Frequently Asked Questions

No.  Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN's) and Registered Dietitians (RD's) attend 4 years of college at an accredited institution studying nutrition, dietetics, management, community systems, and advanced science.  RD's and RDN's additionally complete >900 hours of supervised practice across community, clinical, and food service settings and pass a national credentialing exam through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.  Current students pursuing this educational path now also complete a master's degree to become an RD or RDN.

Health Coaches attend a training curriculum that does not require a college or university degree.  In Pennsylvania (along with many other states), a Nutritionist (or Health Coach) is not a protected title, and anyone can use these titles, including you. 

Nutritionists are not qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). MNT includes a nutrition diagnosis and therapeutic and counseling services.  Dietitians who practice MNT must be licensed in their respective state. 

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the world's largest organization of nutrition and dietetic professionals, and the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) allows Registered Dietitians to include Nutritionist in their title. This helps dietitians embrace their knowledge in wellness and preventative practice.  

Some dietitians use the RD (Registered Dietitian) trademark while others use the RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) trademark. 

I use RDN to promote the nutritional aspects of dietetics. I believe we need an approachable relationship with "dietitians".  We are not the "food police" and people need RDN's in their life.  It's a jungle out here.  

State licensure provides consumers with protection.  When you work with a licensed dietitian-nutritionist, you know you are working with someone who follows a code of ethics.  Licensed professionals work within a professional scope of practice.  We know our limits and will refer you when appropriate!

Just like any license, if someone abuse's their license, or practices out of scope, they can lose their license.  This is big stuff because we work really hard to get these licenses.  

In Pennsylvania, state licensure as a dietitian includes the credentials, LDN (Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist). LDN's are the only form of licensed dietitian-nutritionists in Pennsylvania.  Within PA, LDN's are governed by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.  

My credentials are:  RDN, LDN

I am registered nationally (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) and licensed in Pennsylvania (Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist). 

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is nutrition-based treatment provided by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). MNT is a Nutrition Care Process (NCP) which includes:  Nutrition Assessment, Nutrition Diagnosis, Nutrition Intervention, and Nutrition Monitoring & Evaluation.  

If your insurance does cover RDN services and you are interested in receiving a superbill, that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement, or flexible spending account, please email info@dietitiancarrie.com

At present, I provide self-pay services for folks residing in Pennsylvania (please schedule through: www.dietitiancarrie.com) and insurance paid nutrition counseling via Fay Nutrition (please schedule through:  https://provider.faynutrition.com/book/carrie-powell/8c4bc0 )

If you are not covered by one of the insurances I provide through Fay, you may request a superbill, that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement, or flexible spending account.  Please email info@dietitiancarrie.com for more information and requests.  

Fay Nutrition is an online platform allowing people to connect with Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who provide personalized nutrition counseling. Fay Nutrition is rooted in providing increased access to medical nutrition therapy that is accessible, affordable, and proactive. 

You may visit my profile at:  

At present, I provide self-pay services for folks residing in Pennsylvania (booked through this site: www.dietitiancarrie.com) as well as nutrition counseling via Fay Nutrition (booked through:  https://provider.faynutrition.com/book/carrie-powell/8c4bc0

If you are not covered by one of the insurances I provide through Fay, you may request a superbill, that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement, or flexible spending account.  Please email info@dietitiancarrie.com for more information and requests.  

Yes, we call it different things. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), Nutrition Counseling and Nutrition Therapy is a billable service, and many insurances will cover this treatment.  It must be provided by a registered and licensed dietitian practitioner.  My credentials are RDN, LDN. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in Pennsylvania. 

If your insurance covers RDN services and you are interested in receiving a superbill, that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement, or flexible spending account, please email info@dietitiancarrie.com

Nutrition Coaches are generally mentors, trained in supporting healthy lifestyle.  And while these folks may offer nutrition advice and recommendations, they cannot prescribe diets. 

Nutrition Coaches and Nutritionist can: 

• Be a health mentor.
• Help you achieve accountability.
• Help you balance sleep, activity, and overall health goals.
• Give you broad-based, general nutrition guidance based on research.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists can: 

• Practice Medical Nutrition Therapy
• Prescribe diets and meal plans. 
• Assess your nutritional status.
• Work nutritionally with your medical conditions and disease states.
• Assess your necessary calories, protein, carbohydrate and hydration needs.
• Assess if you are meeting your nutrition needs.
• Provide you with diet counseling and education.
• Take your activity and weight goals into consideration.
• Assess and reassess your status through monitoring and intervention.
• Work with your doctor or other health care professionals.
• Work with your medical conditions and overall health status.
• Provide you with evidenced-based nutrition intervention and education.
• Offer services covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and Private Insurance.
• Offer private pay, and customized nutrition services (i.e., the coaching) you want.

Not every Nutrition Coach/Nutritionist and/or Health Coach is a Dietitian.  We have national registration and licensing for a reason!  #trustyourgut  (no pun intended!) My credentials are RDN, LDN. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist.  

If your insurance does cover RDN services and you are interested in receiving a superbill, that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement, or flexible spending account, please email info@dietitiancarrie.com