| How
to choose the right Dietitian ? |
Selecting the right Dietitian is an important decision.
In addition to the ensuring that the Dietitian is licensed
and in good standing with the regulating state agency,
there are other factors that you should take into account
when choosing the right Dietitian. Education, experience,
costs, location, and up-to-date techniques are just some
of the factors that you might consider when selecting
a Dietitian.
DietitianDirectory.com has general information about the
educational requirements of a Dietitian. If you use the
DietitianDirectory.com search tool to locate a Dietitian,
you will be searching for a Dietitian who has been pre-screened
with a license that is in good standing with the regulating
state agency. Additionally, you will be able to review
the bios and websites of each of the Dietitians listed
on DietitianDirectory.com prior to contacting them. The
bios and websites contain information about the Dietitians
education, experience, office hours, any special offers
and more. You may also be able to download the Dietitians
patient forms to fill out in the comfort of your home
and have the information ready for the office staff before
you even visit.
Dietitians are either registered with the Commission on
Dietetic Registration (CDR), a national governing body,
or licensed in the state in which the practice. Many dietitians
are both registered and licensed. Dietitians are educated
in the science of nutrition through an accredited university
and spend a minimum of 900 hours after graduation, training
in a clinical setting. After completing education and
training, they must also take a national registration
exam or state licensing exam before going into practice.
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| What
techniques will be used to treat my
condition? |
Initially, a dietitian
will recommend an individualized nutrition
plan after a thorough interview and
assessment. Usually your dietitian will
ask questions regarding your diet and
medical history. Sometimes your dietitian
will ask you to write down everything
you ate in the last 3-7 days prior to
your appointment. This helps them to
pinpoint exactly where improvements
to your diet can be made. Your dietitian
will help you to add or limit specific
foods in your diet to help you reach
your nutrition goals. It is also important
for you to inform your dietitian and
medical doctor about any medications,
herbs and dietary supplements you are
taking.
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| What
type of treatment in terms of duration
and frequency should you expect? |
Responses to diet modifications
vary from patient to patient. Some patients
will see improvements very quickly,
while it may take longer for others.
Typically, after the initial assessment
a follow-up visit will be made at which
time original nutrition goals will be
evaluated to ensure you are on track.
The number of subsequent visits will
vary depending on the nature of your
condition and your success with implementing
the recommended dietary modifications.
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| Do
dietitians make referrals to other health
care providers if necessary? |
| Your dietitian works
as part of a team with your medical
doctor to ensure your individualized
care is appropriate. Your dietitian
will also seek counsel and collaborate
with other specialists when necessary.
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| What
else should I consider? |
A dietitian should:
Practice dietetics based on scientific principles and current
information make every effort to help you improve your health
and wellbeing make recommendations to specialists as necessary
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