Question 1

What is the difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

Accepted Answer

In Australia, all Dietitians are Nutritionists as part of their 4-6 year university degree, however, Nutritionists without a dietetics qualification cannot take on the expert role of a Dietitian. Unfortunately, the term "Nutritionist" is not regulated in Australia and can be used by anyone including those with very limited or no formal qualifications in nutrition. Dietitians on the other hand are recognised as the highest qualified nutrition professional in Australia that can see patients under Medicare, the Department of Veteran's Affairs, the Australian Defence Force and NDIS. In addition, only a Dietitian is able to work in hospitals alongside Doctors and other allied health professionals such as Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists.   Our team of Dietitians at Dietwise are both Accredited Nutritionists and Dietitians, so you can trust you are under the care of the most highly qualified nutrition specialist in Australia.

Question 2

What is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)?

Accepted Answer

Accredited Practising Dietitians are university-trained and have the knowledge, skills and competency to provide accurate and practical, evidenced based nutrition and dietary advice. Dietitians who have completed an accredited university qualification are eligible to join the DAA credentialing program and be recognised as an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). To maintain the Accredited Practising Dietitian credential participants must adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct, engage in ongoing mandatory annual professional development and declare recency of dietetic practice annually.

Question 3

Why choose an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)?

Accepted Answer

The APD credential is a public guarantee of nutrition and dietetic expertise. APDs must meet strict criteria to demonstrate their commitment to ongoing education to ensure they provide the most up-to-date and credible source of nutrition information. APDs must also practice according to the Dietitians Australia Code of Professional Conduct and Statement of Ethical Practice. It is also the only credential for Dietitians recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia. It is a recognised trademark protected by law.   All our Dietitians at Dietwise have the APD credential.

Question 4

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are located in North Perth on Level 2/448 Fitzgerald St (corner Wasley St). You can find us on Google Maps here.

Question 5

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

For your convenience, there are several free parking options surrounding the clinic. Street parking is available along Wasley St and is free for 3 hours. There is also a City of Vincent car park behind the building (enter from Wasley St). The first hour of parking is free however as some of our appointments can be up to 75 minutes long we recommend you purchase additional time. Free street parking is also available along Norfolk St, a short 5 minute walk to the clinic.

Question 6

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Fees must be paid in full at the end of each consultation. This is particularly important if you are eligible to claim a rebate from Medicare as they will only provide a rebate on invoices that have been paid in full. Dietwise accepts payment with cash, EFTPOS, Master Card and Visa. Please note that we do not have spare cash if change is needed, so please come prepared with exact change. You can view dietitian fees under the ABOUTS tab and then Fees sub tab. For your convenience, we also offer on the spot claims through HICAPS enabling you to claim your rebate from your private health fund or Medicare at the time of payment.

Question 7

What is your cancellation or missed appointment policy?

Accepted Answer

Your appointment is important to us and has been exclusively reserved for you. As we have a waitlist, missed consultations without notice deny other clients access to our specialist services. If you are unable to attend, please contact Dietwise as soon as possible to re-schedule.   If your appointment is missed with no attempt to contact us within 24 hours of your appointment, 100% of the fee will be charged. If cancelled within 24 hours, 50% of the scheduled fee will be charged. We understand that in some circumstances short notice may be unavoidable, and discretion will be exercised in such cases.   Missed appointment fees cannot be claimed through Medicare or private health funds and must be paid within 7 days or at your next appointment.

Question 8

What if I am running late for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

We understand schedules can be very busy. If you are running late, please call Dietwise to advise you are on your way. You can still be seen however a shorter appointment will be provided so other patients are not kept waiting. The full fee will be charged in these circumstances.

Question 9

Do I need a referral to see a Dietitian?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a referral from your GP or medical specialist to see one of our Dietitians, however, if you have been referred, please bring it to your first appointment.   If you have been referred by your GP or medical specialist under a Chronic Disease Management Plan or Eating Disorder Plan then your GP or Psychiatrist must complete your plan prior to your appointment to claim your rebate under Medicare. Please bring a copy of your plan with you so we can process your Medicare rebate. If your plan has not been completed, you can still attend your appointment and claim a rebate from your private health fund if you have ancillary cover for dietetics.

Question 10

Can I claim a rebate from Medicare?

Accepted Answer

You may be eligible to claim a Medicare rebate on your dietetic consultation if you have been referred by your GP or medical specialist under a Chronic Disease Management Plan or an Eating Disorder Plan. Examples of chronic conditions include diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, weight concerns, cancer and IBS.   How do I get a referral for a Medicare rebate?   You will need to make an appointment with your GP to discuss whether your health condition makes you eligible for a Chronic Disease Management Plan or an Eating Disorder Plan For your convenience, print the Referral Enquiry Letter and give this to your GP.

Question 11

How much is the Medicare rebate?

