Frequently Asked Questions
Before our first session
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Every insurance plan varies in what it covers. By calling your insurance company ahead of time, we can clarify your benefits for Medical Nutrition Therapy.
I’ll submit claims directly to your insurance provider. If your sessions are covered, there’s nothing further you’ll need to do. In the event a claim is denied or there’s a remaining balance, I’ll notify you before charging the card on file. My goal is always to minimize out-of-pocket costs so you can focus on your care, not the billing process.
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It’s important to set clear expectations—while I’m here to guide and support you, your progress will ultimately be shaped by your own actions and commitment. In our first session, we’ll outline how we’ll work together, review policies, confirm your contact information, complete any necessary forms, and discuss your medical history, lifestyle, challenges, and long-term goals. If time allows, we’ll also explore your typical eating habits and other nutrition-related details to help personalize your care.
In the sessions that follow, I’ll continue getting to know you and your lifestyle more deeply. The direction we take will depend on your priorities, as each session is designed to focus on your unique needs and goals.
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I currently accept Aetna, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, and AmeriHealth. I also see UnitedHealthcare patients through a telehealth platform where I am employed.
Payment
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Don’t stress! I offer cash pay rates.
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I kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Missed appointments or late cancellations are subject to a fee, as they affect both my ability to offer that time to another client and my income.
If your insurance has an out-of-pocket cost, the card on file will also be used for that payment.
I’ll always let you know before any charge is made, and I completely understand that life happens. If an emergency comes up, just reach out and let me know.
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You do not have to! I do offer cash rates as well.
Our Time Together
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Many chronic health conditions can be improved through nutrition. My approach goes beyond weight loss, as weight alone does not define health. While I understand weight management is important for some, it is not the central focus of my work. That said, I can support weight management—including the use of GLP-1 medications—when medically appropriate. I also help clients with body composition related to gym-based sports performance, though my primary specialty is gut health.
I work extensively with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), GERD, H. Pylori, carbohydrate intolerances, Celiac disease, and more. In addition, I support clients with PCOS, menopause, nutrition support (including tube feeding), weight gain, healthy aging, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, body image, and emotional eating. Often, clients come to me with multiple concerns, and we address most—if not all—through medical nutrition therapy.
When needed, I collaborate with fellow dietitians to ensure my clients receive the best possible care. If a highly specific specialty is required, I will use my clinical judgment to refer you to a trusted colleague within my network.
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Nutrition should be simple, evidence-based, accessible, and inclusive. I believe food has no moral value—health is personal, multifaceted, and unique to each individual. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where you feel truly heard, supported, and empowered.
I advocate for personal autonomy, a positive relationship with food, and prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical health. Whether you’re navigating gut health concerns, tube feeding, PCOS, menopause, or another condition, I focus on building sustainable, health-promoting habits that support your individual needs and goals.
In our sessions, when relevant and if you’d like, we may explore how your relationship with food has shaped your health and well-being. This could include looking at body image, your personal definition of health, and the societal influences that affect how we view weight and wellness. These conversations form the foundation for building sustainable habits and a balanced relationship with food. From there, I guide you in creating a flexible approach to eating that fits your lifestyle and supports your goals. I understand that some clients prefer structured meal plans, and I’m happy to incorporate that approach when it’s helpful. My aim is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices that truly work for you.
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As I am not a certified personal trainer, creating workout plans is outside of my scope of practice. When it comes to nutrition, my approach focuses on guiding and supporting you through meal planning in a way that fits your lifestyle. Structured meal plans can be used on a case-by-case basis when appropriate, but in my experience, they often aren’t sustainable for most people. Instead, I focus on building knowledge, skills, and habits that empower you to make lasting, healthy choices—so you can create a balanced way of eating that works for you, rather than following a rigid plan.
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Yes! If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know by phone or text at (908) 989-0798 at least 48 hours in advance. Emails aren’t accepted for cancellations, and simply not confirming your appointment doesn’t count as cancelling.
If you miss your session or arrive more than 15 minutes late without letting me know, it will be considered a late cancellation/no-show and will be charged.
I’ll always notify you via email before any charge is made, and I completely understand that life can be unpredictable. If an emergency comes up, just reach out and let me know.
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The frequency of our sessions depends on you and your individual needs. Factors like your schedule, capacity, insurance coverage, and goals can help determine the best cadence. Some clients meet weekly, others biweekly or monthly. Your chosen schedule is flexible—many people start with weekly sessions and, as progress is made, transition to biweekly or monthly sessions over time.
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I provide Medical Nutrition Therapy counseling sessions primarily virtually, with in-person options available. In our sessions, we focus on long-term, sustainable behavior changes at a pace that feels right for you—because these sessions are all about your needs and goals. I’m here to guide, support, provide accountability, and hold space, while you do the work that creates real change. Initial consultations typically last about an hour, and follow-up sessions usually range from 45 minutes to an hour. For more details on my current services, check out the “Work With Me” section of my website. I’m also excited to offer additional services in the future, so stay tuned for updates!
Other
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A Dietitian completes specialized coursework approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which is offered at select colleges across the United States. Dietetic students must earn a master’s degree (though many who trained earlier may be grandfathered in with a bachelor’s), complete a 1,200-hour supervised dietetic internship, and pass a national board exam. Some Dietitians may also use the title “nutritionist” after their name.
The title “nutritionist” is not regulated, meaning anyone can call themselves one. This could include someone who has studied nutrition but has not completed a dietetic internship, a certification program, or any formal training at all. Unlike Dietitians, they cannot provide Medical Nutrition Therapy—which is the evidence-based nutrition care covered by insurance and used in hospitals and clinical settings.
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It depends—while I do offer virtual sessions, laws can vary by state. I am licensed in multiple states, so it’s possible that I can work with you. The best way to find out is to send me an email and ask!
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You can email me at support@marissa-sharkeynutrition.com. I would be glad to assist you!