frequently asked questions
Do you accept health insurance?
Yes. Please carefully review the tables below for in network and out of network plans.
If you’re enrolled in an in-network plans, we can submit insurance claims on your behalf. Please upload a current insurance card when you complete your new-client form. Review your specific plan to confirm whether nutrition services are covered. Even if we are in-network with your insurer, that does not ensure full coverage — copays, coinsurance, and deductible obligations may still apply.
In-Network Insurance
| Insurance Provider | Accepted Plans and Networks |
|---|---|
| Aetna | POS, POS II, Open Access; State Health Plan (2027, access tier) |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Blue Advantage, Blue Care, Blue Options, Blue Value, Classic Blue, Federal Employee Plan |
| Cigna | Open Access, including Duke Options |
| Curative | In-network |
| First Health | In-network |
| Medicare | Medical nutrition therapy for qualifying diabetes or renal disease |
| UnitedHealthcare | In-network |
Out-of-Network Insurance
The following plans require self-payment at the time of your visit. A detailed superbill can be provided for possible reimbursement.
| Insurance Provider | Plans and Networks |
|---|---|
| Aetna | National Advantage Program (NAP), NC Connected Network |
| Ambetter | All plans |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | High Performance Network (HPN), Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, Blue Local |
| Humana | Out-of-network |
| Medicaid | Out-of-network |
| TRICARE | Out-of-network |
Being in-network does not guarantee coverage for nutrition counseling. Benefits vary by plan and diagnosis. Medicare medical nutrition therapy generally requires a qualifying diabetes or renal disease diagnosis and physician referral; prediabetes alone does not qualify.
Please contact your insurance company to verify your nutrition counseling benefits before scheduling.
How do I find out what nutrition benefits my insurance plan provides?
Confirm Leslie Gaillard is an in-network provider with your specific plan. Ask if nutrition therapy with CPT 97802 and 97803 is covered. Ask about diagnosis limits (e.g., only for diabetes or obesity), number of visits allowed per year, whether services are preventive or count toward the deductible, and any copay or coinsurance.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
In North Carolina, the difference comes down to rigorous education, legal regulation, and clinical training. While the term "nutritionist" is a broad title that anyone can use regardless of their background, a Registered Dietitian (RD) is a credentialed medical professional.
Think of it this way: All registered dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians.
To earn the RD credential and practice legally in North Carolina, I had to:
Complete an advanced degree in nutrition from an accredited university.
Log over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice.
Pass a rigorous national board exam and maintain ongoing continuing education.
Obtain state licensure through the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition.
When you work with a Registered Dietitian, you are partnering with an evidence-based expert qualified to provide safe, personalized medical nutrition therapy.
what are your specialties?
LG Nutrition specializes in gastrointestinal conditions, including IBS, IBD, celiac disease, non-celiac gluten intolerance, gastroparesis, and diverticulitis. We also specialize in diabetes, weight management, metabolic disorders including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. We work frequently with individuals who have autoimmune disease including Hashimoto’s disease and Rheumatoid arthritis. While we work with people who have disordered eating behaviors, we do not specialize in eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
Do you offer virtual visits?
Yes, as of 2020, our practice is 100% virtual. Sessions are conducted via tele-health which can be video or phone.
What forms of payment are accepted?
All major credit cards are accepted. FSA/HSA cards are generally accepted; however, a secondary payment method must be on file in case of insufficient funds.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see you?
No, Medicare is the only insurance that currently requires a physician’s referral. Please note that Medicare only covers nutrition counseling if you have a physician documented diagnosis of diabetes or renal disease. Pre-diabetes is not a covered diagnosis. No other diagnoses are covered at this time even with a doctor’s referral. This is a Medicare policy and not a provider limitation. For other types of insurance or self-pay clients, a referral is not required but still welcomed from your provider. Referrals can be faxed to 1 (855) 714-4258.
How many visits will I need?
This varies from person to person. The number of visits is determined by the complexity of the client's health history as well as the goals of the visits. There is no minimum number of visits required. Some insurance companies limit the number of visits annually.
Can another person attend my session with me?
Yes, in most cases, this is welcomed with the permission of the client and dietitian. The individual attending should understand that their presence is for the support of the client and to provide educational information as a caregiver or support person.
Will you coordinate care with my provider?
We can provide nutrition progress notes to your referring provider or other requested health professionals with your signed release.
Is there a fee for missed or canceled appointments?
Missed appointments or those canceled less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time will be charged a fee.
What are the benefits of meeting with a dietitian?
Dietitians are experts in the field of nutrition and has received advanced education that is science based. LG Nutrition provides a personalized approach to every client meeting so that no two clients have the same plan. Your recommendations are based off of your health history, preferences, lifestyle and health goals.
