Nutrition & Wellness Counseling

Our Program

Our program is based upon sound medical and evidence-based practices and the belief that sustainable change takes time. We don’t promise a quick fix. Rather, we partner with you to form a successful long-term relationship that yields lasting results.  Working with our team of physicians and registered dietitians, you will benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of some of the region’s top experts in orthopaedics and nutrition. We understand that no two people are alike, and that weight loss is a very personal endeavor. That’s why we create a plan of lifestyle change tailored specifically to you.  If you need help with nutrition or overall wellness, this program may be the answer. Use the “Make an Appointment” option to the right to schedule your consultation today. To save you time, we have several forms that you may fill out and bring to your initial appointment. 

Why Choose Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Wellness Program?

When it comes to sustained weight loss and wellness, personalization is key. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians and registered dietitians take the time to learn about you and your weight loss and wellness goals. This includes an assessment of your metabolism using the MedGem® indirect calorimeter, an FDA-approved device that provides an accurate and scientific measurement of the number of calories that a person burns each day. Using the information they’ve gathered, our team develops a comprehensive, personalized nutrition and wellness plan that is tailored to your unique goals and lifestyle. 

Our program emphasizes safe and effective long-term weight management. To ensure your success on this journey, you will participate in weekly classes (each with 30 or fewer participants) that are based upon the evidence-based Healthy Directions Program. You will also receive regular support from our physicians and registered dietitians, all of whom are trained and certified in weight management. Progress is tracked and recorded weekly. With your permission, this information is shared with your referring physician. 

Our Dietitians

Sustained weight loss and wellness doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long-term process that can have its ups and downs. Our registered dietitians understand the challenges of this journey and are committed to your success. Drawing upon their extensive training in weight management, they provide you with the support and guidance you need every step of the way.

Members of our team include:

Barbara Bender, RD, LDN, Wellness Dietitian – Barbara is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist specializing in weight management and disease prevention.  She works closely with patients to develop personalized meal plans to help them reach their individual goals for improving health and surgery outcomes.  Barbara provides individual counseling in our Bensalem, Willow Grove, Chalfont, and King of Prussia locations.
 
Phyllis LoDuca, MS, RD, LDN, Wellness Dietitian – ​Phyllis serves as the dietitian for the Orthopaedic Integrative Medicine Center at Rothman Orthopaedics. In this role, she draws upon her expertise in disease management and prevention through integrative nutrition to help patients in our Bryn Mawr, Malvern, Media, and Center City offices. Phyllis particularly enjoys working with patients to establish individualized wellness plans that promote overall health, lower inflammation, achieve weight loss, and optimize surgical patients’ body mass indexes to produce the best outcomes following surgery. 

Caden Mitchell, RD
Caden is a dual-credentialed Registered Dietitian and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist who specializes in weight management and chronic disease prevention.  He works closely with patients to develop personalized meal and exercise plans to help them reach their individual goals for improving health and surgery outcomes.  Caden provides individual counseling in our Marlton, Egg Harbor and Manahawkin locations.

FAQ

One of the things we enjoy about our patients is that they come to us with a ton of questions. As an organization grounded in education, we believe that the more you know and understand about the weight loss process, the more likely you are to reach your goals. Within this section we cover some of the most commonly asked questions. 

How much weight loss is expected?
Expected weight loss will vary from individual to individual. In general, you can expect to lose ½ to 2 lbs per week depending upon you starting weight, goals, and lifestyle factors.

Do I need to have any lab tests done?
Please bring any copies of recent lab results with you to your first appointment. We may request additional lab testing if needed.

Does insurance cover these programs?
Please see our health insurance section for more information.

Do I need a referral to join a weight loss program?
Please speak with your health insurance plan to determine if you need a referral to our program.

How much exercise should I get while I am in the program?
Incorporating exercise into your lifestyle is an important component of our program. We will work with you to gradually increase your level of activity over time.

Can I still participate if I have other medical problems?
Your health is our top priority. That’s why, we work with your physician to determine if it is appropriate for you to enter our program.

How long is the program?
The length of your program is dependent upon your individual goals. This means that we will work with you for as long as it takes for you to achieve success. 

How much does the program(s) cost?
Please contact us for program cost by clicking here

Health Insurance Coverage

Our program participates with most insurance providers including Aetna, Amerihealth, Cigna, Keystone, Pennsylvania Blue Shield, Personal Choice, and United Healthcare. 

If your provider isn’t listed here it doesn’t mean that you don’t have coverage. Many insurance companies include nutrition counseling in their benefit package. Please speak with your health insurance provider to find out if your plan covers nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian. If nutrition counseling is covered, you should also ask: 

• How many visits you’re allowed
• If you need a referral
• Whether you need a specific diagnosis to receive coverage 
• If there’s a co-payment due at the time of service