GETTING STARTED

Taking the first step

Everything you need to know about connecting with our team and preparing for your first appointment.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Getting started is simple! Visit our contact page and complete the appointment request form.

Tell us a little about your nutrition needs, how we can best reach you, and whether you prefer virtual or in-person appointments. Our team will review your information and reach out about scheduling.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

Not everyone needs a referral. Requirements depend on your insurance plan and the services being provided.

If your plan requires one, please ask your physician's office to send it at least three days before your appointment.

Learn more on our Insurance & Coverage page .

How should I prepare for my first appointment?

It can be helpful to think about your nutrition concerns, health history, current eating patterns, and what you'd like support with.

You may also want to have a list of medications, supplements, and relevant medical information available.

There's no need to have everything organized or figured out beforehand. Your dietitian will help guide the conversation.

Can I request a specific dietitian?

Our team includes Kristin Hatch, RDN, LDN, CDCES, and Jolene O'Brien, MS, RD, LDN.

If you have a preference, you can mention it when submitting your appointment request. Our team can discuss availability and which dietitian may be the best fit for your needs.

Meet our dietitians .

YOUR APPOINTMENTS

What to expect from nutrition counseling

Personalized care, practical guidance, and support that fits your everyday life.

How long are nutrition counseling appointments?

Initial nutrition counseling appointments typically last 60 minutes. This gives us time to learn about your health history, nutrition concerns, daily routines, and goals.

Follow-up appointments generally last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on your individual needs.

How often will I meet with my dietitian?

Appointment frequency is individualized based on your health needs, goals, progress, and insurance coverage.

Many clients schedule their first follow-up one to two weeks after their initial visit. Your dietitian will help determine a schedule that works best for you.

What happens during a nutrition counseling session?

Your dietitian will take time to understand your nutrition concerns and the factors that influence your relationship with food.

This may include discussing eating patterns, daily schedules, food preferences, cooking, shopping, medications, relevant medical history, and lab results.

Together, you'll explore practical, achievable strategies that support your health and fit your life.

Will I receive a personalized nutrition plan?

Yes! Your dietitian will provide individualized recommendations based on your needs, health goals, preferences, and lifestyle.

Rather than relying on generic meal plans, we focus on realistic changes and strategies that feel manageable. A personalized written recommendation sheet is provided following your appointment.

Will my dietitian communicate with my other healthcare providers?

Nutrition is one part of your overall healthcare. When appropriate and with your permission, our dietitians can collaborate with other members of your healthcare team to support coordinated care.

INSURANCE & PAYMENT

Understanding your coverage

We know insurance can feel confusing. Here are some answers to help you understand your benefits and options.

Visit Our Insurance Page

What insurance plans do you accept?

Nutrition for Life works with a variety of insurance providers, including:

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Fallon Health
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Medicare
Tufts Health Plan
UnitedHealthcare

We also work with certain plans available through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC). Coverage depends on your specific health plan and network.

Will my insurance cover nutrition counseling?

Many insurance plans include benefits for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) or nutrition counseling.

Coverage depends on your specific plan, provider network, diagnosis, and benefit requirements. Some plans may cover eligible visits in full, while others may involve additional costs.

We recommend calling the Member Services number on your insurance card to confirm your nutrition counseling benefits.

Will I have a copay or deductible?

Possibly. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance plan and its benefits for nutrition counseling.

Ask your insurer whether you have a copay, coinsurance, deductible, or limits on the number of covered visits.

Where should my doctor send a referral?

If your insurance requires a referral, please ask your physician's office to send it at least three days before your appointment.

Referral fax: 833-407-1388

Provider NPI: 1801066709

If your plan also requires prior authorization, please ensure the necessary authorization number is obtained before your visit.

Can I use HSA or FSA funds for nutrition counseling?

Nutrition counseling may be an eligible expense through a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

Eligibility depends on your account rules and the services received. Check with your plan administrator to confirm whether your appointments qualify.

Do you accept Medicare?

Yes, Medicare is among the insurance programs Nutrition for Life works with.

However, Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy has specific eligibility and referral requirements. Please verify your coverage before scheduling.

What if I don't have insurance coverage?

You can still reach out to our team to ask about out-of-pocket rates and payment options.

We accept cash, checks, credit cards, and eligible flexible spending cards. Please contact us for current rates before scheduling.

NUTRITION & SPECIALTIES

How we can support you

Nutrition care isn't one-size-fits-all. Our dietitians bring experience across a wide range of health conditions, nutrition concerns, and life experiences.

Explore Our Nutrition Services

What health conditions can a registered dietitian help with?

Our registered dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy and individualized counseling for a variety of needs, including:

Diabetes and insulin resistance
Digestive disorders, including IBS and GERD
Celiac disease and food intolerances
Heart health and high cholesterol
Kidney disease
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Anemia
Oncology nutrition
Sports nutrition
General nutrition and wellness

We also support intuitive eating, chronic dieting, weight cycling, and concerns related to food and exercise.

Can a dietitian help me manage diabetes or prediabetes?

Yes! Medical nutrition therapy can be an important part of managing diabetes, prediabetes, and insulin resistance.

Nutrition counseling may include exploring meal patterns, blood sugar management, food choices, and practical strategies that support your everyday life.

Kristin Hatch is also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).

Do you help with IBS and other digestive concerns?

Yes. Our dietitians work with clients navigating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), GERD, Crohn's disease, colitis, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, and other digestive concerns.

Counseling is individualized based on your symptoms, medical history, food tolerance, and nutritional needs.

Do you provide low FODMAP diet guidance?

Yes. Low FODMAP nutrition counseling is among our specialty services.

This approach may be recommended for certain digestive concerns, such as IBS. Your dietitian can help you understand whether it may be appropriate and how to approach it while maintaining adequate nutrition and food variety.

What does a non-diet or weight-inclusive approach mean?

A non-diet approach focuses on supporting health and well-being without relying on rigid food rules or weight as the only measure of progress.

Our dietitians incorporate principles of intuitive eating, mindful eating, and Health at Every Size® (HAES) into individualized nutrition care.

We consider factors such as energy, blood sugar, symptoms, eating patterns, and your relationship with food when developing recommendations.

Do I need a medical diagnosis to see a dietitian?

Not necessarily! Nutrition counseling can also be helpful if you're looking to better understand your eating patterns, support your overall well-being, or develop a more comfortable relationship with food.

Insurance coverage may differ depending on whether you have a qualifying medical diagnosis.

APPOINTMENT OPTIONS

Where we provide care

Whether you prefer meeting in person or from the comfort of home, we offer flexible ways to connect with your dietitian.

Where is your office located?

Nutrition for Life Inc. offers in-person nutrition counseling at:

10 Main Street
Lakeville, MA 02347

Get Directions

Do you offer virtual nutrition counseling?

Yes! Nutrition for Life offers virtual nutrition counseling and medical nutrition therapy for clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Telehealth allows you to receive individualized nutrition guidance without traveling to our Lakeville office.

Do I need to live near Lakeville to become a client?

No! Our in-person office is located in Lakeville, Massachusetts, but virtual nutrition appointments are available to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Let us know which appointment format you prefer when requesting a visit.

Does insurance cover virtual dietitian appointments?

Many insurance plans provide telehealth benefits, but coverage depends on your specific plan and network.

Before scheduling, ask your insurance provider whether virtual medical nutrition therapy appointments are covered.

What are your office hours?

Our listed office hours are:

Monday–Thursday: 9 AM–5 PM
Friday: 8 AM–12 PM

For current appointment availability, call us at (508) 923-1103 or submit an appointment request.

HERE TO HELP

Frequently Asked Questions