FAQs

Do I need a referral to see a dietitian? ▼

As a private client, you won't need a referral from a GP to see a dietitian. Simply make a booking to arrange an initial consultation via Telehealth, over the phone or in person.

If you have private health insurance, after a consultation, a rebate can be claimed via your health insurer but please confirm if you have extras coverage prior to making an appointment. 

To make a claim with your insurer, send a digital copy of the receipt for the treatment/service including the provider ID, item number and dated within the last 2 years.

People with chronic conditions may be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) (also known as an Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC) or Team Care Arrangement (TCA)) to see a dietitian for up to 5 sessions in a calendar year under bulk billing. However, this will be shared amongst other allied health providers involved in the plan. People with an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP) may have up to 20 sessions in a calendar year under bulk billing.
Where do I send a referral? ▼

If you have a CDM plan or EDP, please upload via the Referrals tab on the top of this website or send your referral to:

  • citrinenutrition@outlook.com (new email address) or
  • michelle.n_dietetics@outlook.com

We check both email addresses and will get back to you within 48 hours.

How can a dietitian help you? ▼

Dietitians treat a range of health conditions and understand how nutrition affects the body. They can provide personal support using the latest scientific information to help clients improve their health through each stage of life.

Dietitians are required to hold nationally recognised science-based undergraduate and post-graduate degrees to be able to provide evidence based Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for prevention or treatment of specific medical conditions.

Subjects that dietitians have completed include Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Statistics, Human Physiology, Food Science and Community Nutrition with 800 hours of professional placement in clinical, community, private and industry settings.

MNT can be provided for aged care, malnutrition, paediatrics, allergies and intolerances, gastroenterology, wound healing, oncology, transplants, eating disorders and chronic and progressive diseases.

What to expect from a consultation? ▼

Initial Session

During your first consult, your dietitian will ask about your:

  • Medical history and family history
  • Medications or supplements
  • Weight changes
  • Health goals
  • Lifestyle
  • Overall food recall

    • Your goals, information from the assessment and priorities will be used to develop a plan that is suitable for your lifestyle and is adequate for health.

    A receipt/tax invoice will be provided on the same day as your consultation by close of business for your own record-keeping or to lodge a rebate if you have extras coverage with a health care insurer.

    A summary of what was discussed and evidence-based resources will be provided after the appointment within 3 business days if the consult is over the phone or via Telehealth.


    Review Sessions

    A follow-up consultation can be crucial to ensure long-term success as we can review what worked well or not so well and go over anything you may want to clarify.

    Since we want to make sustainable changes, sometimes there may be little or no change before our review session. However, it is important that we can discuss any challenges or work together to implement a new plan to help achieve your goals for the long-term.

    What is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD)? ▼

    The APD program is facilitated by Dietitians Australia and is the only qualification recognised by the Australian government not only for claiming rebates regarding Medicare, the Department of Veterans' Affairs and many private health insurers - but to also be able to provide MNT.

    Dietitians that choose to have the APD credential must complete ongoing training and education with a minimum of 30 CPD points and adhere to Dietitians Australia code of conduct.

    APDs work in many settings including hospitals, private practice, rehabilitation and aged care facilities, community health centres, corporate organisations, food manufacturers and schools.

    Differences between a dietitian, nutritionist and naturopath for dietary advice ▼

    In Australia, all dietitians are nutritionists - but nutritionists without a dietetics qualification are unable to call themselves a dietitian.

    Both dietitians and nutritionists are qualified to work in areas such as the food industry, public health, research and teaching. However, dietitians are also qualified to work in medical practices or hospitals.

    As a profession, nutritionists are not regulated in Australia or certified under a single regulatory body. Therefore, it is important to check the credentials of your practitioner prior to making an appointment.

    Naturopathy is a complementary therapy where naturopaths provide holistic dietary and lifestyle advice as well as other therapies including herbal medicine, homeopathy, counselling and massage.

    Naturopaths are not regulated by the government but should be registered with the Australian Naturopathy Practitioners Association Inc. and as a minimum, hold an Advanced Diploma in Naturopathy or Health Science. Naturopathy can be used alongside other medical therapies but not as a replacement.

    To ensure your healthcare provider has the credentials to provide medical nutrition therapy, check their credentials here