DIETETICS
Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are university-qualified professionals that undertake ongoing training and education programs to ensure that they are your most up-to-date and credible source of nutrition information.
They translate scientific health and nutrition information into practical advice, and practise in line with DAA Professional Standards.
Examples of conditions a dietitian can help with include:
Diabetes
Weight management
Cardiovascular disease
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Food allergies & intolerances
Irritable bowel syndrome
FODMAPs
Nutrient deficiencies
Vegan/vegetarian diets
Dietitians are the food experts. With so much conflicting information out there, it is important to see a dietitian for up to date, evidence-based and individualised advice.
What to expect during a dietetic consultation:
Initial private consultations run for 45 minutes to an hour. Please note that bulk-billed consultations (those with an EPC referral from their GP) run for 20-30 minutes. If you would like a longer initial appointment with an EPC referral, please mention this at your time of booking. In this instance, a gap payment of $30 will apply.
Your dietitian will ask about your diet and exercise habits, as well as your general health and lifestyle. These questions allow the dietitian to tailor an individual eating plan to your needs.
If you have a medical condition and have been referred to a dietitian by your doctor, the dietitian will work closely with your doctor. They may review blood and other test results to put together a suitable eating plan for you.
You may be given written information to take home to help you achieve your healthy eating goals.
Follow-up appointments help keep track of your progress, support you and fine-tune your eating plan.
Your dietitian’s main goal is to give you the knowledge and skills to be able to make the best food choices and take care of your health.
When should you see a dietitian?
Some typical reasons why someone might be referred, or might independently choose, to see a dietitian include:
- A newly diagnosed chronic disease like diabetes or coeliac disease
- Signs that a chronic illness is not being managed (i.e. high blood sugars)
- Significant weight change (weight gain or loss)
- Recent poor food intake, poor appetite, or difficulty preparing or eating food
- Changes in medication
- Periodic reviews of medical nutrition therapy
- Fussy eating in childhood
APDs offer personalised advice and support at all stages of life - from infants to the elderly.
APDs understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to diet and nutrition. And the truth is that there are many ways for people to have a healthy diet. They consider the whole person – that is, each person’s unique profile, such as:
- their medical history
- personal needs
- their goals and lifestyle
They also assess the body of scientific evidence, and are flexible with the advice and support they offer, on a case-by-case basis.
Rebates
Medicare provides rebates for visits to APDs treating chronic health conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer) under a care plan coordinated by a general practitioner (EPC/CDM).
Visits to APDs are also covered by most private health funds. At Sydney Road Osteopathy & Dietetics, we have HICAPS facilities available for on the spot claims.
How much will an appointment cost (private consultations)?
Initial consultations: $85.00
Follow-up consultations: $75.00
Prices are subject to change.
GP-referred clients with a valid EPC and Team Care Arrangement:
If you have a valid EPC and Team Care Arrangement from your GP, the session will be bulk-billed (you do not pay any out-of-pocket costs). The session is completely covered by Medicare and the dietitian will process this payment.
Please note that all bulk-billed consultations (those with an EPC referral from their GP) run for 20-30 minutes. If you would like a longer initial appointment with an EPC referral, please mention this at your time of booking. In this instance, a gap payment of $30 will apply.