Tips for creating a successful virtual nutrition counseling program

Virtual nutrition counseling services offered by Dietitians On Demand are program-based solutions. They are designed to support clients at weight loss clinics, home health agencies, corporate wellness or community-based programs. Organizations working with virtual dietitians to create a virtual nutrition counseling program could help people lose twice as much weight as with in-person visits.

Why a dietitian?

From heart health, diabetes (pre-diabetes, Type 1, Type 2, gestational), kidney disease, cancer, weight management, GI disorders, food allergies/intolerances, wound healing, home tube feeding, autoimmune disorders, GLP-1 medications and so much more, our qualified professionals deliver sustainable solutions.

Ready to make a difference for your patients? We’re here to support you! Follow these pro tips to determine the best dietitian staffing solution for your program.

Check credentials

When it comes to providing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), only a registered dietitian is licensed to offer this service. All registered dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. Learn the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist to determine the right nutrition professional for your program.

Make sure the dietitian has an NPI number AND if taking insurance as payment, that they are credentialed with the insurance providers your company is in network with.

Know state license requirements for virtual dietitians

A dietitian offering virtual nutrition counseling can generally work from anywhere, so long as the dietitian is licensed to provide MNT in the beneficiary’s originating state. License laws vary from state to state, so research the state(s) in which service will be provided initially. This can help determine if one dietitian, or multiple dietitians, are needed to provide care to your patients across various states.

Pro tip: Some states do not have a state licensure requirement, like California and Virginia. Consider piloting a program in these states before expanding. Once your program’s concept is proven, partner with a nationwide provider (hi!) to scale up.

Determine how many hours are needed

A registered dietitian makes a living by accumulating billable hours, so it’s important to consider how much of a dietitian’s time is needed as part of a successful program. Billable hours can include assessments, charting and creating customized interventions to meet the unique needs of the patient.

Consider these questions when estimating how much of a dietitian’s time is needed:

• How often will the dietitian be meeting with patients?
• Are consultations required or elective? (Required consultations allow for consistent billable hours).
• What platform will the dietitian use to meet with patients?
• How are appointments scheduled? (i.e. will the dietitian coordinate their own schedule with patients? Will they make themselves available for set times on certain days and see who books appointments?)
• What cadence will the dietitian be meeting with patients, and what is the average daily or monthly patient load?

A dietitian can optimize a patient’s weight-loss experience

Weight loss and weight maintenance is a long-haul journey, and continued support from a dietitian is immensely helpful.

For example, dietitians are well-versed in the side effects of GLP-1 medications. They understand that side effects can – and do – occur and are there to encourage and support management. When food intake is reduced, it becomes of utmost importance that the food consumed gives a body the nutrients it needs for optimal functioning.

A dietitian will help to create a personalized meal plan that caters to a patient’s likes or dislikes, and one that is specified to their nutritional needs while promoting sustainable weight loss.

Dietitians On Demand has been hiring dietitians since 2005. With the expansion of telehealth services and GLP-1 medications, the breadth of virtual nutrition services has expanded, too. In the initial phase of a program rollout, considering geography, counseling frequency and goals, and practitioner credentials will set a program up for success.

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Dietitians On Demand is a nationwide staffing and recruiting company for registered dietitians, specializing in short-term, temporary, and permanent-hire positions in acute care, long-term care, and food service. We’re dedicated to dietitians and helping them enhance their practice and excel in the workplace. Check out our job openings, request your coverage, or visit our store today!

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References

Telehealth’s Impact on Chronic Disease Management Through Delivery of Medical Nutrition Therapy, Patalano, K. Kiver et al., Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 122, Issue 10, A109

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (n.d.). Telehealth quick guide. EatRightPRO. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.eatrightpro.org/practice/telehealth-for-dietetics-practitioners/telehealth-quick-guide

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (n.d.). Licensure map and statutes by state: California. EatRightPRO. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy/licensure/licensure-map-and-statutes-by-state/california

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (n.d.). Licensure map and statutes by state: Virginia. EatRightPRO. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy/licensure/licensure-map-and-statutes-by-state/virginia

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (n.d.). Nutrition diagnosis. EatRightPRO. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.eatrightpro.org/practice/nutrition-care-process/ncp-overview/nutrition-diagnosis