A dietitian is a 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 population.

Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are university-qualified experts. APDs must take part in ongoing education and follow a code of conduct.

APDs use the latest evidence to treat health conditions. The advice you get from an APD will be up to date and designed to help your specific needs.

Not all nutritionists are dietitians. Not all dietitians are APDs.

You can check the credentials of a dietitian by searching for their name in Dietitians Australia's Register of Accredited Practising Dietitians

You don't need a referral to see a dietitian. You can book using our online booking or contact us through our email or phone number.

But seeing a GP before your appointment can be helpful. Your doctor might provide insight on a chronic health condition or order a blood test to help the dietitian understand your needs.

You will need a GP referral to access government benefits, such as Medicare rebates, or the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA).

At your first appointment, your dietitian will ask about your medical history and health goals. They'll also want to understand your food habits and lifestyle.

Your dietitian will show you how changes to your diet can improve your health.

It's a good idea to take along:

• recent blood test results

• relevant medical records

• Medicare card

• health fund details

Your first appointment will usually take approximately 60 minutes, and follow up appointments 30-45 minutes.

When you see a dietitian, you may get:

• a nutritional needs assessment

• nutritional counselling

• healthy eating and shopping advice

• advice to help treat a diet-related illness

Your dietitian will communicate with your GP, specialists, or other allied health providers as required.

When you visit an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) you may be eligible for assistance from:

• Medicare

• the Department of Veterans' Affairs

• the NDIS

• your private health fund

Sunday Nutrition and Dietetics can process rebates instantly with our HICAPS terminal.

Medicare

If you have a care plan from your GP, Medicare will provide a rebate for visits to APDs to help manage chronic health conditions. They will also provide a rebate for Follow-Up Allied Health Services for people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Descent referrals.

The rebate is approximately $58. You will need to pay the gap between the fee and the Medicare rebate.

GPs may provide care plans for up to 5 rebated sessions per year.

DVA

The Department of Veterans' Affairs may cover the costs to see an APD if you have an assessed clinical need and a:

• Veteran Gold Card

• Veteran White Card and your treatment is for an accepted service-related condition

NDIS

NDIS participants may be able to access support to see a dietitian. Fee assistance is based on your NDIS plan and goals.

NDIS participants can access funding for dietetic services under the following support categories:

Capacity building: Improved health and wellbeing

Core support: Improved daily living (includes childhood early intervention)

Core: Assistance with daily life

Private health insurance

Most private health funds cover visits to APDs in private practice.

Contact your insurer to see what's covered by your health insurance policy.

Yes, we do provide telehealth. This is supported by Microsoft teams, or can be completed via phone call.

We aim to offer outreach services to Airlie Beach, Proserpine, and Collinsville in the near future.

Cost may be dependent on your referral.

Medicare, Private, DVA, Home Care

Initial : $160 per hour

20-30 min review: Approx $80 ($160 per hour).

Concession (pension card holders) and Follow-up allied health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people referrals.

Initial: $120 per hour

20-30 min reviews: bulk billed

NDIS fees are as per the NDIS pricing arrangements.

Note that fees may be lower if you access Medicare or private health rebates.