Question 1

What should I expect when seeing a FAID Dietitian?

Accepted Answer

When you are seeing your FAID Dietitian, know that they are an expert in all things food allergy and intolerance.

During your consults, they will:
Get to know you, asking questions about your medical history
Review recent test results
Discuss your medicines and supplements 
Assess your food and nutrient intakes
Consider your lifestyle and schedule
Provide you with personal nutrition education
Create nutrition goals and plans in partnership with you

The number of consults you may need will depend, but most people benefit from between two and five sessions.

Question 2

What should I bring to my consult?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a form to completeprior to your consult, so that your consult can be tailored to you. Email any recent medical test results or reports that you have, as well as any allergy results (skin prick or blood test). If you have a GP referral letter or Chronic Disease Management Plan from your GP, email these as well.

Question 3

How do I book a FAID consult?

Accepted Answer

To book a consult, use the Bookings page. If you have questions or queries, send an email using the contact form on the Bookings page. Each FAID Dietitian will have different days and times available, as well as online or face-to-face options for you. You don’t need a referral to see a FAID Dietitian -  see ‘FAID fees’ below for details about a Chronic Disease Management plan.

Question 4

What are the FAID Fees?

Accepted Answer

Initial consults
$180 (standard, 45-60 mins)
$210 (extended, 60-90 mins)

Review consults
$100 (standard, 20-30 mins)
$120 (extended, 30-45 mins)

If you think you will need longer than the standard times, please choose extended consults when booking, so more time can be set aside for you.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact us with at least 24 hours notice, so that we can make that time available to someone else (to help them achieve their nutrition and health goals). A $50. cancellation fee will be incurred for failure to cancel or reschedule without 24 hours notice.

FAID Dietitians accept direct deposit payments only, which need to be paid in full prior to your consult time.

Question 5

Do I need a referral? Are there any rebates?

Accepted Answer

If you are seeing a FAID dietitian for a condition that you have had for at least 6 months, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate (~$61.80) (up to a max of 5 visits per year). Speak with your GP about whether you are eligible for a Chronic Disease Management Plan.

Or, if you have top-level cover with a Private Health Fund, you may be eligible for a rebate. Rebates from Private Health Funds are set by the insurance company and will depend on your level of cover.

Please note if you have both a Chronic Disease Management plan and Private Health Insurance, you will need to choose one or the other to claim; it’s not possible to claim both.

If you have access to Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) services, you may be eligible to receive Dietetic Support. You may also have access to NDIS funding for a Dietitian. Please note, not all our FAID Dietitians are registered providers with NDIS and DVA, so please ask us if you think you are eligible.

Question 6

What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

Accepted Answer

Did you know in Australia all dietitians are considered nutritionists, however, nutritionists without a dietetics qualification cannot take on the expert role of a dietitian? Some nutritionists might have no formal qualifications in human nutrition at all.

Accredited Practising Dietitians in Australia are: 
tertiary qualified
meet strict criteria 
and hold the only nutrition credential recognised by Medicare, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and most private health funds

Accredited Practising Dietitians also do not use testimonials on their websites to ensure that you aren’t exploited for promotional or financial gains.

Frequently Asked Questions