As part of treating the overall well-being of your patients, it may be beneficial to recommend nutritional counseling. More insurance carriers are providing this service as a benefit.

When patients have conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or obesity, suggesting nutritional counseling could help your patients become more informed about making healthier choices. More health insurance plans cover nutritional counseling, although some may only provide coverage for specific conditions.

“Integrating nutritional counseling into routine clinical practice is essential and necessary to achieving optimal health outcomes,” said Scott Isaacs, MD, adjunct assistant professor of medicine, Emory University, and president of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, who is based in Atlanta. “By ensuring that nutritional counseling is accessible, personalized, and supported by insurance, we empower our patients to prevent disease, effectively manage chronic conditions, and improve both quality of live and longevity.”

What Exactly Is Nutritional Counseling?

Nutritional counseling is a collaborative, patient-centered process led by registered dietitians or nutritionists, and it involves a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s dietary habits (dietary history), medical history, cultural/ethnic preferences, and health goals, followed by personalized education and support, said Isaacs.

“Think of nutritional counseling as a way to translate medical advice into a meal plan that is realistic and achievable for an individual’s life situation. Nutritional knowledge with practical tips helps patients make gradual, sustainable dietary changes,” he said. “This isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about building lifelong skills, making permanent lifestyle changes for better health.”

Most Insurance Plans Will Cover It

According to Isaacs, most health insurance plans, including those under the Affordable Care Act, cover nutritional counseling for preventive care and for patients with conditions like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease. “One of the most underused benefits is insurance-covered nutritional counseling,” he said. “I encourage clinicians to proactively inform patients that these services are likely included in their health plan.”

Although most insurance plans grant patients the self-refer option to a registered dietitian, some require a physician’s referral, especially for specific diagnoses such as diabetes, obesity, or hypertension, said Isaacs. If a referral is needed, physicians should reassure patients that this is a routine process.

How Does This Affect Treatment Plans?

Nutrition counselling services are integral to holistic comprehensive care. Nutritional counseling can include:

• Comprehensive weight management programs
• Bariatric pre- and post-surgery
• Diabetes management
• Lowering cholesterol
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Food allergies (including gluten)
• Personalized meal planning
• Medical nutrition therapy for chronic illnesses, including cancer
• Mindful eating techniques to address emotional and behavioral eating patterns
• Nutrition guidance during pregnancy and for sports performance

Furthermore, medical specialists say that nutritional counseling can particularly be a win for those with specific health conditions.

“My perspective is that medical nutrition therapy is vital to overall patient care plans, especially in the setting such as celiac disease or short bowel syndrome,” said Lindsey Russell, MD, a gastroenterologist with the Center for Human Nutrition at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland. “At Cleveland Clinic, we practice a multidisciplinary approach to treating chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, which includes registered dietitians as part of the treatment plan.”

Why Patients Benefit From Nutritional Counseling?

Isaacs at Emory University said nutritional counseling is a proven, evidence-based approach for managing and preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. “Nutritional counseling is not just about diet, it’s about giving patients practical, sustainable strategies to improve their health,” he said.

Among the benefits of personalized dietary guidance, Isaacs said, is helping patients with weight management, blood glucose control, lipid management, reduce cardiovascular risk, and support long-term health and vitality.

Why Do Patients Trust Your Guidance?

Patients appreciate nutrition advice they receive from their physicians, and studies show that when doctors introduce such conversations, patients are more likely to adopt meaningful lifestyle tweaks. “By recommending nutritional counseling, we’re not just treating disease, we’re helping patients improve their health and quality of life,” Isaacs told Medscape Medical News.

Encouraging Patients to Try Nutrition Counseling

Once a doctor encourages a patient to use their insurance coverage to see a registered dietician, follow-through should be part of the plan.

“I encourage my patients to be open about their experiences — what they have tried, what has worked, what hasn’t, and most importantly, their motivation for change,” said Christopher Scuderi, DO, a family physician who practices at Millennium Physician Group in Jacksonville, Florida, “Having a clear ‘why’ behind their goals makes a significant difference in maintaining long-term commitment.” 

In his experience as a family physician, Scuderi noted that patients struggling with weight loss often consult with him after trying multiple approaches on their own. “They frequently bring a wealth of questions, many stemming from misinformation found on social media. I have found that consulting a nutritionist can be especially helpful in addressing these concerns, providing sound guidance, and ensuring close follow-up,” he said.

In addition, during the last 2 years, Scuderi said he’s noticed an uptick in patient interest in glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medications. Due to this, it has been easier to approach the topic of nutrition counseling.

“I have found it increasingly easier to discuss weight management with patients. Many are particularly interested in GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound,” he said. “However, insurance coverage for these medications can be a significant barrier for many individuals.”

In conclusion, Isaacs at Emory University said “when nutrition is a routine part of medical care, it empowers patients to take charge of their health through the foods they eat every day.”

To facilitate the incorporation of nutritional counseling for a patient’s care plan he recommends the following steps:

• Inform patients that nutritional counseling is a covered benefit for many plans.
• Frame referrals as a proactive step to improve health, not a sign of failure or punishment.
• Reinforce that small, consistent changes can lead to significant health improvements.