FAQ
For clients
What can a dietitian-nutritionist do that Google or AI can't? A dietitian-nutritionist reviews your medical history, current habits, and specific goals to build a personalized plan. This nutritional assessment is a clinical act reserved under Quebec's Professional Code. An online search can describe a condition in general terms, but it can't take into account your medical file, your lab results, or your life circumstances.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist? In Quebec, there is no difference: both titles are equally protected by the ODNQ and refer to the same regulated professional. This differs from several other provinces and countries, where the title "nutritionist" isn't always legally regulated and can be used by people without a university degree or a license to practice. In Quebec, anyone using the title dietitian, nutritionist, or dietitian-nutritionist must be a member of the ODNQ.
Do I need a medical referral to book a consultation? No. You can book directly, without a doctor's referral. If you'd first like to make sure Nuome Clinique is the right fit for your situation, the free 15-minute discovery call is designed for exactly that.
Is the free discovery call a real consultation? No, it's a 15-minute logistical conversation to discuss your situation, determine which service fits your needs, and answer your questions about insurance or the process. No personalized clinical advice is given during this call.
How do payments work? A card is required to book a session, but you won't be charged at the time of booking. Payment is processed manually after each session is completed, in accordance with ODNQ requirements, which prohibit any advance payment for services not yet rendered.
Does my insurance cover dietitian-nutritionist services? About 60 to 70% of Canadians with group insurance have coverage for dietitian services, usually structured with a per-visit maximum and an annual maximum rather than a fixed percentage. You'll receive an official receipt after each session to submit with your claim, and we recommend confirming your coverage details directly with your insurer.
How do refunds work if I cancel? Since payment is made after each completed session, there's nothing to refund for future sessions because nothing has been charged yet. For late cancellations (less than 48 hours' notice) or no-shows, a fee equal to 50% of the session rate applies, in accordance with the cancellation policy.
How do packages (follow-up programs) work? In accordance with ODNQ rules, each session is billed individually after it takes place, never as a lump sum paid in advance. A preferred rate applies to follow-up sessions included in a program, but if you stop the program before it ends, only the sessions you've completed are billed, at the agreed preferred rate.
What is the ODNQ, and why does it matter? The ODNQ (Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec) is the official body that oversees and regulates the practice of dietitian-nutritionists in Quebec, much like the Collège des médecins oversees physicians. Seeing a professional who is a member of the ODNQ guarantees recognized university training, a strict code of ethics, and a path to recourse in case of a dispute.
Are consultations really 100% virtual? Yes, all consultations take place over Google Meet, in accordance with the ODNQ's official telepractice guidelines on consent, confidentiality, and emergency protocols.
Do you only see clients in Quebec? The practice primarily serves Quebec residents. According to information published by the ODNQ, some provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island) may allow an ODNQ member to provide telepractice services there without additional registration, unlike other Canadian provinces, which require separate registration. If you live outside Quebec, please contact us directly to confirm your eligibility before booking.
Can I book a consultation if I'm not sure my issue is nutrition-related? Yes, that's exactly what the free discovery call is for. If your situation falls outside our scope of practice, for example a severe eating disorder or a breastfeeding issue that requires an IBCLC lactation consultant, we'll refer you to the right professional.
Do you follow clients through multiple life stages (pregnancy, postpartum, etc.)? Yes, that's the founding principle of Nuome Clinique. The same file follows you from preconception through pregnancy, postpartum, and the introduction of solids, so you never have to retell your story to a new professional at each stage.
For Healthcare Professionals
Who can recommend Nuome Clinique to a patient? Any healthcare professional who feels a person could benefit from clinical nutrition follow-up can recommend that they contact us, including physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, kinesiologists, psychologists, and nurses. In Quebec, no referral or prescription is required to consult a dietitian-nutritionist: the person can book directly. However, certain authorized activities require an individual or collective prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner, such as prescribing micronutrients, prescribing laboratory analyses used to monitor the nutritional treatment plan (such as iron status), or adjusting insulin. A nutrition consultation request from a physician or nurse practitioner, whether written or verbal, serves as an individual prescription. Laboratory analyses are prescribed for nutritional monitoring only, never for diagnosis, which remains the responsibility of the physician or nurse practitioner.
How quickly are referred patients seen? Every referral is acknowledged within 1 business day, with a first appointment offered within 3 to 5 business days for a standard case, or within 48 to 72 hours for a case flagged as urgent. As a solo practitioner, I receive every referral directly, with no administrative coordination in between.
Will I receive follow-up after referring a patient? Yes, with the client's consent, a written summary is sent after the initial assessment, outlining what was covered and the plan that was established.
What specific gaps does Nuome fill? Postpartum follow-up after gestational diabetes is the best-documented gap: a recent Alberta study found that only about 35% of women complete the recommended postpartum screening within 6 months of giving birth. Nuome also offers quick access to nutrition support for GLP-1 medications, fertility and preconception, and the introduction of solids, areas that are often underserved by general resources.
Does Nuome diagnose medical conditions? No. Nuome supports the nutritional treatment plan once a condition has been diagnosed, or provides preventive care before a diagnosis, but never diagnoses medical conditions or adjusts medication. This collaboration always complements existing medical care, never replaces it.
How do I refer a patient? The bilingual referral form can be downloaded directly from the Referral page and sent by secure email or fax, with acknowledgment of receipt guaranteed within 1 business day.