Nutritional Therapy
Requests for Nutrition Therapy are made by referral from a physician or other health care provider at University Medical Center or in the community. In some instances self referral is acceptable. Counseling Services requiring a referral by a physician or psychologist are those which include a medical diagnosis. A follow up note is sent to your referring health care professional. Some examples of medical diagnoses referred for counseling include, but are not limited to the following:
Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, Eating Disorder
Cancer Nutrition
Chronic Renal Failure
COPD
Diabetes Mellitus, Types 1, 2, gestational and pre-
diabetes
Gastrointestinal Disorders
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Cholesterol
Morbid obesity (100 lbs or more)
Overweight & obesity
***if you wish to deduct counseling costs on your taxes
See a copy of a referral form that your health care provider may use if desired.***
Self-referral for counseling is frequently requested for the following:
Overweight and obesity, without other medical
problems (Although ideally for children, would
include growth chart from primary care physician)
Adult / Family Nutrition
Infant / Child Nutrition
Sports Nutrition
Vegetarian Diet
Resting Metabolic Rate Measurement is available. This measures the number of Calories you burn when at rest. In the past we have had to estimate your demands; now we can actually measure the rate your body consumes calories when you are still. Knowing this number gives us a clue to appropriate Calorie recommendations for weight loss and weight gain when your activity level is known. This test is done when you are fasting and simply requires you to breath normally into a machine for 5-10 minutes.
What is helpful to do prior to your first visit for Nutrition Therapy Counseling? Complete a food & activity diary for 3 days and bring to your visit. See example.
Margaret P. Garner, M.S., R.D., L.D.
Asst. Professor, Director of Nutrition Education & Services
205-348-1213 Appointments
205-348-2880 Office
205-348-2889 Fax
Margaret Garner is a registered dietitian (R.D.) who has over 25 years experience in nutrition therapy for outpatients in the areas of chronic disease, family and child nutrition, adolescent nutrition, eating disorders and wellness.