Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Appointments In-Person or Via Telehealth?
Both in-office an virtual visits are available. In-office appointments are at our office conveniently located close to Transit Road in the Town of Lockport. The office has plenty of parking and is handicap accessible. You are more than welcome to bring a support person along to your appointment. Not that the entrance to the office is in the back of the Towne Square Plaza. You will find our white door labeled 6411B with an AMS Nutrition Counseling PLLC sign on it below the window.
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Telehealth appointments are also available. These are video appointments which can be done in the comfort of your own home or office using a secure, HIPAA compliant platform. Most health insurance plans are covering telehealth nutrition counseling appointments. You will be e-mailed the link and code to attend the telehealth appointment, which can be done on your computer, phone or tablet.
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Phone appointments are not ideal for nutrition counseling, as they do not offer the ability to share information such as educational handouts or visuals. However, this can be an option for follow up appointments in some situations, if requested. Some insurance plans are covering phone appointments while others are not. We do not do telephone appointments for initial appointments under any circumstance.
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What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
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A Registered Dietitian (RD), also known as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), is a healthcare professional that is an expert in food and nutrition. Dietitians work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, health clinics, universities, research facilities and private practice.
What is the Difference Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
Dietitians have to meet academic and professional requirements set by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This includes a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, completion of a supervised practice program, passing a national exam and completing continuing education credits to maintain registration.
The term “nutritionist” is not regulated, so anyone may refer to themselves as one. A nutritionist may or may not have in-depth knowledge and experience in the field. Be cautious when taking advice from a nutritionist, especially if they are trying to sell you products, such as supplements or meal replacements.
What is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist?
A Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), previously known as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), is a healthcare professional who possesses comprehensive knowledge of both diabetes prevention and management. A CDCES educates and supports people with diabetes to help them understand and manage the condition.
CDCESs are generally nurses, dietitians or pharmacists. To become a CDCES, these professionals must obtain continuing education credits, pass a national exam and have a minimum of 1000 hours of working with people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Will My Health Insurance Cover Nutrition Counseling?
Your health insurance company may cover nutrition counseling. It is often covered with no expense to the client, even when there is an unmet deductible. Our staff will help you to find out this information for your specific insurance plan.
For co-pays, co-insurance and out of pocket expenses, a variety of payment options are available. If you have a health spending account such as a Health Savings Account, Health Reimbursement Arrangement or Flexible Spending Account, nutrition counseling may be considered a qualified medical expense.
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What if I'm not located in or near Niagara County?
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Our providers are licensed in the state of New York State, so as long as you are in New York State at the time of the appointment, you can have a telehealth appointment. There is no need to come to the physical location as all needed documents can be sent electronically.
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Amy also has a telehealth license in the State of Florida.
https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/
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What Should I Expect at Appointments?
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At the first appointment, a full assessment will be done. You will be asked about your medical history, physical activity, what you normally eat and what you would like to accomplish. Then, you and your dietitian will come up with specific goals to work on.
If you have diabetes, many other topics may be discussed as well. General diabetes questions can be answered, diabetes medications will be discussed, and if you check your blood sugars at home, your readings will be reviewed. If you have an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor those will be reviewed as well.
Follow up appointments will be scheduled as they are important to keep you accountable and make sure you are headed in the right direction. At follow up appointments, previous goals will be discussed and the plan will be adjusted as needed. These appointments are for YOU—so bring your questions regarding nutrition, food and your medical conditions.
Are Your Providers Available for Presentations or Other Services?
Yes, in addition to one-on-one nutrition counseling, Amy is available to speak at events such as diabetes support group meetings and corporate wellness seminars. She is also available for healthcare provider education. Contact her for availability and further information.
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Do You have Products and Services for Other Dietitians?
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Yes, Amy has different resources and services available for dietitians.
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For information on dietetics, private practice and insurance billing, visit Dietitian Direction.
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If you are a dietitian looking to purchase some handouts, go to the Dietitian Direction RD2RD Store.
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