| What a Dietician Does | | | | your existing insurance premiums, so you may need |
| Dieticians are medical professionals who design and | | | | to consult with your insurance provider first. A rule of |
| formulate diets based on a person's special needs. | | | | thumb to remember is that depending on the length |
| Dieticians are employed by hospitals, community | | | | of the diet program, a dietician charges less than a |
| health care facilities, private clinics, food | | | | physician or a doctor. |
| establishments, and fitness clubs, although some of | | | | Licensed Dieticians |
| them may be engaged in private practice. | | | | When choosing a dietician, make sure that he or she |
| Dieticians have many tasks and responsibilities, | | | | is licensed. Dieticians almost always have a medical |
| including: | | | | degree or specialized education in the science of |
| * Coordinating with physicians and surgeons to make | | | | eating and nutrition. Always look for the dietician's |
| a nutritious and suitable diet for a patient. | | | | accreditation and other relevant documentation about |
| * Coordinating with hospital staff to provide meals | | | | his or her professional experience before making your |
| for confined patients who are not in critical condition. | | | | choice. You don't want to risk further health problems |
| * Formulating, programming, and designing meals and | | | | because your dietician is not licensed. |
| meal patterns for patients with special dietary needs | | | | Nutritionists |
| like the obese, anorexics and bulimics. | | | | Nutritionists have a less specialized background than |
| * Determine the nutritional value of products sold in a | | | | dieticians, although their advice is valuable especially if |
| restaurant or store to check if the servings are | | | | you're into alternative diets. Nutritionists often |
| healthful, and won't cause health problems for | | | | recommend a diet plan based on their own |
| customers and patrons. | | | | experiences, or if they endorse a particular diet |
| * Observe and make changes to a person's diet plan | | | | regimen. You need to consult with a physician first if |
| if necessary. | | | | your medical history agrees with a particular dieting |
| * Conduct research for universities and government | | | | plan. Remember that not all diets are suitable for |
| to create recommendations for everyone to get on | | | | people, because a person may have allergic or |
| a healthy diet and eat nutritious food. | | | | adverse reactions to a particular group of foods. |
| Cost and Insurance | | | | Choosing a dietician or a nutritionist helps you take a |
| Most hospitals have an in-house dietician who is paid | | | | step forward to good health, for you to enjoy a |
| for by the hospital's payroll. If you do need to have a | | | | good life. With these tips, choosing a dietician can |
| private dietician, you may want to check costs for | | | | help you make better decisions for your own health |
| professional fees. Some insurance policies may also | | | | and well-being. |
| offer options for you to charge a dietician's fee to | | | | |