 How do I make an appointment?
Contact Bonnie by phone (310)395-4822. Whether she can speak to
you directly or you leave a message, you will soon have the opportunity
to tell her what you are looking for, your goals and discuss possible
appointment times. Bonnie's goal is to return any phone call within
48 hours during regular business hours. She generally does not
return phone calls over the weekend or on holidays.
Services are available on an appointment only basis. Bonnie's
hours include a variety of times in the morning (starting at 8
am) as well as afternoons until 7 pm. In addition she is available
for appointments two Saturdays each month. She is not available
for private counseling every weekday since many of her services
include off site presentations and consultation work. You can determine
the best time for your appointment at the time you call.
Plan on the first session lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes. Follow
up appointments are available as full sessions (50 minutes) or
half sessions (25 minutes). Phone consults are also available if
distance is an issue.
What happens during an appointment?
The initial session allows time for Bonnie
to learn what you already know about yourself (personal medical
history, family history, current nutrition issues or concerns
and specific goals). Plan to discuss your lifestyle including
sleeping and waking patterns and how you spend your days. Specifically
she will ask how food fits into your day as well as activity
patterns. Finally you will discuss food issues including what
you like and don't like to eat, if you shop regularly, if you
cook or "assemble" food
and how often you eat out --be it fast food, take out, or fine
dining.
After these discussions, Bonnie will discuss with you the role
of dietary assessment on the computer and/or body composition evaluations.
For some these measures are appropriate, but not for everyone.
Lastly, Bonnie will share with you her assessment
and recommendations. Once you come to an agreeable plan of action,
the key question is, "What is the best approach for you?" This
is an individual issue and each client is given personal attention
and consideration so that we develop the best plan for you.
You will generally leave the first session
with an basic plan of action. Since this plan is all about you,
don't expect a comprehensive preprinted diet or food plan. Most
people can follow something so specific for only short periods
of time before they "blow
it" or just give up. The point here is to develop an approach
to your life and food that works for you over time. You will need
to give some time and energy to allow that plan to develop.
How often and how long do I meet with you?
If you are prepared to invest in the initial evaluation, plan
at least one follow-up so that your plan can be fine tuned to address
your experience with the initial plan. The majority of clients
meet about 4-6 sessions before they acquire the core insight and
skills to establish a good foundation. While some individual's
needs are met in 2 or 3 sessions, others request a much longer
and more connected relationship. Remember this is all about you.
There are no prepackaged groups of sessions. We get to plan the
length and spacing of sessions so they meet your needs.
How much does it cost?
As of September, 2005, initial sessions (1 hour,
20 minutes) are billed at $235.00 per session. Full follow-up sessions
(50 minutes) are charged at $145.00 per session and half sessions
(25-30 minutes) at $90.00 per session. Clients are required to
pay for services at the time of their appointments. Checks or cash
are accepted. Bonnie does not accept credit cards at this time.
Please honor a 24 hour cancellation policy. Clients are responsible
for the costs of a session without adequate notice. Your cooperation
is appreciated.
Supports services such as writing reports, letters
and consulting with other health care personnal outside the norm
for effective care are subject to similar fees.
Does insurance cover
nutrition services?
It depends. Each policy is unique and it is a good idea to check
with your carrier regarding coverage. Be aware that most insurance
carriers do not have formal underwriting for nutrition services.
The customer service representative will only tell you what is
shown on the screen.
If you are denied, the appropriate route
to pursue reimbursement, is to write to your carrier and appeal
the denial to cover services. When you appeal the denial of reimbursement,
ask the carrier to submit your claim to "medical review".
This is your best chance of obtaining reimbursement if your nutrition
services are necessitated because of a medical condition.
For this reason, each claim for a unique condition should be
accompanied by your health provider's prescription for medical
nutrition therapy. A simple note on a prescription pad will suffice.
There is one exception. Nutrition suppport for diabetes is covered
by most insurance policies, as well as Medicare. Bonnie is not
a medicare provider and is unable to treat medicare patients with
a diagnosis of diabetes. If your diagnosis is anything other than
diabetes, Bonnie will be pleased to help you. Medicare will not
cover services, but it is possible that your secondary insurance
will. |
