frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral?
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If you are wanting to access benefits through Medicare via a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan or DVA Gold Card, you will need a referral from your GP. However it is not necessary to have a Doctor's referral to see us.
what do i need to bring?​
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Any information relevant for your consultation, including a referral letter from your doctor (required for CDM plans and DVA clients), blood test results, recent blood glucose readings (for diabetics), and a list of current medications and supplements being taken. Also take note of any questions you may want answered during the consultation.
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how many sessions will i need?​
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The this number varies between individuals based on their nutritional needs, complexity of disease and their goals, but can range anywhere from 2-5 sessions, or additional if long term management is required.
Dietitians and nutritionists, what's the difference?​
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In Australia there is a distinction between Dietitians and other roles in the nutrition and food science field, including nutritionists.
The key difference between a Dietitian and a nutritionist is that, in addition to or as part of their qualification in human nutrition, a Dietitian has undertaken a course of study that included substantial theory and supervised and assessed professional practice in clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy and food service management.
In Australia, all Dietitians are considered to be nutritionists however, nutritionists without a dietetics qualification cannot take on the specialised role of a Dietitian. This means that Dietitians are able to provide medical nutrition therapies to manage chronic illness and disease, whereas nutritionists are not.
why should I see an accredited practicing dietitian?​
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In today's modern world, it's becomingly increasingly harder to make positive and healthy food choices, and to maintain and promote optimal health levels. This is because of the increasingly high levels of confusion, misinformation and highly processed nature of our food system. Having 24 hour access to food has skewed our relationships with food, making it more difficult for our bodies to maintain optimal health, regulate blood sugar levels, energy levels, and weight status.
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Accredited Practicing Dietitians understand how nutrition impacts the body and use this knowledge to treat a range of medical conditions. Trained in medical nutrition therapy, dietitians translate scientific nutrition information into dietary advice. They use specialised coaching strategies to improve wellbeing through lifestyle and diet changes
An APD can help you to:
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Manage a chronic illness or disease through nutrition interventions
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Manage symptoms of IBS and IBD
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Manage and identify food allergies and intolerances
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Help you to implement positive dietary and lifestyle shifts to promote optimal health
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Optimise sport and performance levels
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Implement a therapeutic diet following diagnosis of a chronic disease
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Lose or gain weight depending on your needs
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Conduct detailed nutritional assessments and screen for potential macro and micronutrient deficiencies.
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Provide education to help you better understand how your body interacts with food and how to make healthy food choices.
online video consultations?​
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Online video consultations are a convenient and easy way to allow us to help you achieve your goals. We utilise the Zoom app to conduct our Telehealth/online consultations.
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It's free and simple to get setup. Please visit Zoom for more information.
rebates, am i eligible?​
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Most Australian Private Health funds will provide a rebate for visits to an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, however this can depend on your level of coverage.
If you have a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, you are eligible for a Medicare rebate for a maximum of five Allied Health Services per calendar year. At the time of writing the current rebate for Dietitian Services (Item 10954) in Australia is $55.10, meaning this amount will be refunded to you from Medicare after your consultation.
Click here for more information about Rebates and Payments.