Dietitians

Dietitians support people to improve their health by providing expert nutrition and dietary advice. A dietitian can help you manage health conditions, such as:

• diabetes
• eating disorders
• heart disease
• malnutrition
• gastrointestinal diseases
• obesity
• food allergies and intolerances
• renal disease

Dietitians are trained professionals

In Australia, there is a difference between a dietitian and other nutritional health providers including nutritionists. All dietitians are nutritionists, but nutritionists without a dietetics qualification can’t call themselves a dietitian.

As a profession, nutritionists aren’t regulated and can have limited qualifications. The dietetic profession is regulated. Most dietitians have graduated with an approved dietetics degree from an Australian university.

Dietitians understand how nutrition affects the body and use this knowledge when treating you. Using the latest scientific information, dietitians partner with you to develop a personal plan to meet your needs.

If a dietitian also holds the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential, you can be assured of their commitment to best practice.

APDs keep up to date with new training and education, adhere to a code of conduct, and meet Dietitians Australia’s guidelines for evidence-based practice.

Always check the qualifications of a dietitian or nutritionist. When choosing a dietitian, make sure they are an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD).

Dietitians work in a range of fields

Dietitians work across many different fields, including:

• hospitals and aged care – dietitians in hospitals and nursing homes educate patients and family members on eating well. They work with them to make sure that diets meet individual needs. They develop menus to meet patients’ nutritional needs. For example, they adapt menus for people recovering from illness or surgery, or with health conditions like:
  • diabetes
  • heart disease
  • swallowing difficulties
  • poor appetite
• private practice and consultancy – dietitians work with individuals, groups and organisations to provide dietary advice. They run health and nutrition education programs and seminars. They may also provide nutrition and health information to the media.
• community and public health – dietitians work to improve eating habits, health and wellbeing in the community. They often work in community health centres. They also work at state or national levels of government to influence food policy.
• food industry – in the food industry, dietitians work to:
  • improve the nutritional quality of foods
  • develop nutrition education campaigns
  • promote food safety
  • work with food law and regulations.
• research and teaching – dietitians investigate the links between food and health. They do this to learn how diet can promote good health and prevent disease. Dietitians also teach in universities.
• sports nutrition – dietitians help athletes, sporting clubs, children and people interested in fitness to eat better. They do this to help them achieve their sporting and fitness goals. For example, they may give advice on how to achieve peak sporting performance, or improve energy and activity levels.

How to find a dietitian

You can find a dietitian by:

• checking the ‘Find a Dietitian’ section of the Dietitians Australia website
• calling Dietitians Australia on Tel. 1800 812 942
• asking your doctor for a recommendation (some community health centres have a dietitian on their staff)

Schedule of fees for dietitians

The fees you can expect to see a dietitian may vary. Consultations with dietitians who work in public hospitals are free of charge. Community health centres may charge a small fee for a consultation with a dietitian, depending on your situation.

Privately practising dietitians may charge anywhere from $50 to more than $150 for an initial consultation. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter and less expensive. Some dietitians offer concession prices.

Many private health funds offer rebates for these services. Some dietitian appointments are partially or fully covered under Medicare. (Note that you will need a doctor’s referral for these.)

You may also be eligible for assistance from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) or your compensation fund.

What to expect from a dietitian

The initial consultation may run for around 60 to 90 minutes. The dietitian will ask detailed questions about your current diet, exercise habits, general health and lifestyle. These questions allow the dietitian to tailor an individual eating plan for your needs.

If you have a medical condition and have been referred to a dietitian by your doctor, the dietitian will work closely with your doctor. They may review blood and other test results to put together a suitable eating plan for you. You may be given written information to take home to help you achieve your healthy eating goals.

Follow-up appointments usually take around 30 to 45 minutes. They allow the dietitian to keep track of your progress, support you and fine-tune your eating plan. Your dietitian’s main goal is to give you the knowledge and skills to be able to make the best food choices and take care of your health.

Where to get help

• Dietitians Australia Tel. 1800 812 942
• Your GP (doctor)
• Your local community health centre
• Sports Dietitians Australia Tel. (03) 9926 1336