DRMC Unveils New Outpatient Nutrition Education Program

DANVILLE, Va. (Feb. 5, 2009) - Officials in the Danville Regional Medical Center (DRMC) Dietary Services department announced today they will begin offering medical nutrition therapy (MNT) through their new nutrition education program.

The Outpatient Nutrition Education Program will be open to all patients: however only those with diabetes or non-dialysis kidney disease will be covered under Medicare.

“The addition of this new line of service to the hospital is another step in offering the best level of healthcare to the residents of this region,” said DRMC Clinical Nutrition Manager Caron Sharp.  “By educating our patients about realistic nutritional goals, we are helping them learn what it takes to live longer, healthier lives.”

The program is provided through a registered dietitian who will teach outpatients about setting attainable nutrition goals.  They will also learn how to create customized food plans and develop important tools for healthy living and eating for the rest of their lives. 

The goal of medical nutrition therapy is to improve an outpatient’s overall health by reducing disease complications, reducing or eliminating the need for prescription drug use and ultimately decrease hospital admissions. 

The program at DRMC began in November.  Patients will need a physician’s referral and should contact their physician if they are interested in the program.