Nutrition

Overview

Your eating patterns and food choices can play a major supporting role in your health. The role of a dietitian is to provide you with the information and tools to help you take charge of your health by finding a style of eating and exercise that will support your well-being. Your visit with The Portland Clinic’s dietitian may include any of the following services, depending on your needs and preferences.

SERVICES (including, but not limited to)

• Evaluation of your current eating patterns or diet in relation to your health concerns
• Guidelines to help you choose a more healthful pattern of eating
• Meal plans based on your individual nutrition needs
• Evaluation of your blood glucose response to meals and snacks (for patients with diabetes)

CONDITIONS TREATED

• Diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational
• Heart disease and congestive heart failure
• High cholesterol, low HDL levels and high triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Metabolic syndrome
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lactose intolerance and reflux/heartburn
• Weight issues (diet and exercise programs tailored to the individual, with regular follow-up and weight monitoring)
• Bariatric surgery preparation (insurance-mandated nutrition therapy, to be completed 6-12 months prior to surgery for patients referred by their Portland Clinic physician)
• Eating disorders in adults (initial appointment for evaluation of anorexia and bulimia; ongoing nutrition therapy is done only in coordination with a psychotherapist)
• Health maintenance and disease prevention (for those with specific concerns, or a family history of a specific condition, who want to make changes to decrease their risk)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Kidney stones

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

You will get the most from your appointment with the dietitian if you prepare in advance and follow these steps.

1. Contact your insurance company to ask if your policy covers medical nutrition therapy by a licensed dietitian for your diagnosis or concern.
2. At least three days before your appointment: start filling out the new patient consultation form and the three-day food log.
3. Bring any vitamins, minerals and herbs that you take.
4. Bring labels for unusual foods that you eat regularly or that you want to ask about, such as meal replacement drinks, protein powders and sports bars.

FORMS

• New patient consultation form
• Three-day food log (form-fillable PDF)