
FAQs
Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions. Click the bars to open the answer to the question. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us.
Where is Fleurieu Nutrition located?
Fleurieu Nutrition is located at Strathalbyn Medical Clinic, 26 West Tce, Strathalbyn, ( in the building to the right of the main GP clinic.)
For those unable to attend on clinic days, telehealth appointments (via Zoom) are available. Telehealth appointments can save time (no travelling), and enable you to see your dietitian from the comfort of your own home or workplace.
Who can see a dietitian?
Anyone can see a dietitian. Dietitians work with people of all ages, and work with individuals, families and groups. Dietitians assist people who need or require dietary advice in order to improve their diet, eating habits and meal planning for either good health or because of a medical condition, or both.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can make an appointment without a referral, though your doctor or other health professional may refer you as part of your medical treatment. A doctor’s referral is preferred for complex health and/or dietary issues.
How do I make an appointment?
There are several ways you can get in touch to book an appointment:
- Fill out the appointment enquiry form here
- Call or text Fleurieu Nutrition: 0417 104 774
- Email: admin@fleurieunutrition.com.au
How much does it cost?
Full paying Appointments
- Initial: 60 mins – $135
- Review: 30 mins – $72
- Extended appointment: variable duration and cost depending on length of appointment
Private Health Fund
Variable gaps depending on your health fund. HICAPS available
Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan (Care Plan) – requires a GP referral
- Initial: 60 min – $135 ie $79.00 gap (with $56.00 Medicare refund)
- Review: 30 mins – $72 ie $16.00 gap (with $56.00 Medicare refund)
Concession rates available
DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) Gold card and eligible White card holders with GP referral – requires a referral (‘DVA Request/Referral Form’ (Form D904)) from a medical practitioner/specialist
- Initial: 60 mins – $0
- Review: 30 mins – $0
Home visits available
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
- Self-managed and and Plan-managed clients
- Variable length sessions
Fees will charged be as per the current NDIS Price Guide (ACT, NT, SA, WA) as set out by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency).
Home Visits available
Payment is to be made at the end of the appointment.
EFTPOS, Credit Card, HICAPS and Medicare Easyclaim facilities available.
Which health funds offer rebates for dietitians?
Click here for eligible private health fund providers that offer rebates for dietetic appointments
Can I claim both a Medicare rebate and Private Health cover rebate at the same appointment?
No, you can only claim via one method at a time. It is usually best to obtain the Medicare rebate for appointments while you are eligible, and then use your Private Health cover after that.
How many appointments will I need?
The answer is ‘it depends’. Usually at least two appointments are required, as the second appointment is used to assess your progress, and if needed, continue further education regarding your health or diet issue. The second and subsequent appointments (if required) are used to further build your skills, knowledge and motivation to help meet your goals.
How often do I need to attend appointments?
Again, it depends. It depends on your health needs, the complexity of your health condition/s, the level of your knowledge, how much assistance you require, and of course your time and budget. The first few appointments might be closer together for example every one to four weeks, and then any further appointments required are often spaced further apart as your confidence and knowledge level grows.
Some people like to have their appointments close and regular to help keep them on track, others, like to have them spaced further apart, with the knowledge that there is an appointment over them horizon to help keep them in check.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
- A copy of your referral if you have one
- Medicare card if you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan (Care plan) referral
- A current DVA Health Card if you have a DVA referral
- A list of any medications and supplements that you are currently taking.
- Private health cover card if you have private health cover and you are not on a Care Plan, or you have used all of your allowed/entitled visits on your Care Plan
- Any relevant and current test results eg blood tests, colonoscopy etc. You can request a copy from your doctor, and they can fax them to 08 8451 1540
- Method of payment eg EFTPOS card, cash, credit card, debit card
- Your list of questions to ask during your appointment
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
Distinction between dietitian and nutritionist
In Australia there is a distinction made between dietitians and other occupations in the nutrition and food science field, including that of nutritionist.
The key difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist is that, in addition to or as part of their qualification in human nutrition, a dietitian has undertaken a course of study that included substantial theory and supervised and assessed professional practice in clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy and food service management.
Therefore, in Australia, all dietitians are considered to be nutritionists however, nutritionists without a dietetics qualification cannot take on the specialised role of a dietitian.
There is no industry specific assessing authority that assesses the qualifications of nutritionists who are not dietitians.
To ensure you are receiving expert nutrition advice, always enquire about the qualifications of a dietitian or nutritionist and look for the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential.
What is an APD?
Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) have the qualifications and skills to provide expert nutrition and dietary advice. 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.
APDs are trained to assess nutritional needs. They also assist people to manage health conditions and diseases using food as Medical Nutrition Therapy. APDs help treat a wide range of conditions including diabetes, heart disease, cancers, gastrointestinal diseases, food allergies, food intolerances, disordered eating as well as overweight and obesity.
APDs can help with everyday healthy eating by translating scientific health and nutrition information into practical advice.
To ensure you are receiving expert nutrition advice, always enquire about the qualifications of a dietitian or nutritionist and look for the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential.
Source : courtesy of the Dietitians Association of Australia
Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Yes we are more than happy to cancel or reschedule your appointment to a more suitable time. Please text or call 0417 104 774 or email to cancel or reschedule. Note that we have a cancellation policy for any appointments that are cancelled or changed with less than 24 hours notice.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that sometimes you may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, however, we request that you provide more than 24 hours notice.
If you do not attend your confirmed appointment without notice you will be charged 100% of the scheduled appointment fee.
If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged 75% of the scheduled fee.
We understand that in some circumstances short notice may be unavoidable, and discretion will be exercised in such cases.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation Policy
We understand that sometimes you may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, however, we request that you provide more than 24 hours notice.
If you do not attend your confirmed appointment without notice you will be charged 100% of the scheduled appointment fee.
If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged 75% of the scheduled fee.
We understand that in some circumstances short notice may be unavoidable, and discretion will be exercised in such cases.