What to Do When Your Doctor Says 'You Need to See a Dietitian'

Your doctor just told you to see a dietitian. Maybe you walked out with a referral slip and realized you weren't entirely sure what to do with it. Here's exactly what to do next.

Step 1: Don't Wait — We'll Be in Touch

If your physician's office faxed the referral directly to us at (855) 620-6876, you can expect to hear from our team to get you scheduled. Since referrals can sometimes take a couple of days to come through, don't hesitate to call us first at (210) 872-5176 — we're happy to get you on the calendar right away.

Step 2: Check Your Insurance Coverage

Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask: "Does my plan cover Medical Nutrition Therapy with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?" and "Is a physician referral required, or can I self-refer?" When you call, reference diagnosis code Z71.3 and CPT codes 97802 (initial nutrition assessment) and 97803 (follow-up nutrition counseling) — having those on hand can help the representative pull up your benefits more accurately. Alternatively, call us directly at (210) 872-5176. We verify insurance coverage as part of our intake process.

Step 3: Book the Appointment

You can book online through our scheduling system or call our office. If your physician provided a formal referral or order for Medical Nutrition Therapy, bring a copy — or have their office fax it to us.

Step 4: Know What to Bring

Recent lab work if you have access to it. A list of current medications and supplements. A general sense of your typical eating patterns. Any specific questions your physician mentioned.

Step 5: Come as You Are

Don't change how you're eating in the week before your appointment. Don't prepare a defense of your current habits. Come with your real life, your real patterns, your real questions. The first session is a conversation, not an evaluation.

Acting on a physician referral is one of the best things you can do for your health. The hardest part is usually just making the call.

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I'm Vanessa Vargas, RDN, LD — founder of Wellnessa at The Historic Pearl in San Antonio, TX. We work with physician-referred clients every day. (210) 872-5176.