Frequently Asked Questions
Below are my responses to some frequently asked questions. I hope they help you decide whether or not you would like to work with me. If you have any more questions, you are more than welcome to email or call me to discuss them further.
How do I book an appointment?
If you would like to book an appointment, please send me an email or give me a call on 0413100778.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral from a GP to make an appointment. If you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) or an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDTP) with your GP, you will need to bring this to your first appointment. Having a plan means you will be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $60.35.
What are your session prices?
- 50-60 minute initial dietary assessment: $200
- 50-minute dietary review: $180
- 30-minute dietary review: $90
How can clients see you?
- Face-to-face appointments: At this stage I’m not offering any in-person appointments. However, when this becomes an option I will ensure clients are notified.
- Telehealth appointments: Telehealth (video-conference or phone call) appointments will be available on an ongoing basis.
What is a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP)?
The CDMP entitles you to a maximum of five (5) dietetic sessions, with a rebate of $60.35 per session. Your referring GP will allocate the number of sessions you can have with a dietitian. My service is not a bulk-billing service, and therefore you are required to pay the full fee. Medicare will only process payments from the date the plan has been made; it does not process payments for previous appointments. Please consult your GP concerning your eligibility for a CDMP. If you require further information, speak with your GP or head to the following websites:
https://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Home
https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/seeing-dietitian/help-costs
What is an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDTP)?
EDTPs are now available for people who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder and who meet the eligibility criteria. This will enable them to access evidence-based and best-practice treatment with a psychologist and dietitian. In particular, the plan will provide up to 20 dietetic sessions with a Medicare rebate of $60.35 per session. For more information, please see the following websites:
https://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/find-support/eating-disorder-medicare-changes/
https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorder-resources/medicare-items/ed-treatment-and-mangement-plans
Can you tell me more about the Medicare Safety Net?
If you have reached the Medicare Safety Net, your rebate will be greater. Therefore, you may find it helpful to consider whether you are eligible for the Medicare safety net. Head to the following website:
https://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-EMSN-1Jan2024
To register for the Medicare safety net, please see the following link:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ms016
Does my private health fund cover dietetics sessions?
If you have private health insurance, please consult your insurance provider about your eligibility for a dietetic rebate. Please note that you cannot claim a private health rebate on sessions that have already been billed under Medicare.
How do I pay for sessions?
Full payment for each session is required at each appointment. Payment for the session may be made via direct transfer or through Halaxy. For the sake of convenience, you will be given the option of entering your debit/credit card details into Halaxy (this is a secure and encrypted booking and accounting service). Payment can then be made automatically during the session.
What is your cancellation policy?
Unexpected or last-minute cancellations can have an impact on both the practitioner’s time and other patients’ appointments. Where possible, I require 24 hours’ notice if you wish to cancel an appointment. Last-minute cancellations will ordinarily incur a cancellation fee of:
- $100 for an initial assessment
- $90 for a long review
- $50 for a short review
I understand that sometimes there are unforeseeable and unfortunate circumstances preventing patients from attending an appointment; if this is the case, any cancellation fees will be waived.
What is Telehealth?
Jessica uses Zoom as a platform for telehealth sessions with patients. This is a secure video conferencing service used by numerous businesses and organisations. You will be sent the link approximately one week prior to the session. You will need to use your computer or phone and click on the link for the session to begin.
It is important that you have access to a quiet and private space. This will ensure that you get the most out of your dietetic session. If for some reason there are technical difficulties, I will switch to a phone conversation.
What is a dietary assessment?
A dietary assessment provides you with an opportunity to tell me about the nutritional issues you are experiencing. Together, we will probe your those challenges holistically and in depth.
The initial dietary assessment is also an opportunity for us to establish a fruitful therapeutic relationship. I might recommend further medical assessments with your GP, or suggest some initial steps you can take towards your health goals. With your consent I will also convey a summary of the session and nutritional plan to your treatment team.
What is the purpose of ongoing dietary reviews?
Dietary reviews provide opportunities for us to continue working on your therapeutic relationship, understanding your nutritional concerns, identifying any ambivalence, and evoking motivation for change. In addition, we will begin to develop a nutritional treatment plan. As part of this process, I will collaborate with your treatment team.
How can I help you to make sustainable change?
Behavioural change takes time. You will therefore need support to ensure that the changes you are making are sustainable. In review sessions you may revisit your motivation for change, learn new skills, explore your views on nutrition and body image, and discuss any relevant nutrition topics. Together we will explore ways you can achieve your health goals.
I understand that making change can be hard and that many people experience disappointment, guilt or shame if they don’t achieve their goals. Sometimes people can find themselves only making change for the sake of others’ approval (e.g., health professionals or family). This approach to change isn’t sustainable. Knowing this, I approach “change talk” with compassion and empathy, helping people discover their values and internal motivation for change. Such discussions will involve reviewing the changes you’re working towards, highlighting achievements or positive strategies, and identifying any barriers that might hinder further change.
Here are some of the ways I may be able to help you achieve your health goals:
- Nutrition education
- Meal planning
- Identifying ambivalence to change
- Identifying values and encouraging motivation for change
- Identifying and challenging dieting mindsets
- Developing intuitive and mindful eating skills
- Improving your relationship with food and your body
- Reconnecting with your body’s hunger and fullness signals
- Developing strategies to reduce unhealthy eating patterns (bingeing, restricting, purging, mindless eating)
