Question 1

What's the difference between a Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian?

Accepted Answer

A whole lot! Registered dietitians must earn a Master's degree and must complete 1200+ hours in clinical training. RDs learn about biochemistry, metabolism, psychology, and medical nutrition therapy, among other things. Clinical training is supervised and can be in a hospital, food service environment, community environment or sometimes all of these. RDs also must pass a national board exam and maintain their credential by completing continuing education. Additional requirements happen at the state level for licensure. RDs can also specialize further after passing specialist exams once they have proven their skill set in a certain area.

Nutritionist is a general title that has no regulation. Depending on the state, there may be licensing but there is no standard for educational requirement. Unfortunately, anyone can watch a few videos or read a few books and call themselves a nutritionist.

When it comes to food and nutrition, Registered Dietitians (RDs, RDNs) are the experts.

Question 2

Will insurance cover my visits?

Accepted Answer

Currently we are in network with Aetna, Blue Cross, and Cigna national products. We are working to expand coverage. This means if your insurance is a product of Aetna, Blue Cross or Cigna it is likely you will get coverage*. Each policy is different and will need to be verified before meeting with your Registered Dietitian.

**YOU are responsible for verifying your coverage for Nutrition Counseling before your initial appointment***
*Thrive does not accept Medicare or Medicaid and we do not bill secondary insurances*

To verify your coverage, call the phone number on the back of your insurance card. Let them know you want to see Caroline Tizard of Thrive Nutrition Counseling, LLC for nutrition counseling.

Use these questions to guide your call with your insurance company:
1) Do I have nutrition counseling coverage on this plan? If they ask for CPT codes, ask about 97802 & 97803. If you do not have coverage for these codes, ask about 99401, 99402, 99403 and 99404. We also can bill for S9470 if it is covered on your policy.

2) Will my diagnosis be covered? If they ask for a diagnosis code or ICD 10 code, use Z71.3 or Z72.4. If you have health concerns like pre-diabetes, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or are overweight or obese ask about coverage for these diagnoses.

3) How many visits will I have per calendar year? Visits may vary from 0 to unlimited (yay!)

4) Do I have a cost-share for my visit? Depending on your plan you may be responsible for a co-pay. If you do have a cost-share, we will first bill your insurance company and then charge the card on file if the EOB indicates we do so. Registered Dietitians are Specialists, so the specialist co-pay would apply. If we bill your insurance under preventative care (and they cover that!) you will not likely have a co-pay.

5) Do I need a referral to see a Registered Dietitian? You may need a referral from your physician for services to be covered.

6) What is the reference number for this call? Also note the date, time, and representative's name. This can be useful if you have issues with coverage.

This information is not a guarantee of coverage. You are responsible for payments if your insurance does not cover your visits. We will be happy to provide you with a superbill for possible out of network reimbursement from your insurance company.

Still have questions? Email us at hello@thrive-rd.com

Question 3

What is your cancellation/no show policy?

Accepted Answer

We know life happens! Please contact your Dietitian, use the Practice Better app or email hello@thrive-rd.com to cancel or reschedule your appointment within 48 hours of your appointment. If you cancel within the 48 hour window or no-show your appointment you will be charged for the full cost of the appointment. This policy will be strictly enforced. If you are late, you forefit that time. If you are late your dietitian reserves the right to reschedule your appointment.

Question 4

What conditions do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Great question! We work with patients with the following conditions:
-diabetes, type 1 and 2
-prediabetes
-hypertension
-hyperlipidemia
-coronary artery disease
-stroke (pre, post, or TIA aka mini stroke)
-PCOS
-insulin resistance
-hypothyroidism
-Parkinson's disease
-Multiple Sclerosis
-Lupus
-pregnancy
-preventative (eg you want to prevent diabetes or high blood pressure!)

Question 5

I don't live in Maryland, can I still see you?

Accepted Answer

Currently, our services are based on licensure laws and are available in: MD, DC, DE, VA, WV, GA, KY, FL, NH, CT, CA, NJ, NY, PA, TX and NC. If you do not see your state listed, please send an email to hello@thrive-rd.com to see your options.

Question 6

Why do you do virtual visits?

Accepted Answer

Simply put-they're easy for both your Dietitian and for YOU! No worries about getting to an office or being stuck in traffic. As long as you have clothes on and are in a quiet location, you're good! We do offer limited in-person visits by request only, please book a discovery call to discuss this option.

Question 7

How do I prepare for my first session?

Accepted Answer

First, be sure to fill out all of your forms beforehand. Without these, you may be asked to reschedule. Be sure to be clothed (yes, really, we have to say this), and in a quiet location with no distractions. If you are driving, we will reschedule for your safety. Treat this visit like a doctor's appointment. Any rescheduling due to distractions or driving during the appointment will enact our no show and cancellation policy.

Question 8

What can I expect from our first visit?

Accepted Answer

In your first visit, your Dietitian will spend time getting to know you and your habits. You are the expert on YOU, so we have a lot to learn. You will work together to develop goals to work on before your next session. All recommendations are customized to you and your unique needs.

Question 9

I'm not sure if you work with my health condition, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Send over an email to hello@thrive-rd.com or schedule a free discovery call. If we can't help, we'll help you find a provider who can.

Question 10

I'm interested in working with you for a corporate or group event, how can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Send an email to hello@thrive-rd.com and we will be in touch shortly.

Question 11

I have a question that I can't find an answer to, how do I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Please email hello@thrive-rd.com for any additional questions!

Thrive Nutrition Counseling

Frequently asked questions