faq’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you only work with women with PCOS?

Not at all. I'm a Licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with 20 years of experience providing Medical Nutrition Therapy to adults across a wide range of conditions.

My practice specializes in hormone health and metabolic nutrition — which means I work with women navigating PCOS, PMOS, perimenopause, insulin resistance, thyroid issues, and GLP-1 medication support. But I also see clients dealing with weight resistance, digestive issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and any condition where nutrition plays a role in your health.

If your body isn't responding the way it should and you're ready for a personalized root-cause approach — you're in the right place.

Do you put clients on a diet?

Yes. Meal Plans are diets. They should be individualized based on the client’s medical conditions, preferences, and goals, and more importantly, prescribed by a dietitian. Clients in our program do not count calories or have to figure out what to eat on their own. Instead, we do all the work so they can enjoy their meals and results.

Do you take Insurance?

Yes, I accept insurance (CareFirst, BCBS, Anthem, Aetna, and UHC) for basic nutrition counseling services. I'm independently licensed and credentialed with each insurance plan I accept — not routed through a third-party platform.

Insurance typically covers nutrition counseling (Medical Nutrition Therapy) only when there's a qualifying medical diagnosis on file, such as diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, PCOS, kidney disease, digestive conditions, or a similar diagnosed condition. A general wish to eat healthier or lose weight without one of these diagnoses is usually not enough for insurance to cover the visit, regardless of your plan.

If you're not sure whether you have a qualifying diagnosis, check with your primary care provider or your insurance card, most plans list diagnosis requirements for nutrition visits, or your doctor can confirm what's on your chart.

If you don't currently have a qualifying diagnosis, or you're looking for a general consultation rather than treatment tied to a specific condition, a private pay visit may be a better fit, so we can move forward without any coverage uncertainty.

My advanced/private pay programs offer deeper, more personalized care. These programs are designed for clients who need comprehensive support, including functional lab analysis, individualized nutrition strategies, and customized meal planning. Advanced care is self-pay and does not bill insurance; however, I help clients maximize in- and out-of-network benefits when applicable. FSA and HSA funds are accepted, and superbills are provided for potential reimbursement.

What do we discuss during our appointments?

We delve deep into your goals, and I provide personalized next-step nutrition recommendations. You will walk away with a better relationship with food, receive personal meal plans, grocery lists, and other time-saving resources to help you move forward confidently, helping you lose weight, maintain it, and achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Are appointments offered in the office or virtually?

We only offer sessions in-office and virtually at this time. Clients can schedule visits during the day or around dinner time. You don’t have to fight for parking spaces or sit in traffic, and the dietitian can see you from the comfort of your home or office.

How is my privacy protected during a virtual visit?

All appointments are held using HIPAA-compliant applications. Clients have a private portal that can be accessed from anywhere using a phone, computer, or tablet.

What are the differences between dietitians and nutritionists?

The main difference comes down to education and the scope of practice. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a designation for a nutrition professional who has received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from an accredited university in nutrition and dietetics. Dietitians have also completed a dietetic internship consisting of over 1,000 hours of supervised practice, passed an entrance exam, and obtained a license to practice in their state(s). Continuing education hours are required to maintain our credentials, like physicians and nurses. Dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy, treating and managing diseases and other conditions. A nutritionist may complete a degree in nutrition, but does not have the same amount of extensive post-baccalaureate regulatory education. They are not able to diagnose, treat, or provide medical nutrition advice.

How can I stay connected?

The best way is through my email list. I send monthly insights through my newsletter Beyond the Scale — real talk on hormones, metabolism, nutrition, and what's actually happening in your body. I also send occasional updates on availability, new offerings, and things I think you need to hear.

No fluff. No flooding your inbox. Just content that's actually worth opening. Join the list here → dinnerwithdrea.co