Question:
In order for me to have surgery, I need to be seen by a nutritionist and I can't
find one in my area. I would have to pay for the appointment myself because my insuance company could not refer me to one in or around my area. I live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and my doctor will be Dr. Matthew Kirkland. I called his office and asked to be referred to one but they were not too much help. I just want to have all of the pre-stuff done (phsyclogical eval and nutritioist eval done before my consult) so everything can be sent to my insurance company at the same time. My primary doctor is supportive of my surgery but also didn't know of any doctors to refer me to. If anyone knows of a supportive nutritionist in the philadelphia, or South Jersey area, please let me know. Thanks. — Dawn H. (posted on April 25, 2001)
April 25, 2001
I hate to ask an obvious question, but have you looked in the Yellow Pages?
or how about calling local hospitals and asking them. I'm not sure about
PA, but in my area, they are called Dieticians, so maybe they just don't
know who you're looking for.
Good Luck!
— [Anonymous]
April 25, 2001
Contact the hospital where you will be having surgery. They should have one
on staff. I went to a program that provided a nutritionist before and
after. They have been of very little help to me though. I get all my
information off of this website. Good Luck!
— Donna H.
April 25, 2001
What insurance do you have and what kind is it? Thats not right that they
can't tell you of a provider to see.. I agree with the previous post..
there should be a nutritionist on staff at the hospital you can see. Tell
me this.. who is requiring you see a nutritionist or is this something you
are doing on your own? If your surgeon asked they should recommened one
they typically work with or if insurance requires it they should help you.
— Dawn R.
April 25, 2001
Everyone in our surgical group is required to see a nutritionist. Only
those who have Type 2 diabetes have usually gotten this covered through
their insurance - otherwise we paid privately. For me, it was $85.00 well
spent for 1 hour of information - and it put me one step closer to getting
my surgery.
Terri in Sacramento - Post-op 10 weeks, down 57 pounds!
— T.L. S.
April 25, 2001
Every hospital has a dietary dept that usually does out patient consulting.
Does your Dr expect these tests to be done before consult? My testing was
tied to my surgery, so tests were not done until I was approved by the
insurance.
— [Anonymous]
April 25, 2001
Dawn, I am one of Dr. Kirkland's patients and I had my surgery on 3-30-01.
Pennsylvania Hospital is where he does all of his surgeries. There is a
nutritionist at the hospital and her name is Rachel Griehs. She is real
nice.. Dr. Kirkland does not require his patients to see a nutritionist
that is probably why they could not refer one to you.. Pennsylvania
Hospital's number is 215-829-3000...
I hope this helps...Good Luck
— Ang B.
Click Here to Return