When you meet with one of our Registered Dietitians, we will NOT "put you on a diet." Many people assume that we will go over the Food Guide Pyramid and show them how to measure their food . . . we don't even have a copy of the Food Guide Pyramid! In fact, all of the advice we give is tailored and adjusted for each individual we see. Below you will find answers to some common questions about nutrition counseling and Pioneer Valley Nutrition.
What is the first nutrition counseling session like?
When you first sit down with the dietitian, she will review your medical history, ask you some basic questions about your eating and activity habits, and ask you what your goals are. We work with you to develop an initial list of things to try based on your goals. Please note that we adhere to all required HIPPA privacy regulations and beyond. Anything you discuss in our office is completely confidential. Depending on what you want to get out of the meeting, and when you schedule your next visit, you may leave with some general changes to practice, or you may have a detailed menu plan or both.
What happens in follow-up sessions?
In follow-up sessions, you may tell us about any obstacles you had that prevented you from reaching your goals. Typical obstacles include vacations, holidays, stress eating, being too busy, tempting foods at home or at work, getting too hungry, cravings, or eating when you are bored. The list can go on and on. We teach you how to overcome your obstacles while being realistic, keeping your lifestyle in mind. We will review material from previous visits, go over new information, and make recommendations based on your progress. In follow-up sessions, we also update you on the latest scientific research and translate it into practical tips to improve your health.
Will my health insurance cover the visit?
Most insurances do cover nutrition counseling with our dietitians and we will call to verify your coverage if necessary.
What is the cost for an appointment if I do not have health insurance coverage?
- $100 for an initial consultation (60 minutes)
- $60 for a 30 minute follow up appointment
- $100 for a 60 minute follow up appointment
Do you do phone consultations?
Yes, but only for people who self pay. We cannot bill your health insurance company for phone consultations.
How do I make an appointment?
Simply call (413) 584-2200 - our staff will schedule an appointment for you. If he or she is helping another caller, you will get our voicemail. If so, simply leave a message and we will call you back promptly.
There are so many different nutrition-related job titles, what do they all mean?
- Registered Dietitians (RD)
completed a minimum of a Bachelor's or Master's of Science Degree in Human Nutrition (a total of 30 nutrition-related courses), a 1000 hour clinical internship, and passed a rigorous exam. - Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE)
are also RDs, have completed at least 1000 hours of post-graduate Diabetes Education work, and have passed a rigorous exam. - Licensed Nutritionists (LDN)
are licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which means that due to extensive studies, are the only professionals allowed to call themselves "Nutritionists." - Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)
holds a Master's Degree or higher in Human Nutrition and passed rigorous exam or MD, PA, DO, DC, DDS, DPM, OD, ND, or RD with 56 hours of additional online training and passed an exam. - Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
holds a professional degree in Nutrition or related field and has passed a rigorous exam. - Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP)
completed a 14 day training or distance learning course. - Holistic Health Counselor (HHC)
completed a 3 weekend training or distance learning course. - Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant (CNWC)
passed a 200 question exam and holds high school diploma or equivalent.
Is a dietitian qualified to help me with multiple, complex diseases?
Yes, ABSOLUTELY! For more information on our training visit:
How to become a Registered Dietitian: http://www.eatright.org
All of our dietitians are Licensed Nutritionists by the state: http://license.reg.state.ma.us
Some of our dietitians are Certified Diabetes Educators: http://www.ncbde.org
Hello. My name is Polly Normand. I am a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, and I have a Master's degree in Public Health.
