Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dietitian?

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD or RDN) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RD and RDN credential:

• Completed a degree at an accredited university by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

• Completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, or community agency. 6 - 12 months in length.

• Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). 

• Completed continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

How often should I meet with my dietitian?

Most clients find it helpful to start off with weekly sessions in order to establish a good foundation for nutrition and lifestyle. After gaining some momentum, clients may choose to meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Each individual can decide on what is best for their schedule. Optimal results are seen with regular visits for both encouragement, education and accountability.

Will my health insurance cover dietitian services?

Most health insurances will cover dietitian services in part or in whole. Jessica Beardsley Nutrition takes Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina which generally covers ALL nutrition sessions at NO COST to you. See more about Jessica's insurance coverage here.

Will my sessions with Jessica be in-person or online?

Currently all sessions are conducted via Zoom and a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform called Practice Better. You can use a computer or other device for your meetings.

How long are nutrition counseling sessions?

The initial session is 75 minutes to deep dive into your health assessment and goals. The follow-up sessions will be 45-60 minutes.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

Life happens and schedules change! Please call or email 24-hours in advance of your visit to cancel or reschedule. Otherwise you are charged a late cancellation fee of $50.