Answers to

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Dietitian and Nutritionist?
A nutritionist may or may not have a tertiary qualification to provide nutrition services related to areas such as public health, research, community health and policy development. It is important to note that all dietitians are nutritionists however, not all nutritionists are dietitians.

Dietitians can also provide the above nutrition services but are also trained to give individual dietary counselling, medical nutrition therapy, group dietary therapy and food service management. Therefore, a dietitian has the evidence based theory as well as the clinical practice experience to aid in nutrition counselling.

For more information visit: https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/what-dietitans-do/dietitian-or-nutritionist/

Why choose an Accredited Practising Dietitian?
Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are university qualified professionals that provide the most up-to-date evidence based nutrition information. This can include conditions such as diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, food intolerance, weight loss, malnutrition and childhood obesity.

An APD can:
• Assess nutritional needs (based on age and gender)
• Create individualised eating plans Provide nutrition counselling
• Present healthy snacks, meals, takeaway options and recipe ideas
• Provide training for healthcare professionals Undertake nutrition and food research
• Devise nutrition policies, communication and programs
• Consult to external stakeholders e.g. corporate bodies, food manufacturers, schools and health care facilities.  

For more information: https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/what-dietitans-do/choosing-your-nutrition-expert/
How do I make an appointment?
Please call each location on the number provided and make an appointment directly. The friendly reception staff can help to answer any questions you may have or you can email your questions directly to maryanne@prospernutrition.com.au
How long will my appointment roughly take?
Initial Consultation: 45 minutes
Review Consultation: 30 minutes  
What are the fees to see a Dietitian (from 1st July 2025)?
A dietitian appointment can be claimed via:

1. A Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP), which is given by your regular G.P. if you have a complex or long-standing medical condition. This allows you to consult a range of allied health professionals (including dietitian) up to five times per calendar year. This referral is valid for 18 months.

For each CCMP visit, a Medicare rebate of $61.80 will be given:
Initial Visit: $78.20 out of pocket expense (full amount of $140.00 is to be paid at date of service)
Review Visit: : $33.20 out of pocket expense (full amount of $95.00 is to be paid at date of service)

2. Private Health Fund with a rebate available, depending on your level of cover. Please check this prior to booking so you are aware of all costs involved. HICAPS is only available at selected clinics for on the spot claiming.

Initial Visit: $140
Review Visit: $95

3. Privately with no health fund cover.

4. Workers Compensation with approval confirmed prior to booking and payment required at the time of consultation.  

5. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will have nil out-of-pocket expenses. Your regular G.P. will complete a D904 referral form requesting dietetic involvement.

Upfront payment with a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) is required as per Medicare guidelines, with a refund usually occurring the following business day.
What should I bring to my appointment?
• Your referral letter (private patients can self refer)
• A copy of your most recent blood test
• Any other relevant specialist reports or studies