1. What is a Nutritional Assessment? What can I expect from the initial visit?
A Nutritional Assessment is an individualized and comprehensive nutritional evaluation. This visit is completed in 2-3 sessions. At the initial visit, also known as “Part One,” a comprehensive medical history is taken. You are weighed and measured, and a Biophotonic Antioxidant Scan, Zyto Wellness Scan, and Body Fat Analysis are done. Your present medications and supplements are reviewed. Your lifestyle and eating habits are discussed, as well as your bloodwork. You are given some homework to prepare you for the second part of your evaluation. Often, additional blood work is requested prior to “Part Two” of your visit, if deemed necessary. “Part One” is typically 60 – 90 minutes based on what your insurance allows. “Part Two” is typically within one week of “Part One.” At this session, your food preferences and aversions are reviewed. An individualized meal plan is developed, taking your lifestyle, food preferences, diagnosis, and medical issues into account.
2. Should I bring anything to my first Nutrition Counseling Appointment?
In order for you to get the most out of your initial visit, please bring the following:
i. Insurance card if we have pre-approved your visit.
ii. Very specific 3-day food diary. This is a daily account of all foods and fluids throughout the day. Please include timing of meals and note breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
iii. The initial visit forms filled out carefully.
iv. Recent blood work, if any. Call your primary MD and have them fax us a copy. Our fax # is 203-775-2028. You are responsible for making sure that we receive them before your visit.
v. Bring in all vitamins, minerals, herbs and supplements, as well as any medications that you are presently taking. Our nutritionists need to see the actual bottles.
3. What can I expect during a follow up Nutrition visit?
All of our Certified Dietitian-Nutritionists individualize the follow-up sessions based on the patient’s specific nutritional needs. Weights, measurements, Body Fat Analysis, Zyto Wellness Scans and Biophotonic Antioxidant Scans are done periodically to determine progress toward meeting nutritional goals. Food records are reviewed, changes in the meal plan are discussed, and upcoming challenges and food issues are evaluated.
4. Will my insurance cover all Nutrition services and additional testing that is required?
For Nutrition Counseling, we accept the following insurance plans: Aetna, Anthem Health Plans, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, ConnectiCare, Coventry, EmblemHealth, Harvard Pilgrim, Oxford, and UnitedHealthcare. We do not accept any Medicare plans or Husky plans, even if it is a secondary insurance. The additional testing is not covered by insurance. We charge a nominal fee for these tests. These include: Body Fat Analysis using near infrared spectrophotometry, Zyto Wellness Scanning, and Biophotonic Antioxidant Scanning.
5. Do I need a referral from my primary MD to see the Nutritionist?
Most insurance companies do not require a referral to see a specialist. However, there are certain HMO plans that require a referral from your primary MD to see any specialist (including a nutritionist).
6. How do I know that Nutrition Counseling is right for me?
We treat patients who are just looking for more insight into their own health, and nutrition, as well as, individuals struggling with the following medical problems: Pernicious Anemia & Iron Deficiency, Anorexia Nervosa, Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerosis, Bedsores, Binge Eating Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Breastfeeding Problems, Bulimia, Burns, Cancer, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Compulsive Overeating, Constipation, Crohn’s Disease, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Eating Disorders, Food Allergies, Gastroparesis, Headaches, Hiatus Hernia, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Hyperthyroidism, Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar), Insulin Resistance, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lactose Intolerance, Malnutrition, Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, Osteoporosis/Osteopenia, Overweight, Peptic Ulcer, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Pre-Diabetes, Ulcerative Colitis, Underweight, Weakened Immune System, Weight Gain, Weight Loss and more.
7. Are the recommendations personalized to me?
Because every individual is unique, Dr. Julie Conner, Dr. Brian Conner and Colleen Wall do not adhere to one universal program. Rather, they construct a personalized strategy for each patient based upon his/her needs and preferences. After participating in multiple hour-long comprehensive visits, each patient works with Dr. Julie, Dr. Brian or Colleen Wall to devise a nutrition plan that will most effectively meet the intended goal. From there, they guide their patient through a step-by-step process towards wellness.
8. If I have body image issues or an eating disorder how can I be accommodated?
If you struggle with body image issues or an eating disorder, our nutritionists will work with you to provide you with “Blind Weight Zones.” Blind Weight Zones are goal zones instead of assigning specific weight goals. Your nutritionist will weigh you facing away from the scale and let you know if you have reached a new zone. Also, when our nutritionists perform a Body Fat Analysis for you, they will not provide you with the results unless asked for.