When something doesn’t feel right, the majority of us immediately go to the doctor. To evaluate what’s going on, do the appropriate tests, and guide us toward improved health is the responsibility of a primary care physician.
But the fact that your doctor isn’t able to do everything is something that isn’t discussed enough.
You may leave a consultation with a diagnosis and a recommendation, such as “You should probably lose some weight” or “Try cutting back on sugar”, but not necessarily a customized strategy for achieving that goal. Furthermore, your doctor is not to blame for it. It simply indicates that a Registered Dietitian should be brought in as an additional expert.
When physicians and dietitians collaborate, you get the best of both worlds: practical, food first support and medical knowledge.
When to consult a dietitian (Surprise: Not as soon as you think)
A registered dietitian can have a significant impact if you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions:
- Elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
- Diabetes or prediabetes
- IBD, IBS, or other digestive disorders
- Hormones abnormalities or PCOS
- Autoimmune diseases
- Weight, energy, or inflammation related worries.
Your dietician is the one who helps you feel good while using GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, and manage your diet so you don’t relapse after the prescription is over.
Why this collaboration is so successful
Your physician is educated to examine your health from a clinical perspective, talking into account your lab results, medical history, prescription drugs, and overall risks.
A tailored approach is part of your dietitian’s training then examine your eating patterns, way of life, culture, tastes, and obstacles, and then transform them into manageable, sustainable routines that you can genuinely stick to.
People benefit from this team-based approach:
- Reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1c Minimize reliance on drugs (where suitable)
- Boost energy, sleep and digestion.
- Reduce weight in a healthy, long-lasting manner.
- Know what to eat and why.
The majority of doctors advise seeing a dietitian
Physicians have a lot on their plates. The duration of appointments is brief. Additionally, the majority of them only received a few hours of dietary instruction during their medical school years.
They frequently give you advice on what needs to change but not how. For this reason, a lot of doctors suggest dietitians for continuing assistance.
To ensure that patients are not left hanging after their session, our team at OnPoint Nutrition collaborates with other primary care providers around the nation. We bridge the gaps by providing enduring direction, accountability, and useful assistance.
Dietitian visits are frequently covered by insurance.
The good news is that your insurance may also pay for visits from a dietician if you currently see your doctor on a regular basis.
Nutrition counseling is covered by several plans, including Medicare and Medicaid in some states, when a related diagnosis is made, such as:
- Elevated cholesterol
- Pre-diabetes or diabetes
- Conditions linked to obesity or BMI
- Digestive disorders
- Heart related conditions
How to maximize benefits from both suppliers
To get the most out of this care team concept, follow these steps:
Consult your physician beforehand
The more details you can provide us with regarding your needs, the better. Seeing your providers is the greatest way to start the healing process if you haven’t done so recently. Clarify your lab results, diagnosis, and any pressing issues.
Consult a Registered Dietitian thereafter
Present your health information to a dietician, who will assist you in creating a practical plan based on your individual goals, age, and gender as well as the advice of your physician.
Keep in touch
Weekly meetings, real time texting, meal planning, and progress monitoring are all possible forms of dietitian help. It’s a partnership, not a one-and-done.
Your physician and dietitian work together to address all aspects of your health, including behavioral, nutritional, and medical. That is how long lasting transformation takes place.
SOURCE: ON-POINT NUTRITION
