Are you accepting new clients?

Yes, I am accepting clients through BBDNutrition in all three service categories: Routine Health (including Chronic Disease Management, Hormonal Health), Digestive Health, and Therapeutic Diets. Learn about all our services.

Do you offer discovery calls?

No, due to the busyness of my practice, I have not offered discovery calls for many years; however, if you would like to meet to discuss your goals or health background, which service may be the most suitable for you, the Initial Consultation is designed for that purpose and is provided at a lower hourly rate than our clinical services. Should you decide to move forward by taking one of the packages we offer, any remaining time in the Initial Consultation can be ‘banked’ and used later for follow-up services.

What services come with a package?

The services included with each package vary depending on whether they are Routine Health, Digestive Health, or Therapeutic Diet services. All Routine Health packages follow a Four-Step Clinical Roadmap:
1. Comprehensive Clinical Assessment to assess underlying health, preferences, and lifestyle
2. Custom Meal Plan design
3. Nutrition Education
4. Professional Support for Sustainable Results

Do you provide services to people taking insulin or insulin analogues?

Joy does not have the specialized CDE certification required to oversee the dosage of insulin or insulin analogues and, as a result, does not provide services to those with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes taking insulin or insulin analogues, or women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Will my extended benefits cover your services?

Where can I learn about the cost of your services?

Full package pricing can be found at the bottom of each service page and is also listed on the Intake and Service Option Form available to view online or to download on the Book an Appointment tab.

When is payment for services due?

For scheduling purposes, prepayment for appointments is required at the time of booking and can be made by credit card using the secure WooCommerce interface or by sending an e-transfer, which saves the credit card charges. Use our Flexible Payment Option to pay for services as you go (see below). Cancellations or rescheduling are available with 48 hours’ notice, and will be considered for an unforeseen emergency.

Do you direct bill?

We are currently setting up courtesy eClaim electronic submissions for major extended benefit insurance providers through the TELUS Health network (including Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Desjardins, ClaimSecure, and other participating partners), as well as Medavie Blue Cross. Updates will be posted here as soon as portal registrations are finalized.

Once eClaim electronic submissions are active, prepayment for appointments will still be required at the time of booking and can be made by credit card or e-transfer. Immediately following each service, our office will electronically submit your eClaim to your provider, with the reimbursement assigned directly to the Plan Member (client). Depending on your plan’s coverage, your extended benefit provider will issue the approved funds directly to you.

Clients with insurance providers not on these networks can still use our detailed receipts to submit claims manually for quick reimbursement.

Do you offer a Flexible Payment Plan?

Can I pay for services by credit card using the Flexible Payment Plan?

Yes, the Flexible Payment Plan enables you to split package services into three installments. This lets you receive your insurance reimbursement before paying for the next installment of services in your package. You can also choose to pay by credit card, which provides an extra month’s buffer to receive your reimbursement before your card statement is due. As mentioned above, installment payments made via e-transfer incur no interest or added fees.

Do you offer a sliding fee scale?

No, we do not offer a sliding fee scale due to the administrative time required to document financial need. However, many clients find our Flexible Payment Option helpful, as it allows you to pay-as-they-go for each service in a package. There are no fees or interest charges when paying by e-transfer.

How do I book an appointment?

Since different types of appointments have varying lengths, all appointments are made via email. The first step is to visit the Book an Appointment tab on BBDNutrition’s website. Please note that since we have clients in several provinces, to minimize booking errors, all appointment times are provided in Pacific time.

Do I need a referral to see you?

A doctor’s referral is only required to book an appointment if your specific extended benefits plan requires it.

What lab test results do you need to see?

For an Initial Consultation or any packages, please send your most recent general blood (hematology) panel, ferritin, fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, and a lipid panel (cholesterol) results, along with your completed Intake and Service Option Form (available under the Book an Appointment tab.

What is your cancellation policy?

As outlined on the Intake and Service Option Form (available under the Book an Appointment tab), we require 48 hours’ notice for cancellations. However, we understand that emergencies happen; in the case of a documented emergency, we are willing to make an exception to this policy.

How far ahead are you booking?

As of June 2026, the wait time for an appointment is ~1-2 weeks, but we do have a cancellation list. If this is a clinically urgent matter, please notify us when you reach out.

Is your telehealth portal secure and easy to use?

Yes. We use a secure, online browser-based, PIPEDA-compliant telehealth platform. There is no software to download—simply click and connect. The platform also enables screen sharing of documents and handouts during our session.

Do you see children or teenagers?

I provide services to clients aged 12 years and older. For clients under the age of 19, a parent or legal guardian must complete the Intake and Service Option Form.

Do you work with couples or members of the same family?

Yes! I frequently work with couples and multiple members of the same family. While each individual is assessed individually, Meal Plans are designed to work together (no need to make different meals). I am accustomed to collecting the needed information from each family member required to coordinate their individual nutritional needs within the context of multicultural family meals.

Which provinces are you licensed in?

I have over a decade of experience providing remote services (long before COVID!) and am licensed to provide services in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.

What areas of the Lower Mainland are your clients from?

Since 2008, when BetterByDesign Nutrition opened our Coquitlam office, we have been supporting clients throughout the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody), as well as Burnaby, New Westminster, Maple Ridge, and Surrey.

How do I refer someone to you?

If you are a doctor’s office or other Healthcare professional and want to refer someone, please visit the Healthcare Provider’s page, download the referral form and send it with the supporting documents to the fax number indicated on the form.

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BetterByDesign Nutrition acknowledges that we operate on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nations.