Medical Nutrition Therapy

Horizon Internal Medicine is pleased to announce that they now offer Medical Nutrition Therapy as well as nutrition counseling from a Registered Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist (RDN).

Research shows that lifestyle modifications can significantly prevent and/or manage chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.  Losing 5-10% of body weight and participating in 150 minutes of physical activity has been shown to reduce blood sugars, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

Our Registered Dietitian believes that making small changes lead to big successes.  She will work with you to provide individualized nutrition counseling and to create a tailored meal plan that fits within your lifestyle and meets your individual goals.

A licensed dietitian/nutritionist is a nutrition professional who has met defined academic and professional requirements and is recognized as your most credible source of nutrition information. In addition, RDNs are trained on how to use nutrition to prevent and control the disease.

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is the practice of providing evidenced-based nutrition education and counseling to assist with preventing and managing chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity

• Patients who undergo MNT see an average weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week.
• Patients who continue to see an RDN for MNT for 6-12 months see a significant weight loss of 10% or more of their body weight.
• Studies show MNT provided for less than six months leads to significant reductions in blood pressure of approximately 5 mm Hg for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• Patients who complete MNT with an RDN have an average drop in A1C up to 3% in 3 to 6 months.
• Blood glucose levels decrease on average by 50% in patients who undergo MNT.
• Patients who complete 2-6 visits with an RDN can lower total cholesterol by 6-13% and LDL cholesterol by 7-14%

Research has shown MNT can significantly benefit patients with the following conditions:

• Overweight/Obesity
• Prediabetes
• Diabetes
• Prehypertension
• Hypertension
• Heart Disease
• High Cholesterol
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Fatty Liver Disease
• Gastrointestinal Disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chron’s Disease, and Diverticulitis
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and associated fertility issues
• Osteaoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Underweight
• Eating Disorders including Binge Eating Disorder
• Food Allergies and Intolerance
• Cancer
• Athletic Performance
• Pregnancy

Research suggests that ongoing support from RDNs is critical in maintaining motivation and accountability in reaching your health and lifestyle goals. Therefore, nutrition counseling services consist of 3 key appointments with ongoing follow-up sessions as needed to help maintain your health and lifestyle goals.

1. First Session (90 minutes): The goal of the first appointment is for the RDN to get to know you and your lifestyle habits in order to individualize future appointments to meet your goals. During this appointment, the RDN will complete a comprehensive nutrition assessment of your current medical status, lifestyle habits, and nutritional intake.  You will receive an explanation of your complete nutritional analysis report providing details of your current calorie, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake.  You will also receive individualized nutrition education, counseling, and goal setting based off of your assessment and nutritional analysis report.
2. Second Session (60 minutes): During the second appointment, the RDN will provide you with an individualized meal plan as well as further nutrition education, counseling, and goal setting.  They will coach you on how to choose foods in the proper portions to meet your nutritional needs within your meal plan.  Assistance with meal planning based on your personal food preferences and lifestyle regimen will be given.
3. Third Session (60 minutes): The third appointment includes an evaluation of your successes and challenges with implementing your personalized meal plan. Any adjustments to the meal plan are made as needed.  Additional education, counseling, and goal setting provided.
4. Follow up visits (30 minutes): Follow up visits frequency are determined by you and your RDN. Follow up visits are to help you maintain your motivation in making healthy lifestyle changes.  During these visits you and your RDN work together to build upon your successes and overcome any challenges you may be experiencing.  Each session is an opportunity for further tailored nutrition education and counseling to assist you in meeting your goals.  Examples of topics covered in follow up appointments include, but are not limited to navigating restaurant menus, healthy fast food options, convenient meal ideas, shopping on a budget, recipes, physical activity, and mindful eating.

Most insurance companies cover MNT services provided by a RDN.  However, coverage differs from plan to plan.  Some insurance plans cover 100% of nutrition services with no co-pay or deductible and unlimited visits, while others may require a co-pay and have a visit limit.  Horizon RDNs provide in-network services to members of BCBS, United Health Care, Aetna, Cigna, UMR, Medicare and Medicaid.  After scheduling your appointment, Horizon will verify MNT benefits with your insurance company prior to your visit.