Dietitian

What is an Dietitian?

A dietitian is a university educated Allied Health Professional who applies the science of food and nutrition to promote health, prevent and treat disease to optimise the health of individuals, groups, communities, and populations.

Dietitians have a defined and recognisable body of knowledge and utilise scientific principles and methods in the study of nutrition and dietetics, applying these results to influence the wider environment affecting food intake and eating behaviour.

The scope of dietetic practice is such that dietitians may work in a variety of settings and have a variety of work functions. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) through Dietitians Australia are recognised by Medicare, DVA and private health insurers. APDs commit to ongoing training and education throughout their careers and this credential is considered the standard of excellence in nutrition and dietetics in Australia.

HOW CAN A DIETITIAN HELP ME?

Dietitians work at an individual level and take into consideration a person’s medical history, goals and lifestyle then using their knowledge in how nutrition affects the body and the latest scientific information they assist you in developing the appropriate plan that meets your needs and goals.

With their extensive education a dietitian can provide some much needed clarity regarding information and misinformation about specific nutrition choices and food for specific conditions. They are able to give simple, practical advice specific to the individual client.

Dietitians can assist with a wide variety of conditions that are both acute and chronic in nature and also play a role in different life stages such as pregnancy, menopause and reducing the affects of ageing. These conditions can include:

• Diabetes
• Food allergies and intolerances
• Gastrointestinal diseases
• Heart disease
• Malnutrition
• Obesity
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Eating disorders

At your first appointment, your Dietitian will ask about your medical history and health goals. They’ll also want to understand your food habits, food preferences and lifestyle. An appointment may include:

• a nutritional needs assessment
• a personalised eating plan
• nutritional counselling
• healthy eating and shopping advice
• advice to help treat a diet-related illness

It’s a good idea to take along:

• recent blood test results
• relevant medical records
• list of current medications and supplements

COSTS

• Initial assessment (45 mins) $140
• Review (30 mins) $95
• Initial Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) (45 mins) $140  *(rebate of $60.35 from Medicare)
• Review Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) (30 mins) $95  *(rebate of $60.35 from Medicare)
• NDIS Initial or Review (45 mins) $193.99

Rebates for dietitian appointments:

MEDICARE

Under the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program (also known as the Chronic Disease Management Program, CDM), clients who meet the criteria are eligible for up to five Medicare rebated sessions per calendar year. A rebate of $60.30 is available per session. Please note a referral is required from your GP to access this rebate.

Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program – is available to clients with chronic or terminal medical conditions that require multidisciplinary care from a GP and two health care providers. Your GP needs to prepare the appropriate paperwork to access this rebate.

PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE

A number of private health insurance providers offer rebates for Dietitian services. For the exact rebate amount, please contact your health fund.

NDIS

Participants who have NDIS funding under the following categories may be able to access Dietitian appointments at Strong & Stable:

• capacity building – improved daily living, 15_062_0128_1_3
• capacity building – improved health and wellbeing, 12_025_0128_3_3
• core – assistance with daily living, 01_760_0128_3_3

For all NDIS enquires please phone to discuss prior to booking an appointment.

All NDIS appointments are 60 minutes in length and are billed at the NDIS price guide rate. A service agreement will be created in consultation with the participant and support co-ordinators prior to or at your first consultation.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Bookings can be made by calling Strong & Stable on 03 9762 0976 or online via the Book Now button.

For all NDIS bookings please call Strong & Stable prior to booking.