Key Takeaways
- How much you pay to meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) depends on where you live, what services you need, and if your insurance covers the visits. On average, the cost is between $70-$150 for an initial visit.
- Choosing an RDN depends on several factors, such as the type of specialist you need, the costs of the visits, their credentials, whether you prefer in-person or virtual sessions, and the personality or coaching style you prefer.
- An RDN is an amazing resource for nutrition advice tailored to your specific health and nutrition needs. Find a dietitian covered by insurance with Nourish and get started.
Updated by Heather Smith, RN, BSN
An RDN is a valuable resource if you’re seeking to improve your overall health or need nutritional guidance on how to improve a specific health condition.
RDNs provide valuable insights and personalized recommendations tailored to your needs and goals, whether you’re looking to address symptoms through dietary changes or simply have questions about optimizing your nutrition.
Read on to discover how much an RDN appointment costs, how to choose the right RDN, and what to expect for your first and follow-up visits.
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How Much Does A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Appointment Cost?
The cost of an appointment varies per state and if your insurance covers RDN visits. Consider calling your insurance provider to find out if your policy covers Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).
Initial appointments are normally 60-90 minutes, and follow-up sessions can be anywhere from 30-45 minutes, depending on the RDN’s recommendation.
Below is data pulled from a U.S. health insurance company, Sidecar.
They regularly receive nutrition claims for RDNs and have organized their data by state. The costs represent a range you can expect to pay for an initial visit.
How Much Do Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Charge For A Meal Plan?
RDNs typically include individualized meal plans as part of their services.
They are designed to help you achieve your health goals and include recipes that satisfy your preferences.
A meal plan can provide you with clear direction on what to start eating today.
It’s perfect for anyone who feels overwhelmed by food choices and meal ideas.
Another benefit is that it is yours forever. You can reuse the recipes and modify them as your tastes change.
How Do I Choose The Right Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
Figuring out who to hire is a big decision. You want to make the best choice for your health without surpassing your budget.
Fortunately, most RDNs offer no-charge discovery calls to help you decide if they will fit your needs.
This brief meeting is about getting to know each other and understanding if your personalities will blend.
Don't feel bad about saying no if it's not the right fit. Just because you agree to a discovery call does not mean you have to commit to working together.
Nutrition Specialists
RDNs often specialize in different areas of nutrition and well-being. Consider choosing an RDN with a specialty in an area that relates to your health needs.
They can complete higher education to earn their masters in a specific field or take accredited courses to earn certifications in areas such as:
- Diabetes: These RDs create tailored meal plans and lifestyle modifications to help manage blood sugar levels.
- Heart health: These RDs develop strategies to manage blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and promote overall cardiovascular wellness.
- Women’s Health: These RDs address nutritional needs related to reproductive health, hormonal fluctuations, and bone density through life’s stages.
- Pre and post-natal: These RDs give guidance on optimizing nutrition before and after pregnancy, ensuring mother and baby receive essential nutrition needed for growth, development, and recovery.
- Gut Health: These RDs develop strategies to improve digestion, alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
- Pediatrics: These RDs address the unique dietary needs of infants, children, and adolescents to support development, growth, and overall health.
- Weight Management: These RDs design personalized eating plans and lifestyle interventions to achieve healthy weight goals.
- Renal: These RDs manage the nutritional needs of people with kidney disease with the goal of minimizing complications, maintaining proper electrolyte balance, and preserving kidney function.
- Eating disorders: These RDs provide compassionate support and guidance for people with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other disordered eating patterns.
- Oncology: These RDs support people with cancer throughout their treatment by addressing specific nutritional challenges, managing side effects of therapy, and promoting overall well-being.
- Autoimmune disorders: These RDs develop personalized nutrition plans to support immune function, manage inflammation, and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like ulcerative colitis, Hashimotos, and lupus.
- Diet preferences: These RDs tailor nutrition plans based on specific dietary preferences or restrictions, such as plant-based, vegetarianism, veganism, gluten-free, or other cultural or lifestyle choices.
Cost
When considering an RDN, it’s important to keep your budget in mind when factoring in the cost of their services,
Prices can vary depending on location, experience, and specialization. Some charge per session, while others offer package deals or subscriptions.
Find someone who offers services tailored to your needs and goals within a budget that aligns with your financial resources.
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Credentials
The credentials an RDN holds indicate their level of education, training, and experience.
Look for professionals who hold credentials such as:
- Registered Dietitian (RD).
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
- Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG).
- Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO).
- Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP).
- Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Critical Care Nutrition (CSPCC).
- Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR).
- Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).
- Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM).
- Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian (CEDRD).
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).
- Certified Food Manager (CFM).
- Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP).
- Certified Dietary Manager (CDM).
- Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).
- Certified Nutrition Support Clinician® (CNSC).
- Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN).
- Fellow of the American Dietetic Association (FADA).
- Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (FAND).
In-Person Vs. Virtual
Consider whether you prefer an in-person or virtual session. In-person visits offer face-to-face interaction, which may be preferable for some.
On the other hand, virtual consultations are convenient for people who live in remote areas, those with mobility issues, or people with busy schedules.
Coaching Style And Personality
Each RDN is going to have their own unique style of coaching, which can impact your experience and success in achieving your health goals.
Be sure to find an RDN whose style is compatible with your personality.
What To Expect In Your First Appointment
During your first appointment, your RDN will ask you about your nutrition goals and what you need help with.
Expect to give a detailed food recall. To help give an accurate overview, write down your food intake three days before your appointment or take pictures on your phone to jog your memory.
At the end of your session, you should have clear goals to work on until your next appointment. Booking regular check-ins can help you stay accountable and on track with your nutrition goals.
What To Expect In A Follow-Up Appointment
During a follow-up appointment, the RDN will review your progress since the initial meeting.
They will ask about your ability to adhere to the plan, how your body adjusted to the nutrition changes, and any challenges or successes you experienced.
After listening to these things, they will make any adjustments as needed to your nutrition plan.
Can Dietitians Give Prescriptions?
RDNs can’t write prescriptions for any medications; only physicians and nurse practitioners can do this.
RDNs can recommend certain supplements and review safe dosages, but your doctor or pharmacist will recommend the correct dosage.
Always follow your physician's recommendations, as too much of some vitamins can lead to toxicity.
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Takeaway
Sessions with RDNs vary depending on where you live and if your insurance covers your appointments. On average, a visit costs between $70-$150. Costs may also change depending on whether you need a specialist or additional services such as meal plans.
Finding an RDN that’s best for you depends on what type of nutritional goals you have, what types of appointments you want to have (in-person or virtual), and what type of personality and coaching style you connect with.
Nourish Can Help
Nourish provides easy and affordable nutritional counseling through their expert RDNs. Select an RDN from their directory that matches your nutritional goals.
Nourish makes it easy by offering affordable visits that are almost always covered by insurance. Their telehealth sessions and mobile app help keep you on track to meet your goals.
Do you have any of these insurances?
Frequently Asked Questions
An RDN is a regulated healthcare professional who has completed an undergraduate degree in an accredited nutrition program and earned a dietitian license. As of 2024, all RDNs must also complete a master’s level education.
After graduation, RDNs also complete a dietetic internship, pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam, and obtain a state license if required.
The entire process takes five to six years and requires ongoing continuing education.
An RDN is a regulated title, but anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.
Nutritionists are not qualified to work in hospital or patient settings because they don't have a healthcare license.
How much you pay for a registered dietitian visit with insurance depends on how much your insurance covers and the reason you need to see a dietitian.
It’s best to call your insurance provider and ask if they cover MNT services and if they need a referral from your primary care provider.
