Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions *

What is an RD/LD or RDN/LDN?

A Registered Dietitian/Licensed Dietitian is a food and nutrition expert with Bachelor’s coursework at an accredited ACEND university. As of January 1, 2024 all licensed registered dietitians must also have a master’s level degree. This coursework includes (but is not limited to): Food and Nutritional Sciences, Nutrition through Lifecycles, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Foodservice Management, Chemistry, Biology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Community Nutrition, and Cultural Aspects of Nutrition. All Registered Dietitians must also complete a 1200+ hr supervised dietetic internship, learning and showcasing skills learned in undergraduate/graduate level coursework, pass National Board Exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and maintain continuing education units to maintain licensure and good standing.

How are Registered Dietitians different than Nutritionists?

As mentioned above, dietitians go through many levels of nutrition education and skills based training to maintain their title, license, and expertise.

A nutritionist is not a regulated title and has no guidelines or criteria regulating the practice or implementation of nutrition information to the general public.

What should I Expect in Nutrition Counseling Appointments?

Nutrition sessions can last anywhere between 30-min to 1-hr in length depending on client’s individual needs.

The initial intake assessment goes through a thorough evaluation including, but not limited to: diet history, anthropometric data, medical history, symptoms, dietary recall, and goals. After completion of the initial intake assessment, your provider will make recommendations on follow-up appointment frequency and begin education and goal setting as needed. Common recommendations when beginning care will be weekly/biweekly appointments. Your provider works on a constant evaluation of individualized need, meaning, it may be common to drop or increase in frequency based on progression. All nutrition sessions consist of nutrition recommendations, education, and support.

Where are the nutrition appointments held?

Our nutrition services are provided both in person and via telehealth appointments based on preference and specific needs of a client.

Both In-Person sessions + Virtual Sessions occur:

Monday-Thursday from 12p-6p

In-Person appointments are held at:

4965 Preston Park Blvd, Suite 700

Plano, TX 75093

Virtual appointments are conducted via:

Simple Practice Telehealth Platform

**Please Note: Virtual Appointments will require download of Simple Practice App and stable internet connection/wifi

What Forms of Payment are taken at the practice/Do you accept any major insurance providers?

HSA/FSA, Credit or Debit Cards are accepted for cost of services.

Nutrition with Tess is not in contract with major insurance companies, but can provide you with an itemized SuperBill for possible reimbursement depending on your individual plan and insurance company. We cannot guarantee any reimbursement.

Good Faith Estimate:

As a private-pay dietitian, I am committed to providing clear and transparent information about the cost of nutrition services before you begin care.

As of January 1, 2022, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of your health care services when you are not using insurance to pay for your care.

Because nutrition counseling is individualized, the total cost of your care may vary depending on your needs, the type and frequency of appointments, and the length of time you choose to work together. A Good Faith Estimate will outline the expected charges based on the services we anticipate providing.

Please keep in mind that a Good Faith Estimate is an estimate, not a guarantee or a bill. If your needs or requested services change, the actual amount may be different from the original estimate.

If you have questions about your estimated costs or would like to discuss payment options before scheduling, please contact us. We are happy to review the expected fees with you so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Please note: As a private-pay practice, we do not bill insurance directly. If you choose to submit receipts to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement (ie: SuperBills), you are personally responsible for determining your plan's coverage and requirements. Nutrition with Tess cannot guarantee reimbursement.

What is the Cancellation Policy?

Nutrition with Tess has a 48-hr cancellation period window. Any appointments cancelled outside the 48-hr cancellation window, will be charged as a late cancel and charged a full session fee.

Can I schedule an appointment for nutrition services if I don’t live in Texas?

Yes! Nutrition coaching is able to be provided nationwide.

But if you are formally diagnosed with a medical condition (ie: eating disorder, heart condition, GI related condition, amongst other medical conditions, etc.) those services fall under the medical nutrition therapy scope, meaning, that depending on licensure regulation deemed by your specific state, your dietitian may or may not be able to provide services. Please contact us directly to fully discuss all care options.

How can I book an appointment?

Please use the Contact Form on the Contact Page or reach out directly hello@nutritionwithtess.com

“It’s always my goal for all of my clients to see that the changes we foster in sessions are changes that can/should be fostered for the entirety of ones’ life.”

Tess M Patterson - CEO + Founder of Nutrition with Tess