The UCSF Nutrition Counseling Clinic offers medical nutrition therapy for disease prevention and management. Our goal is to provide a personalized approach to our patients through strategic changes for food choices and eating habits. The therapy is delivered by registered dietitians (RDs) to pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients. Many of our dietitians also hold additional credentials and qualifications to provide nutrition care in specialty areas. Currently, all our appointments are conducted as telehealth through Zoom.
A physician's referral is required to obtain services for medical nutrition therapy in the Nutrition Counseling Clinic. The referral form can be downloaded here. Once completed, the referral can be faxed to (415) 502-2689 or can be submitted via the electronic medical record. Once a referral is made, insurance preauthorization is needed to make an appointment. Patients will receive a scheduling ticket through myChart to make an appointment once preauthorization is complete. Alternatively, patients may contact the medical center central Call Center for an appointment at (415) 353-4174 if they know that preauthorization is complete. A referral is valid for up to a year from the date of when the referral was ordered.
For providers only: Established patients in the UCSF cancer clinics, transplant clinics, cardiac rehab, diabetes teaching center, or dialysis have access to team dietitians in the clinics that provide nutrition therapy within these clinics and may not need referrals in the Nutrition Counseling Clinic. The Nutrition Counseling Clinic does not currently provide medical nutrition therapy for diagnoses related to eating disorders.
Appointment Details
You will receive the Zoom link for your appointment via myChart. Patients may connect by phone or computer. We recommend that you find a quiet location to join the appointment to allow you to communicate with the dietitian effectively. Do not drive while in the appointment. We encourage caregivers, parents, or partners to join the appointment if available.
During your appointment, a dietitian will assess your diagnoses for nutrition-related information, diet, and current eating habits to help you set individual goals and empower you to make changes that work for you. The first appointment takes about 45 minutes, and you may need to come back for additional visits. The nutrition plan of care is jointly developed by you and your dietitian based on medical needs, personal preferences, and supported by scientific evidence.
Insurance plans do not always cover nutrition counseling for medical nutrition therapy. You may receive a bill for your appointment if your insurance does not cover medical nutrition therapy. Discounts up to 70% are available for self-pay patients. If you have additional questions, please call the UCSF Nutrition Counseling Clinic at (415) 353-2291.