Sessions & Insurance

Sessions

Insurance

Cheryl is currently working via telehealth. *Due to scheduling constraints,  Cheryl is currently only taking adult clients by provider referral* Generally, appointments are available several weeks out. To schedule an appointment, click here.

Q: Why am I still doing telehealth?

A:  Many of my clients have high-risk conditions. I do, too.

It also enables me to work with people in a wider range of areas and not deal with DC area traffic.

I miss sitting with clients directly, but for the time being, I will be working only virtually.

Virtual Sessions

Picture of Avocado face with headset

I am currently only doing telehealth appointments.

I am licensed in DC and MD, and working with clients in VA, DC and MD. Most CIGNA and Aetna plans have coverage as they typically would; FSA and HSA reimburses, and most other plans cover (or don’t) as they typically would. As always, check with your plan.

Sessions

Sessions are based on your needs & begin with a dietary assessment. Cheryl helps clients develop goals and create a concrete plan to achieve success based on taste, lifestyle and health needs.

Low FODMAP diet

Okay, your doctor handed you a list, but now what? We’ll look at

  • Making it easy and fit into your busy life
  • The most accurate lists and guidance
  • Ideas for easy meals & recipes you can make quickly
  • Brands you can find nearby
  • How to read labels for FODMAPs
  • Cookbooks, websites, etc.
  • Reintroducing FODMAPs to identify the problematic components
  • Making it work even if you’re vegetarian, vegan, Kosher, hate to cook,are a picky eater, have multiple allergies, live at college, etc.

For  gluten-free diets, special diets for GI disorders, MCAS, low histamine:

  • Basics of a gluten free/special diet
  • Managing while maintaining quality of life
  • Dining out without gluten or other foods
  • Managing multiple food allergies and intolerances
  • Easy, healthy and portable foods for snacks
  • Eating well to prevent long-term issues
  • Resources, such as books, websites and support groups

Please note: a cancellation fee is charged for all appointments canceled with less than 24 hours/1 Business day of notice. 
Rates:

  • There are two types of initial sessions:
  • 60 minute sessions initial sessions– $175
  • For more complex initial sessions– for people with EDS, MCAS, POTS and/or multiple complex conditions that require a longer session and extensive record review prior to the session, initial sessions may either need to be split into two sessions or we may need to do a longer (75 or 90 min) session.
  • Unsure of which makes sense? Contact me.
  • Follow up sessions pricing depends on the length of session needed.

The reason for this change is to allow people with complex health needs the time and space to get questions answered–and to recognize that it takes longer to address multiple health issues than single ones.

For people with insurance coverage where plans limit time, we may have to break an initial evaluation into multiple sessions.

Insurance

Cheryl is a provider for the following health plans:

  • CIGNA PPO and some HMO plans*
  •  Aetna HMO, PPO, etc. Plans have coverage when considered “medically necessary” by a medical provider. Most  digestive conditions (Celiac, IBS, IBD, GERD, gastroparesis, etc. are covered). You’ll need to make sure you’ve got a diagnosis code from your doctor. Please note–some plans cover directly, while others have a co-pay, or are applied to your deductible, so I always recommend calling and checking on the details of your specific plan.
  • Note–a few plans, such a “Mail handlers” or Medicare through Aetna sometimes limit coverage.
  • Medicare–coverage is limited to diabetes or renal disease per Medicare’s coverage terms

I do not participate in Medicare’s IBT Obesity management program.

*Cigna HMO plans through ACA with names like “EPO connect” and “Connect” generally have nutrition limited coverage. Check with your plan for more information.

As of May 31st, 2016, Cheryl is an out-of-network provider with all BCBS plans. More about that decision here.

Please check with your specific plan to determine coverage for nutrition services. Most plans cover only “medically necessary” services as determined by your insurance provider and some require a referral. Also, please note that most insurance plans only cover in person visits and not telehealth.

Also, expenses for Nutrition Counseling are eligible for reimbursement through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA). Cheryl will provide you with the necessary paperwork for submission.

Tricare does not cover nutrition services except on base. However, Cheryl will provide a 15% discount to immediate family members of active duty military who are not covered by other insurance in gratitude for your service to our country.

Q: If I don’t have Aetna or CIGNA or HSA/FSA, then what?

Some insurance companies cover nutrition counseling with out of network benefits. If your insurance plan covers nutrition services, Cheryl will provide a form to submit to your insurance as an out of network provider. As a Registered Dietitian (RD)  plans that include nutrition services may reimburse you.

Please contact your insurance plan for more details.

Top