Frequently Asked Questions

All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. A dietitian is a university-qualified allied healthcare professional who provides a range of evidence-based nutrition services, including individual dietary counseling, medical nutrition therapy (condition-specific nutrition), group dietary therapy, and food service management — as defined by Dietitians Australia.

A nutritionist may also hold tertiary qualifications and can provide evidence-based nutrition services in areas such as public health, policy, research, and community health. However, not all nutritionists are university-trained, so it’s important to check their qualifications. You can be confident that an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) has completed at least four years of relevant training and undergone supervised practice according to a professional Code of Conduct.

APD stands for Accredited Practising Dietitian. All APDs have completed a minimum of four years of university study and 20 weeks of supervised placement. They are also committed to undertaking at least 30 hours of continued professional learning each year to maintain membership with Dietitians Australia.

Initial consultations typically last 45 to 60 minutes, allowing time for a full dietary assessment and personalised goal setting. Follow-up consultations are usually 20 to 30 minutes and focus on reviewing progress, adjusting plans, and providing ongoing support.

Private Health Insurance:

If you have private health cover, you may be eligible for a rebate on dietitian consultations, depending on your policy and level of cover. Please check directly with your insurer to confirm eligibility and rebate amounts.

Medicare:

You may be eligible for up to five allied health (including dietitian) appointments per calendar year under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) or Team Care Arrangement (TCA). These plans are available through your GP if you meet the required criteria. Once you complete your payment, we can initiate your Medicare claim, and the rebate is usually processed within 24 hours.

No, we do not bulk bill appointments, as we aim to provide high-quality, individualised, and expert care, which is not feasible under a bulk billing model. However, for patients experiencing financial hardship, we offer a 20-minute consultation option at a reduced rate.

No referral is required if you are attending privately or through your health fund. However, a GP referral is necessary if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate under a Chronic Disease Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement. Please present this referral at your first appointment to ensure timely processing of your rebates.

At present, consultations are conducted online via Zoom. Research and client feedback consistently show that telehealth consultations are equally effective and far more convenient — no travel time, parking hassles, or long drives! You’ll receive a confirmation SMS reminder 48 hours before your appointment, followed by a Zoom link. Payments can be made securely online or via direct deposit after your session.

If you provide less than 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment, a $60 cancellation fee will apply. This fee cannot be claimed through Medicare or private health insurance and also applies to non-attendance. This policy ensures that other clients who need appointments can access our services promptly.