Eat Healthy, Feel Healthy
Nutrition Services Include
- Outpatient Nutrition Counseling
- Inpatient Screening & Consults
- Nationally Recognized Outpatient Diabetes Education Program (reimbursable through Medicare)
- Nutrition Counseling through Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Consultant To Long-Term Care Facility, Parc Hall
- Provides Meals For Patients, Employees, Visitors, PARC Hall, Willow Ridge & Meals On Wheels
A physician’s referral is required for diets other than normal nutrition. A progress note is sent to the referring physician following outpatient counseling.
PACHS can help you find the right nutrition plan to get you feeling your very best.
Nutrition Services Resources
Local Sources of Reliable Nutrition Information:
Registered Licensed Dietitians have bachelors and/or masters degrees in dietetics or nutrition and can answer any nutrition questions you may have. Contact Tammy Chapman, RDN, LD, at Palo Alto County Hospital to set up an appointment at 712.852.5670.
State and National Sources of Nutrition Information:
Phone any of the following organizations for current, reliable information on related nutrition topics:
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND): 1.800.366.1655
- American Heart Association (AHA): 1.800.242.8721; Iowa: 515.244.3278
- American Diabetes Association (ADA): 1.800.232.3472; Iowa: 1.800.678.4232
- Iowa Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation: 515.267.1626
- National Kidney Foundation (NKF): 1.800.622.9010; Iowa: 1.800.369.3619
- National Dairy Council: 1.800.426.8271; Iowa: 1.800.406.MILK
Visit Any of the Following Web Sites for More Information:
What's your best source of nutrition advice? Contact a registered, licensed dietitian in your area.
Dietitians, Nutritionists & Diabetes Specialists
Diabetes Education
A diabetes education program from PACHS will help you learn how to live with diabetes.
The Palo Alto County Health System diabetes care team is here to help you in your journey with diabetes. We will educate you on how to live life to the fullest while taking care of your diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.
You can trust PACHS to be with you while you learn this new way of life.
Diabetes Education Program FAQ
What will I learn about diabetes?
There are many things to know about diabetes. You will learn about:
- Planning meals to help lower your blood sugar and manage your weight
- Exercise and being active
- The medication you may take and how it works
- How to check your blood sugar
- What to do when you are sick
- What you can do to live a healthy life
Who teaches the program?
A specially trained nurse and dietitian provide information about diabetes care. Other members of the team may include a pharmacist.
When will this program start?
Your health care provider or doctor will send a referral to the diabetes team. When they receive this note, you will be called for your first appointment. If you have concerns with transportation, please talk to your diabetes educator about possible options.
Where do I go for diabetes education?
Group or individual sessions are held at PACHS.
How many sessions are in a complete program?
The program at PACHS includes individual sessions with a registered dietitian and a registered nurse. The number of sessions and length of the sessions will be tailored to fit your learning needs. Sessions are held on a one-to-one basis, but family members and significant others are welcome to attend.
What if I can’t come to one of the sessions?
You can make up the session. Ask your educator when you can make up the session you will miss.
Does insurance pay for diabetes education?
Medicare will help pay for diabetes education if you have Medicare Part B and meet certain criteria. Payment by other insurance companies will depend upon your plan. Please contact your insurance company. Ask if your policy covers “diabetes self-management training.” If you have more questions, your educator will help you get them answered.
Is the diabetes education program certified?
Yes. The MercyOne Network program at PACHS is certified by the American Diabetes Association.
