physician's corner
A Registered Dietitian is a valuable member of your patient's medical team
Comprehensive team-based patient care is a proven method to improve clinical outcomes and reduce health care costs. In fact, studies have shown that medical nutrition therapy (MNT) provided by RDs leads to reduced hospital admissions for patients with diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases. Clinical improvements related to nutrition counseling include a decrease in the need for medication usage and an increase in reported self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) among patients with diabetes.
A Registered Dietitian adds a multidimensional skillset to the medical team. Referring patients with nutrition-related chronic diseases such as hypertension, disorders of lipid metabolism, heart failure, gastrointestinal disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and diabetes is a valid strategy to help patients manage the disease state with greater success than with medications alone. Evidence-based interventions administered through outpatient nutrition counseling can lead to significant changes such as reductions in HbA1c and BMI.
Begin Again Nutrition currently accepts a wide range of medical insurance plans as well as HSA and FSA cards. For insurance companies where we are considered out-of-network providers, we create superbills to assist our patients in being reimbursed for nutrition counseling services and if the plan is PPO we accept the insurance and waive the copay. We use the HIPAA-compliant Healthie platform for secure telehealth nutrition consultations and thorough documentation in their EMR.
A referral to an RD is a win for your patient and for your practice! In-person visits are available at our Mission Valley office and online via secure telehealth connections. We also offer nutrition education classes which can be administered at your San Diego area office location or as a webinar. Please connect with us for partnership opportunities to improve clinical outcomes.
build a strong support system
We are ready to join your team!
As an in-network provider with Aetna, Affiliated Medical Groups, Alignment Health Plan, ADOC Medical Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Central Health Plan, Cigna, Imperial Health Plan, Tricare West, United Healthcare, First Health Networks, Regal Lakeside Medical Group, and Medicare, we are ready to join your online wellness team and do our part to support your well-being!
While we are considered an out-of-network provider for other insurance companies, we are still happy to serve and we will gladly provide you with a superbill to facilitate reimbursement for nutrition counseling and education from your insurance company. Tap the button below for instructions on verifying your insurance benefits.
We are located in San Diego and can provide wellness coaching services worldwide! Check out our online course!
Checking Insurance Benefits
California Residents
For California residents, we provide nutrition counseling services covered by medical insurance. We are in-network providers with:
- ADOC Medical Group
- Aetna
- Affiliated Medical Groups
- Alignment Health Plan
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Central Health Plan
- Cigna
- First Health Network
- Imperial Health Plan
- Lakeside Community Healthcare
- Medicare
- Regal Medical Group
- Tricare West
- United Healthcare
We are considered out-of-network providers for other insurance companies. Our services are covered by most PPO plans and we offer a sliding scale discount program as needed.
Upon request, we provide a superbill receipt for our sessions so that you can submit the superbill to your insurance company to request reimbursement
Nutrition counseling consultations are provided via secure telehealth connections or in our Mission Valley office.
Please use the guide below to contact your insurance company prior to scheduling your first appointment. Using this guide will help you avoid unexpected financial responsibilities:
CA Residents: Be sure to VERIFY insurance benefits for nutrition counseling prior to booking
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. Call the number on the back of your insurance card prior to scheduling your first appointment for nutrition counseling. Remember to write down the insurance representative's name and a reference number for your records. Ask the following questions to verify your coverage:
1. Do I have benefits for nutrition counseling? Specifically, are CPT codes 97802 and 97803 covered? Are any G codes covered for nutrition counseling?
2. How many sessions are allowed per plan year?
3. Do I need a referral from my physician? (If so, your physician's referral must be submitted in our HIPAA-compliant electronic medical record site, "Healthie", 1 day prior to your first appointment. See the button below to continue to the "Healthie" site.
4. Are there any restricted diagnoses?
5. Does my plan only cover medical nutrition therapy visits that are considered "medically necessary"?
6. Are telehealth visits for nutrition counseling covered? (All consultations are conducted via HIPAA-compliant connections.)
7. Do I have a deductible to meet before nutrition counseling services are covered? How much?
8. Do I have a co-pay or co-insurance for nutrition counseling? How much?
9. Are any of these providers covered under my plan?
Begin Again Nutrition LLC: NPI# 1104514637
Stephanie Gomez, MS, RDN: NPI# 1497442925
10: If NPI #'s above are out-of-network, what are my nutrition benefits?
Inform the representative that your dietitian provides superbill receipts. Ask the representative how you can submit a superbill for reimbursement, and how long will it take for them to reimburse you.
IMPORTANT: If you are using health insurance to pay for services please tap the link below to continue to HEALTHIE to submit your forms and schedule your appointment.
CA Residents: Information about superbills for out-of-network nutrition counseling
A superbill is a receipt for nutrition counseling sessions that can be submitted to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Please see the instructions above for verifying your insurance benefits. When you speak to an insurance representative please be sure to ask how to submit a superbill for reimbursement and how long it will take the insurance company to reimburse you. Nutrition counseling services are to be paid in full at the time of scheduling your services, and the reimbursement from your insurance company will be paid directly to you. Begin Again Nutrition LLC will provide you with a monthly superbill receipt upon request.
Our Partners
New Location!
Office visits available at 3505 Camino Del Rio S. #334 San Diego, Ca 92108 or via Telehealth.
30% Off for new clients!
Appointment required. Space is limited, book now!