Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with an initial visit? A thorough review of your health history and timeline of health events to help determine root causes of nutritional issues and provide individualized recommendations. Review of lab results and recommendations for labs that may help further assess nutrition status. Review of supplements, medication/food/supplement/herb interactions and recommended changes if indicated. A plan that includes the most important focus areas to start with to begin working toward your goals. This plan is made with you in mind!

Do you provide meal plans? Yes, we do create meal plans during visits, however there is not usually time for this during an initial visit. Please plan on a follow up visit to discuss meal planning.

Do you take insurance? Yes, please scroll down to see information on insurance and fees.

What is weight-inclusive care? At Northwest Functional Nutrition, we practice weight-inclusive care, meaning we assess health without assuming weight is a primary factor. Our approach focuses on overall well-being and improving health markers without requiring weight loss. When discussing diet, the focus is on getting adequate and foundational nutrition to help our bodies work their best and to help us feel our best to support overall quality of life. This approach can improve your confidence and overall enjoyment with eating even when special diets are needed to manage concerns like allergies, kidney disease, SIBO and more. We do not offer weight loss counseling.

How can you help me with sports nutrition? Nikki has worked with both recreational and competitive athletes of all ages and range of both endurance and strength sports. Nikki also draws from her personal experience as a former runner and competitive weightlifter. The goal of sports nutrition work will be to support your performance, health, well-being and recovery. This may include information on meal timing, meal planning, supplements and lifestyle factors such as sleep. We do not provide guidance on reducing body fat.

Using Health Insurance for Nutrition Visits

Northwest Functional Nutrition is an in-network provider with the following insurance plans when providing care in Washington State.

BCBS
First Choice Health
Healthcare Management Administrators (HMA)
LifeWise Health Plan of Washington
Medicare (kidney disease-stage 3 and 4 CKD and diabetes only)
Premera
Regence
TRICARE (starting 1/2025)

If you plan to use insurance for your visits, it will be your responsibility to check with your insurance to see how many nutrition visits your plan covers. Unfortunately this information is not made readily available to dietitian nutritionists like it is for doctors and dentists. The following questions can help you obtain information about your benefits:

Is Nikki Gepner NPI 1902084254 an in network provider for my insurance plan?
Do I have insurance coverage for nutrition counseling or medical nutrition therapy, CPT codes 97802 and 97803?
Do I have coverage for preventative nutrition counseling? If no, which medical conditions are covered?
Do I need a physician’s referral?
Do I have a deductible to meet before insurance will pay?
Do I have a co-pay?
How many nutrition sessions do I get per year or per lifetime?
Are telehealth visits covered?

For residents of Washington State with an in-network plan listed above, Northwest Functional Nutrition will submit a bill directly to your insurance. Please note you will be responsible for any co-pays and you will be billed for the remaining balance for deductibles, co-insurance or visit fees which may include the entire visit fee if your insurance does not cover the visit.

For insurance plans outside of our network we can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Fees

Initial Visit 90 Minutes	297
Initial Visit 60 Minutes (ages 4-18 only)	198
Follow Up Visit 60 Minutes	174
Follow Up Visit 30 Minutes	87

Last-minute cancellation/reschedule/no-show fee (within 48 hours): 100% of session fee