Common Questions

What makes your service different from other programs?

Customization:

Our services specialize in personalizing plans just for you. Since there are a million and one ways to eat, following a book or a group plan often will likely not address your own preferences and needs. We believe working one-on-one with each person is the best way to achieve success and ideas you can sustain for the long term.

Qualified Nutrition Experts:

You can be assured you will be working with a nutrition expert - a Registered Dietitian. A Registered Dietitian has completed a Bachelor's degree specializing in foods and nutrition and an accredited internship or a graduate degree. This title is protected by law under provincial legislation so that only qualified practitioners who have met education requirements can use the title Registered Dietitian. We make sure you are getting advice that is current, credible, and scientifically based.

Added Value!

Not only do we provide you with personalized nutrition counselling, you can count on us for many other added resources, newsletters and tools to facilitate learning. We are constantly updating our resource bank as well as subscriptions to research updates and databases to make sure you have the most current up-to-date information.

Professional & Established:

Health Stand Nutrition Consulting Inc. has been successfully operating since 2000. Our top referral source for nutrition counselling is by referrals from respected family physicians and health professionals in the Calgary area that value our quality care and results we deliver. We have a spacious consulting office that will make you feel comfortable and at home when discussing your goals and concerns. Our office is centrally located with good access to affordable parking. Visiting our office you can also expect a confidential atmosphere and a selection of refreshments.

Do I need a doctor's referral to book services?

A doctor's referral is not required to book an appointment but if you have complex medical issues it is ideal to have your doctor provide us with a referral note to update us on your medical situation so we can best take care of your needs. With your permission we send your doctor a report to let them know we are working with you on your nutritional needs.

Is nutrition counselling covered by my insurance?

In the province of Alberta, Registered Dietitians are classified as an “Authorized Medical Practitioner” as shown here: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/. What this means is that you can save your receipts and supply them to your accountant for a non-refundable tax credit.

Did you know that many private medical insurance plans and health spending accounts cover nutrition counselling by a Registered Dietitian? Check your plan to see what is covered for you. Since every insurance company has different policies, please be sure to check with them regarding dietitian coverage per session and per year. We do not direct bill to insurance companies but will provide you with a detailed receipt that includes our dietitian practice permit number, description of service, dates of counselling sessions and consulting fee breakdown per hour.

If your plan does not cover the services of a Registered Dietitian please let your employer or union representative know that you would like to see this changed. We have drafted the following paragraph for you to cut and paste into a letter to make this simple for you to do. We appreciate your support and voice to help with this!

To Human Resources Department or Union Representative:

My health is important to me and I want to benefit from the services a Registered Dietitian can provide. When you are negotiating our company's renewal for medical insurance coverage for our benefits plan, I would strongly urge you to consider adding coverage for Registered Dietitians.

Thank you for considering this important health issue.

Sincerely,

________________

What are your hours of operation?

We offer flexible nutrition counselling appointments to suit your schedule. Nutrition counselling appointments range from 9am to 7pm throughout the work week. We do not offer nutrition counselling on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays so we can be recharged and provide you with excellent service.

Is there a waiting time to book an appointment with a dietitian?

While wait times do vary based on your availability and ours, typically within 2 weeks a dietitian can begin working with you on your program. Want to get started? Contact us to make a booking.

Does your location have an elevator?

Although our office is modern and renovated, due to the fact that our office is located on the second floor of a historic building built in the early 1900’s there is no elevator. Our office is accessible only by stairs and therefore we are not able to accommodate clients that have difficulty with stairs. We greatly apologize for the inconvenience but we would be happy to refer you to a colleague that can offer you nutrition counselling.

What if I am unsure which program is best for me?

You don’t have to decide right now. Give us a call at 403-262-3466 so we can discuss your own personal needs or decide when you come in for your first visit. As long as you are committed to at least our smallest program (The Ignite Package) you can decide which of our 3 programs will be the best for you at the end of your first nutrition counselling session.

What if I live outside of Calgary or can’t come to your office for nutrition counselling?

No problem! We can arrange to do your nutrition counselling sessions on the phone by having you call your dietitian at your scheduled appointment time or through Skype. We will also send you the key resources that will benefit you through email and/or the mail. For more information visit: http://www.healthstandnutrition.com/individual/skype.php.