FAQS

What is the difference between a dietitian and nutritionist?

Nutritionists are tertiary qualified nutrition professionals who can provide a range of evidence-based nutrition services related to general nutrition, public health nutrition, policy and research, and community health.

Dietitians are qualified to provide services nutritionists provide, with additional expertise – individualised clinical dietary counselling, medical nutrition therapy, group dietary therapy, and food service management.

A Dietitian is required to meet specific standards set out by Dietitians Australia, to be eligible for accreditation and to practice.

What type of care & support will I receive?

Our aim is to work with you to manage your health & medical conditions through diet and lifestyle changes.

Our practice offers a wholesome approach to dietary and lifestyle changes. We believe in:

  • Moderation and balance
  • Incorporating a variety of natural, wholefoods as part of your long term lifestyle,
  • Providing you with evidence-based and personalised dietary prescription and treatment, suitable for your lifestyle and routines.
  • Working with you to make gradual and sustainable changes
  • Building your food and nutrition knowledge and self-management skills for long term management

What is your standard consultation?

At your initial consult, your Dietitian will do a detailed assessment with you. This assessment provides us with a deeper understanding of your health, dietary and lifestyle requirements, allowing us to develop a personalised management and treatment plan for you to achieve your goals.

A general consult would look like:

  • Detailed assessment of medical history, lifestyle and dietary choices
  • Discussion of your medical conditions, health & nutrition goals, and best methods for management which would work in your routines and lifestyle.
  • We work closely with you to develop and build sustainable self-management strategies, food and nutrition skills and knowledge, and personalised goals and recommendations – to assist you in achieving your health and nutrition goals.

How many sessions will I need?

Each individual has different requirements, and would require different amounts of sessions to achieve their health and nutrition goals. Your dietitian will discuss this with you in more detail at your consultation.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring along to your appointment:

  • Referral letter
  • EPC or EDM plan (if you are eligible),
  • Recent blood results/ scan results,
  • List of medications & supplements taken
  • Food diary
  • If you have been referred for diabetes management, please bring your Blood Glucose diary if you self-monitor your levels at home
  • If you have been referred for gastro management (example: IBS, IBD, dietary intolerances), please fill a Food & Symptom diary

Where can I download a diary to fill before my consult?

A food diary is an essential part of your dietary assessment.

It is a reflection of what dietary choices are usually part of your daily routine, allowing us to understand how your day runs, and the best choices available to you. This allows us to tailor recommendations to suit your needs and situations – thus increasing flexibility and options, making the transition to positive changes an easier and smoother process.

The food diary can be downloaded here and filled 3-4 days before your initial dietary assessment.

If you have a gut related issues (e.g. intolerance, allergy, IBS), please download the food and symptom diary here and fill it in for 5-7 days before your appointment. This allows a comprehensive assessment to determine possible dietary-related triggers to your symptoms and conditions.

What are your consultation fees?

Initial consults are $120-$140 and review consults are $85-95. Fees are payable on the day of consultation.

7-day personalised meal plans will incur a fee, in addition to our standard consultation fees.

Am I eligible for rebates?

Medicare

  • If your GP has provided you with an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) or Eating Disorder Management (EDM) plan, you may be eligible for a rebate from Medicare for the number of sessions allocated on your EPC/EDM plan for dietitian services. Please check your eligibility with your GP.
  • Please note: Paperwork needs to be provided to your Dietitian before/ at your consultation.

Private health fund

  • You may receive a rebate from your private health fund, depending on the level of your private health fund cover. Please check with your health fund.

What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy is put in place to reflect the time allocated to you. If you are unable to attend your appointment, please inform us at least 48 hours before your appointment time.

  • We currently have a long wait list for appointments, and would be very grateful for the >48 hours notice if you are unable to attend, as this allows us to provide the opportunity for someone else to attend.

If cancellation notice is provided within 24 hours of your appointment, or if you do not attend your scheduled appointment, a cancellation fee will be charged. 

Do you do home visits/ aged care assessments?

Home visits/ aged care assessments are available for patients who are unable to travel to one of our practice locations.

Please email us at cheryllumdietitian@gmail.com for further information.

What conditions do your treat / services offered?

We are able to provide care and support for the following conditions:

  • Healthy eating for all ages 
  • Pregnancy planning 
  • Fussy eating & food aversions
  • Endocrine & Metabolic Health
    • Pre-diabetes / Insulin resistance/ PCOS
    • Diabetes (Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Gestational diabetes)
    • Heart disease (Cardiovascular disease, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure)
    • Weight management (weight gain/ loss)
    • Osteoporosis
  • Digestive & Gastrointestinal issues
    • Diverticulitis, Reflux, IBD, Fatty liver disease
    • Food intolerances or allergies (IBS, FODMAP, Coeliac disease)
  • Cancer management
    • Thyroid cancer
    • Weight / appetite changes with cancer treatment
  • Bariatric surgery management (pre- and post- surgery prep)
  • Eating disorders
  • Sports nutrition 

For more information on the conditions we treat and services we offer, please contact Cheryl directly at cheryllumdietitian@gmail.com