Services

Nutrition Services

Services Provided by Mercy Dietitians

Mercy Medical Center West Campus

Outpatient Nutrition Education | Diabetes Education
Child Health Specialty Clinic | Mercy Dialysis Center

Outpatient Nutrition Education: For more information call 641.422.6443

  • Individual nutrition counseling is available Monday through Friday through physician referral.
  • Nutrition counseling is provided for many reasons including heart disease, weight management, kidney diseases, lung disease, pediatric nutrition, Celiac disease, food allergies, eating disorders, and gastro-intestinal disorders.
  • Education is provided in a one-on-one counseling session. Family is encouraged to attend.
  • Group classes are available for weight management.

Diabetes Education: For more information call 641.422.6443

  • A dietitian, nurse and/or a certified diabetes educator provides diabetes education and diabetes management skills. Information includes knowledge of diabetes, diabetes meal planning, monitoring of blood sugars, management of medications.
  • Your physician will make a referral to the clinic after evaluating your diabetes management and your need for further education.
  • Diabetes education may be received one-to-one counseling, group classes, or clinic supplemented with audiovisual and printed materials.

It is well established that intensive diabetes management will delay or even prevent diabetes complications. You may be seen initially by a dietitian in the hospital and then be referred to the outpatient clinic.

Child Health Specialty Clinic (CHSC): For more information, call 641.422.7388

Mason City is one of 14 regional centers for this statewide program serving Iowa children and youth from birth through age 21 with or at risk of a chronic health condition or disability. All services strive to be family-oriented. Nutrition is one of multiple services available to this population. The CHSC dietitian assists with feeding and growth issues in infants, children and youth. Consultation may take place in offices at West Campus, in home or by telephone. Referral sources include:

  • Other CHSC programs and mobile clinics: Iowa High Risk Infant Follow Up Program, Gastrointestinal Clinic, Cardiovascular Clinic and others.
  • Clients applying for or in Early Access Programs (0-3 yrs) will complete a Nutrition Screening Questionnaire.
  • Your area doctor, school nurse, Area Education Agency professional, and a variety of other community groups working with this age group may refer you.

Mercy Dialysis Center:

Early Kidney Disease
There is evidence that controlling blood pressure and diabetes may help slow down the progression of kidney disease. Limiting salt, protein foods, and keeping blood sugar levels in good control may be beneficial for preserving kidney function. A Mercy dietitian can advise patients on nutrition guidelines for early kidney disease. To contact a dietitian for outpatient nutrition counseling call 641.422.6443.

End Stage Renal Disease or Dialysis
Patients with end stage kidney disease may be on hemodialysis (in-center) or on peritoneal dialysis (home dialysis). Nutritional requirements vary with the type of dialysis. A dietitian certified in renal nutrition at Mercy Dialysis Center works with each individual patient to design a meal plan that meets his or her individual needs. For more information call the dietitian at 641.422.5336.