What Can a Dietitian Do for Me?

Dietitians translate the science of nutrition into terms you can understand. They unlock food’s potential and support healthy living for their patients, clients, and communities.  Dietitians look beyond fads and gimmicks to deliver reliable, life-changing advice tailored to your objectives as well as personal needs and challenges.  The advice and information dietitians provide is tailored to your personal needs and challenges, including taste, food skills and accessibility.

Dietitians are key members of your health care team and can suppport you throughout your life. Here are some of the reasons to contact a dietitian:

• Diabetes
• Heart health
• Cancer
• Infant feeding and picky eating
• Allergies
• Digestive concerns
• Malnutrition
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Sports nutrition
• Vegetarian and vegan diets

For more detailed information about the role of dietitians, visit Dietitians of Canada’s What is a Dietitian?

How do I Find a Dietitian in my Area?

There are several ways to connect with a dietitian:

1. Your family doctor or specialist may be able to refer you to a facility (e.g. hospital, CLSC , residential and long-term care centre, rehabilitation centre) with access to a dietitian.
2. If you belong to a Clinic or Family Medicine Group, ask to speak to the dietitian.
3. If you receive homecare services, you can call your case manager to see if they can have a homecare dietitian come to the house.  A physician’s referral is typically not required.
4. You can also see a dietitian and pay a fee for an appointment. Visit Dietitians of Canada’s Find a Dietitian or the Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec (French only website) to find someone in your community and search by postal code, city and/or specialty.
5. Some grocery stores offer fee-for-service appointments with dietitians along with some free programming like cooking demonstrations and workshops.  Check with your local store.
6. You can also call Info-Santé at 8-1-1, option #1 to speak to a nurse who can provide more detailed information about dietians in Quebec and how they can help you find one.

Are Dietitians Covered by Health Insurance?

Dietitians are not covered by the Public Health Insurance Plan (RAMQ), unless services are rendered in a facility (e.g. hospital, CLSC , residential and long-term care centre, rehabilitation centre).

Make sure to check your benefits plan as some may include coverage for the services of a dietitian.  If dietitian services are not covered, speak to your employer. Encourage friends, family and colleagues to do the same.  Your employer can visit the Employee Health Benefits page for more information or you can share this factsheet with decision makers.