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Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about nutrition services, insurance, appointments, or programs? We’re here to help. Click on a category below, then expand each question to learn more.

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Getting Started

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  • We provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) through individual appointments and small group programs. Our services support a wide range of needs including metabolic and weight health, diabetes and prediabetes, GLP-1 medication support, digestive health, hormone balance, mental wellness, functional medicine foundations, pediatric nutrition, eating disorders, and lifestyle change.

  • Medical Nutrition Therapy is an evidence-based, clinical service provided by a registered dietitian to treat medical conditions using personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies. MNT goes beyond general nutrition advice and is tailored to your medical history, labs, symptoms, and goals.

  • Nutrition therapy may be right for you if you have a health condition impacted by nutrition, feel overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, want accountability and structure, or are ready to make sustainable lifestyle changes. If you’re unsure, our team can help guide you to the best next step.

  • Getting started is easy. Complete our New Patient Booking Form on the website, and our team will reach out to review your goals, verify insurance benefits if applicable, and schedule your first appointment or program.

  • Many patients do not need a referral. However, some insurance plans—including Medicare and certain HMOs—do require one. If a referral is needed, we’ll let you know and help you obtain it.

Insurance & Payment

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  • Many insurance plans cover Medical Nutrition Therapy when it is medically necessary and provided by a registered dietitian. Coverage depends on your specific plan and diagnosis. We recommend verifying benefits, and our team is happy to help guide you through the process.

  • Rhode Island Nutrition Therapy is in network with many major insurance plans for Medical Nutrition Therapy (nutrition counseling), including:

    • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (including BlueChip)

    • Medicare

    • Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island

    • UnitedHealthcare

    • Aetna

    • Cigna

    • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

    • Tufts Health Plan

  • If insurance does not cover your care, we offer self-pay options, structured programs, and packages. Many patients choose private pay for greater flexibility and continuity of care.

  • Yes! We accept Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

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Appointments & What to Expect

  • Your initial appointment is a comprehensive assessment (typically 90 minutes). Your dietitian will review your medical history, nutrition patterns, labs if available, lifestyle factors, and goals. Together, you’ll create a personalized plan focused on realistic, sustainable change.

  • Initial visits are usually 90 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically 45–60 minutes, depending on your needs and program structure.

  • Visit frequency varies by individual goals and program. Some patients meet weekly at first, then transition to less frequent follow-ups as confidence and consistency grow.

    Weekly engagement through both group support and individualized 1:1 appointments has been shown to support the strongest and most sustainable outcomes—especially when starting or restarting a health journey.

  • We require at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Appointments canceled with less notice or missed without notice may be subject to a fee.

  • Yes. We offer secure telehealth appointments for patients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Florida, Texas, Colorado, Ohio and Virginia.

Group Programs

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  • Group programs are dietitian-led sessions that combine education, support, and accountability in a small-group setting. They offer a structured, supportive way to work toward health goals while learning from others on a similar journey.

  • Group programs provide shared learning, peer support, and structured content over time. Individual visits offer fully personalized care. Many patients benefit from combining both.

  • We offer a variety of dietitian-led group programs designed to support different health goals, including metabolic and weight health, diabetes prevention, GLP-1 support, mental wellness, functional medicine foundations, cooking skills, and ongoing alumni support.

    Each program has its own structure, focus, and level of support.

    👉 View all Group Programs here

  • Coverage for group Medical Nutrition Therapy varies by insurance plan. Some plans cover group MNT, while others may apply benefits toward individual visits. We’ll help review your options before enrollment.

  • Yes. Many patients choose a hybrid approach, combining group support with individual appointments for personalized guidance.

Specialty Programs & Care Areas

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  • Yes. We offer both GLP-1 Support Groups and a structured Metabolic Weight Management program specifically designed for patients using GLP-1 medications. These programs focus on nutrition adequacy, side-effect management, muscle preservation, and long-term success.

  • Prevent T2 is a CDC-recognized, year-long lifestyle change program for individuals with prediabetes or at high risk for type 2 diabetes. It focuses on nutrition, physical activity, behavior change, and long-term risk reduction.

    👉 Learn more about our Prevent T2 Program here

  • Yes. Our Functional Nutrition Program is designed to help you understand why symptoms are happening—not just manage them. We take a systems-based approach that looks at nutrition, lifestyle, gut health, metabolic balance, inflammation, and nutrient status to support long-term health and resilience.

  • Yes. Nourish the Mind focuses on the connection between nutrition, brain health, stress, mood, and emotional well-being in a supportive group environment.

    👉 Learn more about our Nourish the Mind program here

  • Yes. We provide nutrition support for metabolic health, insulin resistance, PCOS, perimenopause and menopause, and hormone-related concerns as part of both individual and group care.

Pediatric & Family Nutrition

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  • Yes. Our pediatric team supports infants, children, teens, and young adults with growth, feeding challenges, digestive concerns, eating disorders, ADHD, and chronic conditions.

    👉 Learn more about Pediatric Nutrition Therapy here

  • Parent or caregiver involvement is encouraged and often essential, especially for younger children and adolescents.

  • Yes. We provide compassionate, evidence-based nutrition care for eating disorders and disordered eating, often as part of a collaborative care team.

  • Yes. We collaborate with pediatricians and, with permission, other healthcare providers, schools, etc. to support coordinated care.

Locations & Telehealth

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  • We offer in-person visits at multiple Rhode Island locations, including North Kingstown, Warwick, and Cumberland (pediatrics).

    👉 Click here for our locations

  • Currently we serve patients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, South Dakota, Ohio, Virginia and Colorado.

Care Team & Coordination

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  • You’ll work with registered dietitians (RDNs) and, in some programs, collaborate with nurse practitioners or other healthcare partners as part of a coordinated care approach.

    👉 Learn more about Registered Dietitians here

  • Yes. All Medical Nutrition Therapy services are provided by licensed registered dietitians with advanced training in medical and therapeutic nutrition.

  • Yes. With your consent, we communicate with your healthcare providers to support aligned, whole-person care.

Tools, Testing & Resources

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  • Yes. When appropriate, we offer access to functional and specialty lab testing through trusted partners, coordinated with your care plan.

    ‍👉 Shop our Functional Tests

  • When needed, we recommend evidence-based, medical-grade supplements and provide access through Fullscript for convenience and quality assurance.

    ‍👉 Create a free Fullscript account and get access to discounted medical-grade supplements

  • Yes. Depending on your program, you may receive meal planning guidance, resources, tracking tools, and ongoing education to support real-life application.

Still Have Questions?

Not sure which service or program is right for you? We’re happy to help.

Call us: 401-398-2454
Email us: info@rinutritiontherapy.com
Book online to start the new patient process.

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