What to bring so a dietitian can work with your doctor

You've just had your first appointment with a dietitian, and they've asked you to bring in medical records before your next visit. You're not sure what they actually need, or whether your doctor should be involved at the same time. The good news: with the right documents and communication in place, your dietitian can work much more effectively with your doctor to give you coordinated care.

Get copies of your recent test results and diagnoses

Your dietitian needs to see the clinical picture that prompted the referral. If you were referred because of high cholesterol, kidney function changes, blood sugar levels, or digestive inflammation, bring the actual lab reports—not just a note saying "your levels are high." Dates matter; recent results (ideally from the last three to six months) are most useful. If you've had imaging scans, allergy tests, or biopsies relevant to your condition, those reports help too. Your dietitian will use these to understand what your body is dealing with and why certain nutrients or food groups matter for your specific situation. If you're unsure which results are relevant, ask your doctor's practice to print everything from your last clinic visit or two.

Bring a list of all your current medicines and supplements

Many medications and supplements affect how your body absorbs nutrients, or interact with foods. Blood thinners, for instance, require consistent vitamin K intake. Some diabetes medications work differently depending on meal timing and carbohydrate content. Diuretics can deplete potassium. Your dietitian needs this full picture to give advice that actually works with your medical treatment, not against it. Write down the name, dose, and how often you take each one—or bring the bottles themselves. Include over-the-counter painkillers, vitamins, herbal remedies, and anything else you swallow regularly. This list also helps your dietitian spot any gaps in your nutrition strategy or flag concerns they should raise with your doctor.

Have your doctor's referral and any notes about your goals

If your GP or specialist referred you, bring that letter. It tells the dietitian exactly what your doctor wants nutrition support to address—whether that's weight loss before surgery, managing a chronic condition, or recovering after an illness. If there's no formal referral but you were advised to see a dietitian, a quick note from your doctor's office saying "patient suitable for nutrition therapy" helps the dietitian and your doctor stay on the same page. Be clear about your own goals too. Do you want to reduce medications, manage symptoms, understand food labels, or prepare for a procedure? Your dietitian will tailor their approach, and they can flag if your goals align with what your doctor is trying to achieve or if there's something to discuss together.

Clarify how your doctor and dietitian will communicate

Before your first appointment, check with your dietitian: will they be sending progress notes to your doctor? Should your doctor's office send them your full medical file? Some dietitians work in clinics where your doctor is on-site and they review cases together. Others are independent and will contact your doctor only with your permission and a specific reason. You have the right to know how your information is shared. Ask your dietitian to confirm they can contact your doctor if something comes up during nutrition therapy—for example, if your blood sugar patterns suggest a medication change might help, or if your symptoms point to a condition nutrition alone won't fix. This clarity prevents gaps and ensures your dietitian and doctor are actually working as a team, not in separate silos.

Once you've gathered these pieces, you're ready for a session where your dietitian can hit the ground running. They'll understand your medical context, avoid conflicts with your medicines, and know exactly what your doctor is hoping to achieve. When you're ready to find a qualified dietitian who can liaise with your GP, Strove lets you compare and contact verified practitioners in your area.