Question 1

How is a dietitian different from other experts such as naturopaths, personal trainers and nutritionists?

Accepted Answer

A dietitian has had at least 4 years of accredited university training specifically around nutrition science and is eligible for membership of the dietitian’s Association of Australia. Dietitians look at whole foods as well as individual micronutrients to create healthy eating plans for individual conditions – we use food more than we would ever use supplements. Our recommendations are based on research rather than the latest trends in dieting and eating. A dietitian can also call themselves a nutritionist however a nutritionist cannot call themselves a dietitian.

Question 2

What is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)?

Accepted Answer

An APD is a dietitian who undertakes 30 hours of targeted professional development each year to ensure they are up to date with the advances in nutrition science and is also subject to random audit by the Dietitian’s Association of Australia (DAA).

Question 3

Who can see a dietician?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can see a dietitian if they have a need or desire to improve their diet, eating habits or meal planning; either for good health or because of a medical condition.

Question 4

Do I need a referral from my GP to see a dietitian?

Accepted Answer

No, you can refer yourself or family member or you can be referred by your GP or other health professional.

Question 5

Can I claim my dietitian session on my private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have extras cover that includes dietetics. Check with your individual health insurer about the rebate you would receive for each appointment.

Question 6

How long are the sessions?

Accepted Answer

An initial assessment takes one hour. This allows the dietitian to get all the relevant details and issues and provide a considered plan for you. A review session is 30 minutes as we follow up your progress, provide further information and discuss the next steps.

Question 7

What are the cost of the sessions?

Accepted Answer

A one hour initial appointment is $140 and the thirty minute review is $80. We do have concession rates for those on a pension.

Question 8

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This is a difficult question to answer as everyone has different needs. The minimum would be two sessions to gather information and check your progress and answer follow up questions. However if you want to make some long term changes to your diet, health or weight then this will take more appointments. There is evidence to suggest the longer you see a dietitian the better results you get. For weight loss it would be usual to have five appointments initially with the option to extend this to increase the likelihood of maintaining the changes you have made. Often my clients choose to keep checking in as they don’t want to undo all the good work they have done. It’s happened too many times in the past where they regain all the weight they lost as they are no longer accountable so they wisely keep in touch in the longer term. Once you have your initial issues sorted it is useful to check in every 3-6 months to keep you accountable and on track with your health goals as well as up to date with changes in nutrition information.

Question 9

How often will my appointments be?

Accepted Answer

This is dependent on how confident you are to make the changes we discuss in the appointment. If you feel it will be no problem, then the appointments may be a month apart and gradually get longer apart. If the changes are more challenging and you require more support then weekly or fortnightly appointments would be most beneficial.

Question 10

Will I be given a meal plan?

Accepted Answer

Many people feel a meal plan is what they need – “just tell me what to eat!” A one size fits all eating plan is a short term fix and not much better than a diet. What you will receive is a plan which takes into account your lifestyle and food preferences. It’s funny, people who ask for a meal plan, in the next breath usually say, “I eat pretty well, my real problem is…” Rest assured you will be given advice about your real problem not simply a meal plan.

Question 11

What will I get from my dietitian appointment?

Accepted Answer

You will undergo a thorough assessment of your diet, activity levels and lifestyle. You will be listened to and asked questions to ensure an in-depth understanding of your circumstances. You will have your questions answered and have difficult health and nutrition concepts explained in user friendly terms you can understand. You will receive practical information and a plan of action when you leave the session.

Question 12

What is an EPC plan or a TCA from my GP?

Accepted Answer

EPC stands for Enhanced Primary Care plan and TCA is a Team Care Arrangement. This basically means an arrangement between the GP, the dietitian and you. Medicare Australia has allowed GPs to refer to allied health practitioners when they have a patient with a chronic health condition. This scheme allows a person with a chronic health condition, like diabetes, to have five visits per calendar year shared over all health providers. For example you may have three appointments with a dietitian, one with a physio and one with a podiatrist = five appointments for the year. This enables you to get a rebate from Medicare like you would from your private health; the current rebate for a dietitian appointment is $52.95.

Question 13

Can I use Medicare and private health rebate for the one appointment?

Accepted Answer

You cannot use Medicare and your private health in the one appointment however you can start with Medicare and then if you choose to continue to see the dietitian you can use your private health insurance for follow up sessions.

Question 14

I'm trying to lose weight, what will you do?

Accepted Answer

What your weight loss program will include:
Individualised plan for eating which considers your busy lifestyle and family needs.
Individualised attention to your particular food issues and habits. It’s no good just telling you what to eat… you already know what you “should” be doing. It’s about finding out why you use food the way you do.
Focus on changing your bad food habits forever not just in the short term.
Teaching you how to plan your meals.
Learn about label reading and what’s really important to look for.
Learn how to modify recipes and to know what is healthy and what’s not going to help with weight loss.
Education about portion size and eating out.
The Body Warfare philosophy is that although diets work in the short term they are not a workable or healthy long term solution. If you are sick of dieting and feeling guilty and frustrated then this approach is highly recommended.

Question 15

What if I'm not happy with the service?

Accepted Answer

We pride ourselves on giving you the most satisfaction possible out of an appointment. It is important that you are clear on what you want to get out of an appointment and we encourage you to let us know at the beginning of a session. If you are unhappy or unsatisfied please let us know and we will consider if it is appropriate to discount your fee.

Question 16

What if I have to cancel an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Body Warfare Nutrition does have a cancellation policy so we ask that if you need to cancel an appointment you do so with 24 hours’ notice or you may be asked to pay the full cost of the appointment. You will be given a reminder call the day prior to your appointment. If you are unwell or unable to attend on the day please text Lisa 0413 956 107 to let us know you will be unable to attend or call 1300 725 806 in office hours.

Question 17

Can I get support outside my appointment?

Accepted Answer

If you have any concerns or questions you can email lisa@bodywarfare.com.au and receive an answer to your question. If you are interested in receiving nutrition tips, motivation for weight loss and expert knowledge and commentary on current nutrition issues you can sign up to receive the fortnightly newsletter from the website www.bodywarfare.com.au

Diabetes Management

Empowering Diabetes Management in Melbourne with Lisa Renn, Accredited Practising Dietitian