How can I set up an appointment for a nutrition consultation?
- Call Kathleen Searles at 978-697-2834 or send an email to
foodfirst@kathleensearlesnutrition.com - Appointments are generally available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturday mornings
- Late afternoon/early evening appointments are available
What is medical nutrition therapy?
Medical nutrition therapy is nutrition counseling for the purpose of disease management and is
provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist or nutrition professional. It includes in-depth
individualized nutrition assessment, developing an individualized nutrition intervention, and working
with the client for support and education in developing improved eating habits.
What happens in a nutrition consultation for medical nutrition therapy?
The RDN will ask questions to get a picture of the clients usual eating habits, food preferences, daily
schedule, medical history, physical activity preferences, height and weight history, and any pertinent lab
findings. Using this information the RDN and client work together to find meals, foods, and approaches
that will support better health outcomes for the individual.
How many times will I have to see the dietitian?
Sometimes just one session is enough, especially if the client’s goal is primarily to get information. If a
significant change in food and activity habits is needed, 3-6 visits are common. Sometimes the number
of visits is determined by your insurance coverage.
What is a consultation for sports nutrition like?
The RDN will ask questions about which sports you participate in, the intensity and frequency of your
activity, and any problems you are experiencing that might be related to nutrition or hydration. She will
ask questions about your usual intake and how your training changes in the off season. Then, based on
this information, the RDN and client will work together to create a plan for day to day fueling, pre-
activity fueling, fueling during the activity, and recovery fueling. This plan will be tailored for your food
preferences, budget, health concerns and time constraints. Typically this will require 1-3 sessions.
Does insurance cover a visit with a nutritionist?
Most major insurances will cover at least some visits with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, but policies
vary greatly. You should check with your insurance about whether you are covered for nutrition
services, specifically for the procedural code 97802 provided by a Registered Dietitian.
What do all those letters behind your name mean?
MS: This stands for Master of Science. I have an MS degree from The Ohio State University in Human
Nutrition with a concentration in Nutrition Education
RDN: This stands for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist; sometimes the term RD for Registered Dietitian is
used. A RDN has completed a 4 year degree and has passed a national registration exam. RDNs must
obtain 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years to maintain competency.
CSSD: This stands for Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. This credential requires 1500 hours of
specialized education and experience in sports nutrition and passing a national examination every 5
years. The CSSD is qualified to work with all athletes and active people, but can also assist athletes in
managing health conditions such as diabetes while maintaining sports participation.
LD: This stands for licensed dietitian. LD is used in New Hampshire; LDN (licensed dietitian/nutritionist)
is used in Maine and Massachusetts.