Working with a nutritionist online: What to expect from telehealth.
Telehealth makes it easy and convenient to connect with a nutritionist from the comfort of your own home.
In setting up a telehealth appointment, you are guaranteed a safe and confidential option to chat with a practitioner online. This allows for appointments to be more convenient in fitting around your schedule (no more driving to appointments or waiting rooms), and you are able to choose a practitioner from virtually anywhere instead of being limited to your local area.
PRIOR TO THE INITIAL CONSULTATION
A nutritionist offering telehealth services uses an Electronic Health Record to securely store a client’s medical history and private information; much as a traditional doctor’s office would. Prior to your initial consultation, you will be sent an in-depth intake form to fill out that is attached to this health record. By filling this out ahead of time, it will save time during the visit as the practitioner will not have to ask you about your basic health history.
INITIAL CONSULTATION VISIT
This first consultation is 60-minute visit where the practitioner gets to know you. You will both talk through nutrition goals and concerns. In addition, labs, medical history, lifestyle, sleep, medications, habits, and diet will be discussed to get a holistic picture of your lifestyle.
The nutritionist will also discuss with you the path they see moving forward and how they can put together a personalized nutrition plan for you.
SECOND MEETING
After the initial 60-minute visit, a second 60-minute appointment will be scheduled. This two-part schedule gives the nutritionist time to put together an individualized plan between the sessions. At this second meeting, the nutritionist will talk through goals and recommendations that may consist of a meal plan, balancing macronutrients, behavioral change, adding supplements, and ways to add in more nutrient-dense foods.
KEEPING YOU ON-TRACK
Ongoing follow-up sessions may be scheduled to help keep you on-track and to talk through what is working well and what feels challenging. In addition, your nutritionist may use a client portal to allow you to log meals, take pictures, upload labs, and communicate to your nutritionist with questions or concerns so you can have ongoing support in-between visits.