Services

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are health professionals specializing in food and nutrition. The title of RDN is a nationally recognized credential. All our RDN’s have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition and/or Master’s degree in Nutrition and then an approved Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics dietetic internship. RDN status also requires successfully passing the National Registration Exam and accumulating a sufficient number of ongoing continuing education credits annually.

An RDN is sometimes referred to as a nutritionist; however, a nutritionist who has not achieved RDN status may not advertise or practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. 

In the state of Maryland, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are licensed (LDN) to prevent misuse of the term nutritionist. RDNs and LDNs are the only health professionals permitted to counsel patients on medically necessary dietary intervention.

A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) earns the designation by successfully completing the Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators.

Candidates must meet rigorous credential and professional practice experience requirements to be eligible to take the examination. Achieving the CDE credential demonstrates to patients that the health care professional possesses distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby promoting quality care for patients with diabetes.

There are currently only 14,000 diabetes educators who hold the CDE credential nationwide. Rebecca Bitzer, MS, RD & Associates is fortunate to have a qualified CDE on staff.

Yes. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, to keep you and are staff well we’ve moved all our in-person appointments to online or telehealth. These appointments will still be covered by your insurance plan. 

We have clinics in Greenbelt, Columbia, Annapolis and Rockville, Maryland. However, during the current pandemic (COVID-19) out in-person clinics have been closed. We are running all our appointments online. 

The typical initial consultation lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour and follow-up visits usually last 20-45 minutes. We can tailor your appointments to meet your needs if you require more or less time to achieve your goals.

We have a very individualized approach depending upon your current diet, your goals and the number and severity of the health issues you face.

Ideally, we like to work with you weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly, depending upon your needs. This approach provides an opportunity to work with you during various eating situations throughout all the seasons of the year (holidays, vacations, barbecues, etc.). Some clients need more intensive follow-up than others — it varies from client to client.

For instance, if you’re a disciplined self-starter, you may require less supervision. If you need more structure and accountability, we’re here to help you as well.

Not every first appointment is precisely the same, as each consultation is tailored to your needs.

During the first visit, the dietitian will ask you what brings you in as well as some of your goals and any other wants or needs. We understand the first appointment might be a bit uncomfortable, as food, weight, and body image are very personal subjects. Still, we promise to be respectful and move at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Your dietitian will go over the questions on your paperwork, including your health and diet history, medications, typical diet, sleep schedule and exercise regimen. Standard measurements, such as weight and height, may be taken. We also do “blind” weights, where the patient does not see the results of their measurements, which are only used to track trends on our end. This information will help your dietitian pinpoint what nutrition, behaviour or lifestyle changes can be made to reach your health goals.
You will often receive educational handouts to take home with you. You may get meal ideas, recipes, and detailed menus as well.

RDNs may also utilize the latest technology to measure your resting metabolic rate, body fat and lean mass percentages, micronutrient intake and more, to better assess your needs. They can incorporate your favorite websites, smartphone apps, and inspirational material into your plan as well. All of these things are done to help you see results.

The RDNs at RBA help you improve your relationship with food and give you ownership of the healthy choices you make. While each person’s first experience with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is likely to be different. Each clients appointment is very personalized, the first consultation is an excellent opportunity for you and your dietitian to begin their work together toward a healthier lifestyle!

You will need to bring your completed new patient forms, insurance card, photo ID, referral from your physician (if required) and any medical lab or blood-work results (printouts) if you have them.

Also, it is helpful to have a list of medications that you are currently taking.

Write down any questions you may have, so you don’t forget to ask them.

If your insurance requires you to make a co-pay, or if you are a self-pay client, you should also have payment for services. We accept cash, check or Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards.

Yes, we see people of all ages and we have several dietitians who specialize in pediatrics. 

We have experience in dealing with nutrition issues related to children, including overweight/underweight, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, food allergies, and eating disorders.

Definitely — we encourage a “family approach.” The more the merrier. There is no additional charge if your spouse or significant other wants to join you in your session(s). However, if they are also interested in nutrition counseling for themselves, they will have to register as a client.

Yes, we have a dietitian on staff who speaks Spanish. And two receptionists who speak Spanish!

We also have several nutrition interns who answer the phone and speak Spanish. They can help you make your appointment.

Please let the receptionist know that you would like a Spanish-speaking dietitian when you set up your first appointment.

Sí, tenemos un dietista en nuestro personal que habla español. Por favor, indica a la recepcionista que le gustaría hablar con una dietista que habla española cuando haces su primera cita.

Health insurance coverage will vary based on your specific plan. Here are the plans that we are participating providers;

Participating Providers

Here is an overview of the insurance companies we work with. Rebecca Bitzer & Associates participates with the following companies:

Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Medicare
Aetna
Johns Hopkins EHP
Please contact us at 301-474-2499 if you would like more information. This information changes periodically so we are happy to help you any way that we can. You can also contact your insurance company for more information regarding your specific plan.

Although we are more than happy to answer questions, you may find it helpful to call your specific company directly.

Below are some questions you might ask your insurer to learn more about your coverage for medical nutrition therapy (nutrition services).

Does my health plan cover for the CPT (current procedural terminology) codes 97802 and 97803? These are the codes for the initial and follow-up appointments with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
What is the coverage for a specialist’s office? Rebecca Bitzer and Associates (RBA) is considered a “specialist office”; this may differ from a hospital or primary care setting.
Do I need a referral? (If yes, please bring your referral with you!)
For which diagnoses will be covered for nutrition counseling? Some companies will only cover for certain diagnoses. The most common covered diagnoses include diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Please contact RBA if your company is asking about specific diagnosis codes. We can provide these for you.
How many sessions or units will be covered?
What are my out-of-network benefits for nutrition counseling? If you have out-of-network benefits, RBA will be more than happy to provide you with detailed receipts to submit to insurance.
Do I have a deductible? How much is it and how much have I paid already?
It is recommended to obtain a reference number for your call.

As of March 15, 2020, telehealth/online/virtual appointments are almost universally covered by health insurance plans. We are completely set up to provide you with telehealth appointments from the convenience of your home or office!