Tag: Medical referral

According to a 2007 survey, approximately 28% of patients admitted to UK hospitals and 30% of those in care homes were at risk of malnutrition. This statistic underscores the critical role that nutrition plays in health and highlights who should be referred for the dietetic service to address and prevent serious health complications.

Regulations vary, but many can book with a private dietitian directly. Whether self-referral is possible depends on the service and insurance coverage.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, only Registered Dietitians (RDs) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are legally qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy for diagnosed conditions, though anyone can use the title 'nutritionist'. This makes knowing who can refer you to a nutritionist, and whether you need a referral at all, critical for proper care.