Nutrition Department FAQ

Nutrition Department and Diabetes Education FAQ

1. Who are we?

Our team consists of three Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), two of whom are Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES).  

2. What do we do?

We offer individualized virtual and in-person nutrition appointments to patients at our Westside Family Healthcare sites. During these appointments, we work with patients to support access to healthy foods, address chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, and help patients develop healthy eating and lifestyle habits.  

3. Who is eligible for nutrition appointments?

Nutrition counseling is available to all Westside primary care patients.

4. Do you see pediatric patients?

Yes, our team treats patients of all ages. With pediatric patients, we address many of the same concerns, such as childhood obesity, growth concerns, picky eating, anemia, and prediabetes.  If a more specialized approach is needed, we work with the primary care team to refer patients to the local children’s hospital for further management.

5. What happens during an appointment?

We assess patients’ nutritional needs based on their health history, lab results, height and weight, and current diet to create an effective nutrition care plan.  We provide evidence-based dietary advice for managing a variety of chronic conditions.  If a patient has diabetes and is using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), they are seen by one of the RD, CDCES providers to review their CGM report and make recommendations for improving blood glucose levels.

6. Who else is involved?

We collaborate with primary care providers, women’s health providers, nursing, social services, and more.  This allows for the most comprehensive treatment plan and continuity of care.

7. What doesn’t nutrition do?

We do not diagnose conditions, prescribe medications or adjust medical treatments.  Our focus is solely on diet and lifestyle changes.  We do not recommend unregulated supplements, “fad diets,” or extreme weight loss strategies, and we cannot guarantee weight loss.  We know that long-term change can be difficult, so to accomplish this we promote sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes that can help our patients achieve their goals over time.

8. Is there a cost to patients for nutrition counseling?

Nutrition counseling is included in the care offered to Westside patients, and there is no additional cost to patients for these services.

9. How can I refer a patient to nutrition counseling?

Patients can call to schedule an appointment with a Registered Dietitian in the same way they call to schedule primary care appointments; no referral is needed.  To refer a patient directly to the nutrition team, please send a message to the nutrition pool.

10. I want to know more, who can I ask?

Feel free to reach out to Meg Falgowski, Nutrition Manager.