Frequently Asked Questions
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, pediatric nutrition, eating disorders, and lifestyle change.
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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.
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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.
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Getting started is easy. Complete our New Patient Booking Form on the website, and our team will reach out to review your goals, answer your insurance questions, and schedule your first appointment or program.
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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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Rhode Island Nutrition Therapy is In-Network with many major insurance plans for Medical Nutrition Therapy, or nutrition counseling. (See next section below for specific information regarding health insurance plans).
Important Notices
Insurance coverage varies by individual policy, even within the same insurance company. While we make every effort to help you understand your benefits, patients are ultimately responsible for any services not covered by their insurance plan. We encourage all patients to become familiar with their individual coverage before receiving services.
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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
Checking Your Benefits
Coverage depends on your plan, so we recommend calling the member services number on your insurance card to confirm your nutrition counseling benefits before your first visit.
We are also in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Tufts Health Plan, but these plans don't share benefit details with our office, so please call the number on your insurance card to confirm your nutrition coverage.
Blue Cross plans from other states are out of network. For BCBS Federal (FEP) plans, we're unable to verify benefits.
Coverage depends on your plan, and you're responsible for any costs your plan doesn't cover.
If you have one of these plans, please contact the Member Services (the phone number is on the back of your insurance card) before your appointment and ask the following questions:
Is Medical Nutrition Therapy (nutrition counseling) covered under my plan?
Are the following CPT codes covered?
97802 – Initial Medical Nutrition Therapy Assessment
97803 – Follow-up Medical Nutrition Therapy
97804 – Group Medical Nutrition Therapy
Is a referral or prior authorization required?
Are there any visit limits or frequency restrictions?
What are my copay, coinsurance, deductible, or other out-of-pocket responsibilities?
Medicare, Aetna Medicare Advantage, and certain UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans may only cover Medical Nutrition Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes or Chronic Kidney Disease. A referral from your primary care provider is required and must be faxed to 401-633-6956 at least 3 business days before your appointment.
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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.
Check out our private pay Medical Nutrition Therapy options here.
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Yes! We accept Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
Appointments & What to Expect
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Initial visits are 90 minutes, but we can accommodate 60-minute initial visits if that works best for scheduling. Choosing a 60-minute visit may also help you get in sooner.
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Initial visits are 90 minutes, but we can accommodate 60-minute initial visits if that works best for scheduling. Choosing a 60-minute visit may also help you get in sooner. Follow-up appointments are typically 45–60 minutes, depending on your needs and program structure.
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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.
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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.
Rhode Island Nutrition Therapy, LLC requires at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
If you cancel or reschedule your appointment with less than 48 hours' notice, or do not show up for an appointment, please understand that:
You may be charged a late cancellation fee of $100
No-show appointments may also incur a $100 fee
Fees may be charged to the card on file
I understand that a no-show or more than one late cancellation or reschedule will result in discharge from care.
Exceptions may be made in cases of emergencies at the discretion of the provider.
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Yes. We offer secure telehealth appointments.
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.
Learn more here.
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Group programs provide shared learning, peer support, and structured content over time. Individual visits offer fully personalized care. Many patients benefit from combining both.
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We offer a variety of dietitian-led group programs designed to support different health goals, including metabolic and weight health, diabetes prevention, mental wellness, cooking skills, and ongoing alumni support.
Each program has its own structure, focus, and level of support.
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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.
Please refer to the Insurance & Payments section above for additional information regarding insurance coverage.
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Absolutely! 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 a structured Metabolic Weight Management program specifically designed for patients using GLP-1 medications. This program focuses on nutrition adequacy, side-effect management, muscle preservation, and long-term success.
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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.
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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.
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Yes. Nourish the Mind focuses on the connection between nutrition, brain health, stress, mood, and emotional well-being in a supportive group environment.
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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.
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Parent or caregiver involvement is encouraged and often essential, especially for younger children and adolescents.
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Yes. We provide compassionate, evidence-based nutrition care for eating disorders and disordered eating, often as part of a collaborative care team.
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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).
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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.
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Yes. All Medical Nutrition Therapy services are provided by licensed registered dietitians with advanced training in medical and therapeutic nutrition.
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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.
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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
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Yes. Depending on your program, you may receive meal planning guidance, resources, tracking tools, and ongoing education to support real-life application.
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Yes, in most U.S. states. A licensed provider orders every test through our Fullscript dispensary, and you’ll go over the results with your provider. Patients in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Hawaii can choose from fewer labs, and testing isn't available in U.S. territories or Canada. Lab tests are cash-pay only and can't be billed to insurance. Check with your HSA/FSA plan about coverage. Lab results are one piece of your health picture. They aren't a diagnosis on their own.
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.
