Expert Nutrition Services for Disease Prevention and Management
The Clinical Nutrition Department at University Hospitals provides comprehensive nutrition services to improve the health and quality of life for patients.
Promoting Health with Optimal Nutrition
Additionally, our trained registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) teach patients and their families innovative ways to promote optimal nutrition, health and wellness. Nutrition education for disease prevention and nutrition counseling for chronic conditions are essential components of a comprehensive disease management and wellness program. This information, provided by our registered dietitian nutritionist, can improve a patient’s overall well-being with important changes in dietary and lifestyle habits.
Some of the diseases and conditions our patients seek help for include:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 and gestational)
- Eating disorders
- Food allergies
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease, cirrhosis and Crohn’s disease
- Heart failure
- HIV/AIDS
- Hypertension
- Overweight/obesity
- Pulmonary disease
- Renal disease
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Improve Health Outcomes
The nutrition experts at University Hospitals improve health outcomes, one patient at a time. In fact, improved health outcomes using medical nutrition therapy (MNT) by registered dietitian nutritionists have been proven in many areas including:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Disorders of lipid metabolism
- HIV infection
- Hypertension
- Pregnancy
Nutrition Counseling is Cost Effective
Not only does nutrition counseling improve patients’ health, but it is directly linked to improved clinical outcomes and reduced costs related to clinical interventions, medication use and hospital admissions for people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity.
Our registered dietitian nutritionists work hand-in-hand with referring physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare team members to deliver coordinated and cost-effective care.
Outpatient Clinical Nutrition Included in Many Health Plans
Many insurance companies do cover some or all of the cost for nutrition counseling, also referred to as medical nutrition therapy (MNT). However, because plans vary greatly, it is recommended that patients contact their insurance company regarding coverage for medical nutrition therapy. Patients must obtain a physician's referral prior to their visit; our staff can assist with obtaining the referral.