Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What can Tina help me with?
I provide nutrition education and personalized meal-planning support for conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney disease, obesity, and digestive conditions. Please check with your insurance plan to confirm whether medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is covered.
Can you help me if I don’t have diabetes?
Yes. Although I specialize in diabetes care, I also help with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight concerns, digestive conditions, and other nutrition needs.
Do you work with children and teens?
Yes, I work with children and teens. For children under 14, I require a parent to be present because parents are usually involved in shopping and cooking. Please check with your insurance plan about coverage for medical nutrition therapy (MNT), as some diagnoses are not covered. I do not treat diabetes in children under 14; those children should receive diabetes care through a pediatric endocrinology clinic.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
A registered dietitian (RD), also called a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), is a healthcare professional who has completed specialized college education and supervised training, passed a national exam, and maintains ongoing continuing education. RDNs provide medical nutrition therapy to help manage health conditions. The title “nutritionist” alone does not tell you someone’s qualifications, so it’s important to check their credentials.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Before your first appointment, I’ll send you instructions for completing your medical history forms through Healthie. This helps me get to know you and gives us more time during your visit to focus on your needs. We’ll discuss your nutrition habits, food preferences, dietary restrictions, and goals.
How should I prepare for my first visit?
Your appointment will be a video call, so please be ready to use your camera and choose a quiet, private space. Complete your medical history forms beforhand and have a list of questions, your current medications, and any recent lab results available. Please arrange for your healthcare provider to send a referral before your visit, if required for your care or insurance coverage.
Do I need lab results or a list of medications?
Yes. Recent lab results and a current list of medications are helpful. With your permission, I can also review data from compatable conencted devices. Please contact me to discuss which devices can be connected through Healthie.
What books have you published?
I’ve published two books: The No-Diet Food Plan for Kids and Teens, a weight-loss workbook, and Diabetes Soup, a general guide to the basics of diabetes rather than a cookbook. Both are available on Amazon.
Insurance & Payments
Do you accept my insurance?
I currently accept Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and New Hampshire Healthy Families. Please contact me to confirm that I accept your specific plan and to discuss coverage and payment options.
Self-pay is also available. Payments can be made by credit card or an eligible flexible spending eligible flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) card.
Can I schedule and appointment without insurance?
Yes, you can schedule an appointment without insurance. Self-pay discounts are available.
Do I need a referral from my healthcare provider?
Please contact me before your appointment to confirm whether a referral is needed for your visit or insurance coverage.
Telehealth & Appointments
Are appointments available through telehealth?
Yes. All appointemnts take place through Healthie, so you can meet with me from the comfort of home.
What is Healthie, and is my information secure?
Healthie is a HIPAA-compliant electronic health record software platform. It handles all appointments, patient messaging, and video calls.
Which states can you see patients in?
New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania.
What do I need for a video appointment?
You’ll need a computer, tablet (such as an iPad), or smartphone with a camera, microphone, and internet connection. Choose a quiet, private space for your appointment.
How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
You can cancel or reschedule through the Healthie app or website. Please give at least 24 hours’ notice. After three missed appointments without notice, you may only book same-day appointments, subject to availability.
Working Together
How often will we meet?
Follow-up visits are usually scheduled within one to three months after your initial appointment. How often we meet depends on your needs and insurance coverage, as some plans limit the number of visits covered each year. Weekly check-in calls are not included.
Can a family member or caregiver join my appoitment?
Yes. With your permission, a family member or caregiver is welcome to join your appointment.
How do I contact Tina between visits?
You can message me between visits through the Healthie portal. I also use the portal to share written information related to your care.
Will I have to follow a strict diet or stop eating my favorite foods?
We’ll work together to build realistic eating habits that fit your preferences and health needs, including ways to enjoy your favorite foods. You can also use Healhtie’s food log to share your eating habits with me.
