Question 1

What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

Accepted Answer

Dietitians are university trained and accumulate years of learning and experience before qualifying. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, but only dietitians can provide Medicare- and DVA-supported services. All our clinicians are Accredited Practising Dietitians.

Question 2

Do I need a GP referral?

Accepted Answer

No — you're welcome to book directly with us, and most clients do. A referral is only needed if you want to claim a Medicare or DVA rebate. For Medicare, your GP first needs to prepare a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (formerly EPC/TCA) and provide a referral. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, book in and we can guide you.

Question 3

Do you work with children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our dietitians work with children from the age of 12 and up. Please reach out to discuss care for younger children. Appointments are family-centred, and a parent or carer is welcome to attend. A discounted rate applies for children.

Question 4

Can I consult in another language?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gaby Mora consults in Spanish, Sana Ahrabi in Persian (Farsi) and Turkish, and Tanishta Arza in Telugu and Hindi, in addition to English. Please mention your language preference when booking.

Question 5

How much does a consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

Our current fee schedule is on our Fees & Policies page. Telehealth is payable at booking, in-centre appointments on the day, and in-home visits are invoiced (a provider agreement must be in place beforehand). Depending on your situation you may reduce the cost through Medicare, DVA, NDIS or private health insurance. Pensioner and children's discounts are available.

Question 6

Can I claim a Medicare rebate?

Accepted Answer

If your GP has prepared a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and referred you, Medicare rebates $63.40 per visit for up to five allied health visits per calendar year (shared across all allied health providers you see, not five with us alone). Eating Disorder Care Plan holders get 20 subsidised appointments per year. You pay the full fee on the day and Medicare refunds the rebate.

Question 7

Do you accept DVA (veterans') cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes — with a valid referral (D904) from your GP, eligible DVA Gold and White card holders can be seen at no out-of-pocket cost. We see DVA patients in centre, in-home, or via telehealth.

Question 8

Can I claim through private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

If you hold “extras” cover that includes dietetics, you can usually claim a portion of the fee. The rebate amount depends on your fund and level of cover. Note that you can't claim from both Medicare and private health for the same appointment.

Question 9

Do you work with NDIS participants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We partner with more than 20 NDIS care managers and are happy to work with others — please get in contact. We support self-managed and plan-managed participants where dietetics is in your plan (for example Improved Daily Living or Improved Health and Wellbeing), with clear invoices and reports for your plan goals.

Question 10

What is telehealth and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth is a consultation by secure video call instead of in person — the same personalised care from home, work or anywhere private. Appointments run through Cliniko; once you book we email a link you click to join at your appointment time. It's ideal if you live rurally, have mobility or transport barriers, or prefer the convenience.

Question 11

What technology do I need for a telehealth appointment, and what if it doesn't work?

Accepted Answer

A smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone, plus a reliable internet connection — there is no software to download. If the video connection drops or you have trouble joining, don't worry: we'll call you on the phone number you provided to continue or reschedule. It helps to test your camera and sound a few minutes beforehand.

Question 12

Do you offer in-home visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide in-home dietetic consultations for clients who find it difficult to attend a clinic — including older adults, NDIS participants, aged care residents, and people with mobility or transport barriers. We visit across the Canberra region and Queanbeyan. Contact us to check availability in your area.

Question 13

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring any GP referral and care plan, a list of current medications and supplements, recent pathology results if you have them, your Medicare and/or DVA card, and details of any conditions, allergies or intolerances. A rough idea of what you eat on a typical day and any questions or goals also helps. For telehealth, have these on hand.

Question 14

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We ask for at least 1 business day's notice to cancel or reschedule, so we can offer the time to someone else. Cancellations within 1 business day, and missed appointments, incur a fee of 100% of the consultation fee. If something urgent comes up, please get in touch and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Question 15

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth appointments are booked online through our telehealth booking page. Face-to-face appointments are booked through each clinic's own booking system — head to our Locations page, choose your closest clinic, and book with the dietitian who consults there. For in-home visits, get in touch directly.

Question 16

How do I refer a patient for aged care or in-home dietetic care?

Accepted Answer

We welcome referrals for residential aged care, home care package recipients, NDIS participants and community clients. Submit a referral via our online form or email enquiries@livebetternutrition.com.au. For Medicare-rebated visits, attach a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and referral. We provide assessments, care planning, malnutrition screening (PG-SGA) and texture-modified diet review, and send a report after the initial consultation. We aim to respond within 1 business day.

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