Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions I hear most about telehealth appointments, insurance and payment, and who I work with. Don’t see your question? Send me a message and I’ll respond within 1–2 business days.
Appointments & Telehealth
I respond to every message within 1–2 business days. If you book a free discovery call, you’ll get a chance to ask questions and talk through your goals before scheduling your first appointment.
No. All appointments are virtual and held through a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, so you can join from wherever you feel most comfortable.
I’m licensed in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Some states don’t require dietitian licensure, so if you live outside those three states, please contact me to see whether we can work together.
Yes. Life with Substance provides secure telehealth nutrition counseling to clients in Dubuque and throughout Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Yes. That is because when you make an appointment that time is set aside specifically for you. Failure to attend is a loss for yourself and limits opportunities for other clients. A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations or reschedules with less than 24 hours notice will incur a late notice fee of 50%. This is payable before further appointments can be made.
Insurance & Payment
I currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, Medical Associates Health Plans, and Health Choices. Coverage depends on your specific plan.
I don’t verify insurance benefits, so please check with your insurance company before your first session. Anything your plan doesn’t cover will be billed to you.
Don’t see your insurance? Ask about Superbills. A Superbill is a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and one can be provided upon request. Nutrition benefits vary by plan, so check with your insurer about what they will reimburse. Payment by credit card, Flex, or HSA funds is due at the time of your session.
No. Life with Substance is a telehealth provider, so insurance can only be billed for virtual visits.
- Call the customer service or benefits phone number on your insurance card.
- Go through the questions in “What should I ask my insurance company?” with the representative and write down their answers.
- Upload the answers to your SimplePractice account or email them to christine@lifewithsubstance.com.
- Do I have coverage for medical nutrition therapy, CPT codes 97802 and 97803?
- Is a specific diagnosis (ICD-10) code covered, or is Z71.3 for medical nutrition therapy/nutritional counseling covered?
- Are telehealth visits covered?
- Do you cover appointments under NPI 1033576947 for Christine Nanke / Life with Substance?
- Is there a maximum number of visits per year? If so, how many?
- Do I need a referral with a specific diagnosis?
- Do I need a prior authorization?
- What is my deductible, copayment, and coinsurance?
- Can I have your name and a call reference number?
Christine Nanke’s individual NPI is 1033576947. Your insurance representative may ask for it when you check your benefits.
It depends on your plan. Some plans require a referral with a specific diagnosis or a prior authorization before nutrition visits are covered. Ask your insurance company when you check your benefits.
Often, preventative services don’t require you to meet your deductible. However, some policies require the deductible to be met before insurance pays. If you haven’t met it yet, you may pay out-of-pocket until you do.
A credit card on file is required to book an appointment. Any portion of a visit not covered by your insurance is automatically charged to that card.
Who I Work With
Yes. Pediatric and adolescent nutrition is one of my main areas of focus. I work with kids ages 1 to 17 on picky eating, ARFID, failure to thrive, and the move to solid foods, and with teens in eating disorder recovery. Parents are part of every pediatric appointment.
Yes. I provide nutrition therapy for adolescents and adults in recovery from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), orthorexia, and other eating disorders. I stay in regular contact with your therapist and primary care provider, so your whole care team works from the same plan.
Yes. I work with children and adolescents with ARFID and significant food selectivity, including sensory sensitivities and fear-based food avoidance. Not sure whether it’s ARFID or picky eating? Read about the difference.
Yes. I work with adults in eating disorder recovery, adults who want to step off the diet cycle, and adults working to heal their body image.
No. My work focuses on healing your relationship with food and your body, so I don’t provide weight loss education. Every client gets compassionate, weight-inclusive care, whatever their size.
Ready to get started?
Your first step is a conversation. Book a free 20-minute discovery call to ask questions and talk through your goals.
Christine Nanke, RD, LD
Pediatric & Eating Disorder Dietitian
- Discovery Call (20 minutes, free)
- Virtual telehealth appointments across Iowa, Illinois & Wisconsin