What can a Registered Dietitian do for you?

Rapid City Regional Hospital offers nutritional counseling in the following areas:

• Allergies;
• Cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure;
• Diabetes;
• Digestive disorders;
• General nutrition and wellness;
• HIV/AIDS;
• Maternal nutrition;
• Oncology (cancer, chemotherapy);
• Osteoporosis;
• Pediatric and adolescent nutrition;
• Renal (pre-dialysis kidney failure);
• Sports nutrition;
• Vegetarian lifestyles; and,
• Weight management and obesity.

Why should I see a Registered Dietitian?
You should meet one-on-one with an expert in nutrition to teach you more about nutrition and how it is incorporated into how you can eat healthy. Registered dietitians can answer questions you have about nutrition and help improve the way you eat and set up a nutrition program. Needing specialized nutrition due to health concerns that require specialized diets, a registered dietitian can aid with this also.

What qualities should I look for in a Registered Dietitian?
A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a professional who has at least a four-year college degree with additional training, such as an internship, and has passed a national registration exam. Licensed Nutritionists (LNs) are certified by the State of South Dakota showing they are qualified to give quality advice. All dietitians at Rapid City Regional Hospital are RDs and LNs.

What can I expect from a nutrition consultation?
At the first visit the dietitian learns about your health and nutrition concerns and you learn about science-based nutrition that could improve the way you eat. At each visit you will talk about your lifestyle and goals. Our dietitians are trained to create a program that fits into your life. They believe that people make changes in small steady steps to reach their final goal.

How long does each visit take?
The first visit usually takes one hour. The number and length of future visits will be decided at this time. Some people are happy with what they have learned in one visit. However, most people need at least one or two extra visits to go over how well they are doing with their nutrition program and goals. We are here to encourage and guide you in making changes and reaching your goals.

I’ve decided to see a dietitian. What do I do now?
Start with a call to your doctor as insurance may cover your visit if you meet certain medical conditions. Insurance will only cover the visit if you have a written doctor prescription for “medical nutrition therapy." It is a good idea to check with your insurance company to see if your visits are covered. You can schedule an appointment with the Registered Dietitian and, if you would like, the hospital can send the bill to your insurance company.
If you do not qualify for insurance or your insurance does not cover a Registered Dietitian, your visit will be billed from the hospital and you will be expected to pay for your visit.

To make an appointment with a dietitian, call the
Patient Appointment Center (605) 719-7100.