Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dietitian and nutritionist?
Dietitians are university qualified healthcare professionals and in Australia hold the title of Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). To have this title the dietitian needs to have a degree from an approved Australian university (minimum 4 years) and commit to ongoing training and education each year (minimum 30 hours).
All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. In Australia the term nutritionist is not regulated, and the qualifications of a nutritionist can vary.
Also, having the title of APD allows for clients to claim some of the cost of the appointment with Medicare (with an appropriate referral) or private health insurance.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral to see a dietitian. However, we do recommend you see your GP as you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for your appointments. There are 3 types of referrals:
- Chronic Disease Management Plan. This type of referral will allow for Medicare rebates on up to 5 appointments in a calendar year. However, it is important to note that this is a total of 5 appointments across a range of Allied Health services. Your GP may allocate this total of 5 appointment across the different Allied health services.
- Eating Disorder Management Plan. This type of refer will allow for Medicare rebates on 20 dietetic appointments in a calendar year.
- Standard referral letter. This is a letter from your GP that will provide your medical background, any medications and reason for why your GP is recommending dietitians appointment. Unfortunately, this type of referral is not covered by Medicare. If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible to claim with them depending on your level of cover.
Can I use an existing Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) or Eating Disorder Management Plan (EDMP)?
Unfortunately, your plan needs to be specifically addressed to Stephanie Morris Dietitian. If you have been seeing another dietitian, you will need to get your GP to amend your referral to have the following details:
Stephanie Morris
1/133 Crown St
Wollongong, NSW 2500
It is also important to note that it is a total of 5 CDM or 20 EDMP appointments in a calendar year, not per Allied Health Professional.
How do I claim my Medicare rebate or with my private health insurance?
You are required to pay the full cost of your appointment at the time of your appointment.
Medicare claims will be processed for you on the day of your appointment.
For private health insurance a receipt will be provided to you after your appointment for you to provide to your insurer.
Do you Bulk Bill?
No, bulk billing is currently not available. The allocated Medicare rebate is for an appointment is 20mins. Appointments with us are 30-60 minutes in length and there is the additional time outside of the session that includes, competing admin task such as notes, reports to referring doctors and planning towards your individualised nutrition goals.
How do I join a telehealth appointment?
Microsoft Teams is the current platform for Telehealth appointments. A link to your appointment will be sent to you a few days prior to your appointment.
You do not have to download any apps, simply click on the link provided. You will be prompted to enter your name and then join. This will move you to a “waiting room” and Stephanie will accept you into the meeting.
If you are having trouble joining the appointment, please call and we will try to assist you.
As these appointments are individual appointments, Stephanie will only accept you into the meeting. If you would like to have someone with you, they can be sitting with you in the room you are in. Additional people will not be accepted into the appointment from other locations.
