When to Refer to an RDN

Recognize. Collaborate. Refer.

Nutrition plays a critical role in preventing and managing chronic and acute diseases. Physicians and other healthcare professionals are often the first to identify when nutrition may be affecting a patient’s health, but they do not need to manage nutrition care alone.

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are essential members of the healthcare team. RDNs provide evidence-based nutrition care, medical nutrition therapy and individualized support that helps patients translate nutrition guidance into practical steps that fit their health needs, culture, preferences, budget and lifestyle.

When to Refer to an RDN

Healthcare professionals should consider referring to an RDN when a patient has a medical condition, health concern or care plan that would benefit from individualized nutrition care.

Referral may be appropriate for patients with:

• Diabetes, prediabetes or concerns related to blood glucose management
• Chronic kidney disease or post-kidney transplant nutrition needs
• Cardiovascular disease risk factors, including hypertension or disorders of lipid metabolism
• Heart failure or other conditions where nutrition affects symptom management and outcomes
• Overweight or obesity, especially when related to chronic disease risk or management
• Gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Gestational conditions or nutrition needs during pregnancy
• Pediatric growth concerns, feeding concerns or weight-related health needs
• Complex medical conditions requiring individualized nutrition support
• Medication, treatment or recovery plans that affect appetite, intake, weight, blood glucose or nutrient needs
• Questions or barriers related to food choices, meal planning, access to food or long-term behavior change

Why Referral Matters

Brief nutrition advice is important, but many patients need more than general guidance. RDNs are trained to assess nutrition needs, develop individualized care plans, provide medical nutrition therapy and support behavior change over time.

Referring to an RDN can help:

• Connect patients with specialized nutrition care
• Support prevention and chronic disease management
• Improve care coordination across the healthcare team
• Give patients practical, personalized strategies
• Reinforce treatment plans between medical visits
• Help clinicians use their time more effectively by engaging the right care team member

How to Make the Referral More Effective

A strong referral begins with a clear, supportive conversation. Healthcare professionals can help patients follow through by:

• Explaining why nutrition care is part of the treatment plan
• Describing what an RDN does and what the patient can expect
• Framing the referral as added support, not failure
• Offering a warm handoff when possible
• Scheduling the first RDN appointment while the patient is still onsite, when feasible

What to Include in the Referral

When referring a patient to an RDN, include enough information to support coordinated care. Suggested referral information includes:

• Referring clinician’s name, signature, contact information and NPI number
• Patient name, address and phone number
• Parent or responsible adult, if the patient is a minor
• Reason for referral, including related diagnosis codes when applicable
• Goals for RDN treatment
• Relevant lab data and medication list
• Height and weight history, including growth charts for pediatric patients
• Current feeding or nutrition support regimen, if applicable
• Recent history and physical, office visit notes and medical diagnoses
• Insurance information, when needed

The referral and need for medical nutrition therapy or nutrition care should also be documented in the patient’s medical record.

Bridging the Gap Before the First RDN Visit

The time between referral and the first RDN appointment is an opportunity to support patients with simple, practical next steps. Healthcare professionals can encourage patients to begin with small, realistic goals while reinforcing that the RDN will provide individualized guidance.

Five examples include:

1. Thinking about nutrition goals
2. Keeping a food log
3. Reviewing current beverage choices
4. Identifying questions for the RDN
5. Discussing barriers such as time, budget, transportation, family needs or food access

These steps should not replace RDN care. They help prepare the patient for a more productive first visit.

How to Find an RDN

Healthcare professionals can connect patients to RDNs through:

• Their health system or electronic medical record referral process
• Hospital outpatient nutrition services
• Diabetes self-management programs
• Community or private-practice RDNs
• Insurance plan directories
• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Find a Nutrition Expert tool

Nutrition education and referral work best when healthcare professionals and RDNs work together. When clinicians recognize nutrition needs, collaborate with RDNs and refer patients for specialized nutrition care, patients have a clearer path to the support they need.