What does a Dietitian do?
The role of a Dietitian is to provide expert nutrition and diet advice, alongside a practical and realistic approach to achieving optimal health. Dietitian’s use evidence based research to expertly guide clients in understanding, monitoring and managing their conditions.
Goals of treatment:
-
Improve the client’s quality of life.
-
Provide clients with facts, knowledge and strategies required for a long-term and sustainable change.
-
Relieve and/or manage symptoms of discomfort aiming for optimal health.
-
Development of healthy eating habits and the enjoyment of food.
-
Provide information, motivation and support to empower client’s self-management in making dietary and lifestyle changes required to achieve individual goals.
-
Weight gain
-
Weight loss
-
Poor appetite
-
Malnutrition
-
Food intolerance
-
Gastrointestinal discomfort
-
Chronic Disease Management
-
Food intolerance
-
Snack ideas
-
Healthy meal and snack ideas
-
General healthy eating advice
-
Nutritionally balanced meal plans and ideas
-
Modification of food recipes to reduce calorie content
-
Strategies for making better choices when eating out
-
Accountability, encouragement and support to achieving goals
-
Mindful eating and emotional behaviour
When to see a Dietitian?
Dietetic services cover a vast range of areas. You may see a Dietitian for one or several of the following reasons:
Managing Chronic Conditions
Dietitians play an important role in chronic disease management, including preventing and managing symptoms through lifestyle and dietary modifications. Dietitians also assist in reducing risk factors related to chronic disease. Dietitians help to educate and assist you on how to best manage your condition based on the latest scientific evidence and medical research.
Chronic conditions may include, but are not limited to:
-
Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
-
Gastrointestinal discomfort
-
Kidney Disease
-
Cardiovascular Disease
-
Oncology
Sports Performance
As a Sports Medicine Clinic we work with both teams & individual athletes to provide scientific support in preparation for competition.
In order to train harder and improve performance the Dietitian will provide guidance in:
-
Eating the right foods for performance
-
Adequate hydration
-
Speed up recovery
FAQ’s
What is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD)?
An APD is a Dietitian who has the qualifications and skills to provide expert nutrition and dietary advice. An APD completes 30 hours of professional development each year to ensure they are up to date with the current nutrition research. An APD is subject to random audit by the Dietitian’s Association of Australia (DAA).
Who can see a Dietitian?
Anyone can see a dietitian if they have a need or aim to improve their diet, eating habits and meal planning; for good health or due to a medical condition.
Do I need a Doctor’s referral to see a Dietitian?
No. You can refer yourself or you can be referred by your GP or other health professional.
Can I claim my session on my Private Health Insurance or Medicare?
The Dietitian is a registered provider with all major health funds as an Accredited Practising Dietitian. You can claim sessions if you have ‘extras’ cover that incudes dietetics. You can enquire within your health fund about the rebate you will receive each session.
You can claim a Medicare rebate for up to 5 sessions per 12 months if you have been granted a EPC referral form from your GP. You will need to discuss your eligibility with your GP and your GP will complete the required paper work which is to be provided prior to your first appointment with the Dietitian.
How long are the sessions with a Dietitian?
An initial consultation runs for 45 minutes -1 hour and a review consultation runs for 20-30 minutes.
How often will I need to have an appointment?
This varies depending on your reason for seeing the Dietitian. The Dietitian will work with you to determine how frequently you should see the Dietitian for the best opportunity to achieve a change in your life and reach your goals.
What will I get from my Dietitian appointment?
The Dietitian will ask several questions about your diet, activity levels and lifestyle. Your concerns will be listened to and the Dietitian will ask questions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your circumstances. Any questions you have will be answered and the Dietitian will explain any health or medical conditions in a way that you will be able to understand. The Dietitian will work with you and give you practical information along with a plan for when you leave the appointment. The Dietitian will work with you throughout your sessions to identify what issues require attention and which strategies will be best to attend to these issues. The Dietitian encourages a safe space for communication and will allow you talk, listen, think and learn. After leaving a session with the Dietitian you should feel good and motivated.
I have been trying to lose weight for a long time, but am struggling. How will a Dietitian help me?
You will receive:
-
Individualised plan and strategies for eating which includes your family and lifestyle needs
-
Assistance in determining and understanding your eating behaviour
-
Guidance in learning to plan your meals
-
Education on label reading and what to look for
-
Strategies on how to modify recipes to assist your weight loss
-
Education on portion sizes
-
Strategies on making choices when eating out
-
Strategies on changing food habits for the long term and not just temporarily