Accepted Answer

Medicare rebates are currently set at $55.10 per individual dietetics consultation. The rebate will be higher if you have exceeded the Medicare Safety Net. For more information on the Medicare Safety Net contact Medicare on 1800 011 163 or visit their website here.   The Medicare rebate does not cover the full cost of your consultation, so there will be an out-of-pocket expense on the day. The full fee must be paid at the time of your consultation and your Medicare claim will be processed online using HICAPS. The rebate will be deposited into your nominated bank account normally within 24-48 hrs. Please note you cannot claim a rebate from your private health fund in addition to claiming a rebate from Medicare for the consultation.

Question 12

How many visits can be claimed through Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Eligible patients can claim a maximum of 5 visits with the Dietitian over a 12 month period through Medicare for a Chronic Disease Management Plan. For eating disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and OSFED), patients can claim a maximum of 20 visits over a 12 month period through an Eating Disorder Plan.

Question 13

Can I claim a rebate for telephone or video consultations?

Accepted Answer

Dietwise offers video consultations for patients with mobility issues, transport difficulties and patients living remotely, interstate or overseas. Since COVID-19, private health funds and Medicare currently provide rebates for these services. We will keep you informed of any changes.

Question 14

How many and how long will my appointments be?

Accepted Answer

The number of appointments required will depend on your initial nutrition assessment, your goals of treatment and your budget. At your initial appointment, your dietitian will give you a guide as to how often you will need to be reviewed.   The average duration of your review appointments also varies, depending on the complexity of the case. Review appointments are booked on an as-needed basis which can be arranged on the day of your appointment or over the phone.

Question 15

Are you a bulk billing practice?

Accepted Answer

Dietwise strives to provide a high quality service to all patients giving them the time they deserve, unlike bulk billing practices where high patient turnover in a day reduces the quality of your medical service. As a result, we are not a bulk billing practice. This means there will be an out-of-pocket expense for your consultations.    Most Australian private health funds offer a rebate for dietetics and you do not need a referral to claim. The rebate provided by your health fund will vary depending on your private health fund and level of cover.

Question 16

Can I claim a rebate from my Private Health Fund?

Accepted Answer

Most Australian private health funds offer a rebate for dietetics and you do not need a referral to claim. The rebate provided by your health fund will vary depending on your private health fund and level of cover. You can ring your private health fund and quote the item numbers below to enquire about your rebate:   500- Initial Individual Consultation 600- Review Individual Consultation 700- Group Consultation 800- Mobile Individual Consultation e.g. home visit   For your convenience, we have a HICAPS machine to process your private health insurance or Medicare claim for you on the spot at the time of payment.

Question 17

What should I bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

On the day of your arrival please arrive 10-15 minutes earlier to fill out some paperwork. If you have been referred by a GP or other medical specialist under a Chronic Disease Care Plan (CDMP) or Eating Disorder Management Plan (EDMP), please bring your Medicare card and a copy of your plan so we can process your Medicare rebate.    The more information you can provide your Dietitian the more thorough our assessment to provide high quality and personalised nutrition plan.   What to complete before the appointment After you have booked an appointment you will be emailed a New Patient Intake Form which will need to be completed and submitted online prior to your first appointment.   What to bring to your appointment Please bring a referral from your Doctor if you have one Any relevant medical reports (e.g. scans, blood tests, growth charts, weight history) A list of any medications or supplements you are taking, including dosages Any meal plans you are following Your Diabetes Record Book with your blood glucose results, if you have Diabetes If you wish to claim a rebate on the spot through HICAPS (if you don't have a care plan set up by your GP or other medical specialist), please bring your private health fund card

Question 18

Do you have testimonials?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, Accredited Practising Dietitians are prohibited from displaying written testimonials (considered as a misleading form of advertising), according to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law. Instead, we encourage you to share your positive experiences with your family, friends and colleagues.

Question 19

Do you see Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our Dietitans are registered providers with the Department of Veterans Affairs.   You will be bulk-billed:   If you have a DVA Gold Card - for all conditions If you have a DVA White Card - for specific conditions   You must be referred by your GP, who will complete a D904 referral form

Question 20

Are you a wheelchair accessible practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have automatic entry doors, ramp access, lift, and WC accessible bathrooms

Question 21

What are my options to make my appointment safe and comfortable?

Accepted Answer

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our friendly reception staff and your details will be recorded. Our comfortable waiting room has cushions, puzzles, books, light refreshments, and a television to keep you entertained. Please feel free to make yourself comfortable while you wait to be seen for your appointment.   Our team of Dietwise Dietitians provide professional and compassionate care to all patients. It is our priority to make your appointment safe and comfortable to support your mental wellbeing. If you are a new patient, you will be informed of a New Patient Intake Form to be sent to your email address where you can request or describe any specific requirements to make your appointment more pleasant, e.g. Ella (Dietwise Dog), tea, cushions, weighted blanket, fidget toys, puzzles, etc. You are also more than welcome to bring a support person with you.

Our receptionists are available between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm Monday to Friday, and Saturday mornings.

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