nutrition advice, investigate the credential to make sure that the individual is a trained nutrition professional.
What is integrative and functional nutrition?
Integrative and functional nutrition uses the underlying principles of functional and integrative medicine to help patients use food and lifestyle to promote healthy eating patterns and prevent chronic diseases. Rather than focusing on the disease at hand, integrative and functional dietitians look at underlying root causes of disease and health and create nutrition and lifestyle plans to support the healing process.
What is biomedical testing?
Biomedical testing is a data driven approach used to assess your overall health in order to create a specific path for treatment. Testing provides a more accurate picture of what may be causing underlying inflammation, digestive issues, migraines, pain and disease progression. Please refer to my services page for more information on biomedical testing and how it can help you in your healing process.