An exploratory study investigating the pricing structure of services in the context of the dietetic profession

The payment for nutritional services is one of the most critical issues facing the dietetic profession today. Several of the recent studies have focused on the fee assessment for nutritional services by hospitals but there has been only one published study that investigated the pricing structure of services in the context of the dietetic profession. However, what research that has been done clearly show that there is an important relationship between the concept of service and the role of the dietitian in the service sector, the pricing strategy in the service sector, the variables affecting the pricing structure and the pricing strategies for nutritional services. Therefore, the major purpose of this research was to determine those variables which have been identified as most influential in establishing fees charged by consulting dietitians and to establish guidelines on the price structuring of services offered in a private independent practice by a consulting dietitian. The major independent variables in this research postulated to affect the dependent variables, charge per hour to private and contract clients, charge per hour to private clients and charge per hour to contract clients.

The dietetic profession will see increased competition for reimbursement for nutritional counseling services. This research provides questions in regard to specific pricing policies for nutritional consulting private practices.