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 pre-printed 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 or debit 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 personnel 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 support 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.
