A dietitian is a university-qualified, allied healthcare professional that provides a range of evidence-based nutrition services. This includes individual dietary counselling, medical nutrition therapy (or disease/condition-specific nutrition), group dietary therapy, and food service management – as per the Dietitians Association of Australia.
A nutritionist may also be university-qualified but have not undertaken the strict training to provide personalised dietary and nutrition advice to individuals. Keep in mind that not all nutritionists are university-trained – it can be difficult to know what qualifications have been completed (we recommend you always check their credentials). On the flip side – you can be assured an Accredited Practising Dietitian has completed a minimum of four years of relevant training and undergone supervised practice according to a code of conduct for Dietitians Australia (the governing body for all Dietitians working in Australia).
APD stands for Accredited Practising Dietitian. All Accredited Practising Dietitians have undertaken a minimum of 4 years of university training, 20 weeks of supervised placements, and are committed to undertaking a minimum of 30 hours of continued professional learning each year to maintain membership to Dietitians Australia.
Initial consultations take approximately 60-90 minutes. This allows time to fill in some basic information and ensure I get all the background required. Follow-up consultations take between 30-60 minutes depending on the complexity.
No, but if your doctor has already conducted some blood work then the results are always helpful to determine a course of action for your treatment.
Or, if you want to come prepared, then I can provide some advice on the key nutrients that are important to consider depending on your current stage in your fertility, pregnancy or post-natal journey.
No, I don’t “prescribe” supplements. I prefer to use a food-first approach to help you get the nutrients you require from your diet. However, in some circumstances, supplements are appropriate to use where a food-first approach isn’t working. This is discussed in your appointment and we will collaborate together to come up with a plan.
There are rebates available through private health if this is something included in your policy. As a registered dietitian, I have a provider number that you can use to check with your fund. This often varies from person to person and is something that you will need to discuss with your insurer.
You may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 5 dietitian appointments per calendar year under a Chronic Disease Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement Plan. These plans can only be generated by your GP and you must meet certain criteria to be eligible. Speak to your GP about this scheme and whether it is right for you.
Rebates must be claimed manually using the receipt issued to you via email at the end of your appointment.
No. However, if you are working with a fertility specialist and you want them to send along some of your background information, then it’s always helpful to have your medical history. Please note this isn’t necessary.
For those of you that meet the eligibility requirements through Medicare then bring along your referral to your first appointment so that you can claim for our services.
If you live in Brisbane then I will be offering home visits to individuals that live in the following Brisbane post codes: 4075, 4074, 4073, 4104, 4101, 4102, 4103, 4105, 4106, 4120,4064, 4065, 4066, 4067, 4171, 4069, 4170, 4007. See the map below to see if your suburb is eligible. If your suburb is not listed here then please contact me for further information. A home visit may be possible for an additional fee to allow for petrol/additional driving time required.
Appointments are available online or in person.
