FAQs For Dietitians
What is a Dietitian?
Dietitians provide dietary advice and education. They are accredited allied health professionals who have completed a minimum of four years of university education and clinical training in a hospital setting.
The Dietitian’s Association of Australia governs the activities of Accredited Practicing Dietitians. Dietitians are experts in good dietary habits. They possess a wide knowledge and skill base to provide patients and clients with up-to-date, evidence-based medical nutrition therapy.
What can I expect from my Dietitian appointment?
When visiting our Dietitians at the clinic, they will begin with an initial assessment to understand your current health and physical status. They review your diet history and dietary intake according to food groups and nutrients.
They will discuss your goals and come up with strategies to achieve said goals. You will be given advice on how you can implement these lifestyle modifications and behavioral changes in a way so that they stick. You will have ongoing support from your dietitian, and they will create a tailored meal plan, with healthy food choices that both of you can compromise on.
How can seeing a dietitian help me? Do they only assist in weight loss?
Dietitians can definitely assist in weight loss, but that is not all that they can do. Dietitians are the experts in food and nutrition. They help all types of patients, whether they are suffering from a medical condition e.g., diabetes, high cholesterol, or wanting more energy from their food. They can also help with things like stiffness associated with arthritis, bloating, fluid retention, and the list goes on really.
But, most importantly, a dietitian can help you with the process of change to a healthy lifestyle. They teach practical skills of goal setting, self-monitoring, problem-solving, relapse prevention, and managing tricky situations such as business lunches, getting take-away, and meal planning for the whole family.
th all referrals and ensure that we liaise appropriately with all key stakeholders (e.g. Treating GP or Specialist, Case Manager and Employer) to ensure a suitable return to work time frame is agreed upon.So that we can seek approval from the insurer to conduct an initial assessment, it is important to also provide us with the following information: Patient case manager name and contact details Valid Claim number and Medical Certifi cate (e.g. S1534343W)
We are authorised under WorkCover QLD, and the Motor Accident’s Insurance Commission (MAIC) QLD
From an injury rehabilitation point of view, a referral to a Physiotherapist would be suitable in the acute stages as it provides more of a passive treatment during the initial stage of the intervention, whereas an Exercise Physiologist treats chronic, longer term conditions in clients and patients.
Podiatrists may be considered in the management team if a WorkCover client has sustained a lower limb/foot injury as a result of a work related incident.
Occupational Therapists would need to be considered if a client’s work capacity has been signifi cantly reduced and requires a modified work plan (Suitable Duties Plan), or potentially a vocational assessment if the patient is unlikely to return to their pre-injury work position.
Psychologists, are crucial in a worker’s return to work particularly if their reported DASS is heightened.
What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian?
The main difference between the two is the extent of studying that they undertook to get their qualification. You see, a Dietitian can actually call themselves a Nutritionist, but a Nutritionist that has no university Honours or Masters degree or isn’t registered with the Dietitians Association of Australia cannot practice as a dietitian. There is no government regulation for the term nutritionist.
Dietitians have undertaken complex and extensive studies involving clinical nutrition, human nutrition, food service management, and medical nutrition therapy. They received clinical training to prescribe special diets for medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, PCOS, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, and food allergy. Dietitians also work with people who are perfectly well but seeking expert advice in sports nutrition, and stages of the lifecycle such as pregnancy.
Do dietitians put people on ‘Diets’?
No, a dietitian considers your lifestyle, likes and dislikes, food preferences and helps you to implement more healthier options and alternatives into your life for a longer lasting healthy relationship with food.
Will I be given a meal plan?
Many people feel that a meal plan is what they need, if you like a more structured approach, this way work for you. But a one size fits all eating plan is a short-term fix and does not teach much about making better choices.
Dietitians talk with you about your lifestyle, medical conditions, food preferences and take that all of this into consideration when creating you a plan. Their goal is to educate you enough that you will be able to make your own choices and help quide you along the way.
Do I need a referral to see a Dietitian?
Not always. There are a few different routes you can go down when wanting to see a Dietitian, and each route will determine whether you need a referral or not.
If you are a private patient and/or wanting to claim your private health insurance, you do not need a referral, but you will need to provide your private health insurance card.
For Work Cover, Bulk Billed Medicare EPC, or Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) claims, a doctor's referral is required. If you have consulted your GP already regarding your condition and they have given you a referral, please remember to bring that along to your appointment.
With the growing trend of a Vegetarian or Vegan diet, will I only be informed about these meal choices? I don’t have any medical problems. Would it still be appropriate for me to see a dietitian to learn about healthy eating in general?
No, we have found that most people already know how to cook a roast chicken and remove the skin to reduce fat content or throw a steak on the grill, and in many cases are eating too much meat for good health.
We do not try to eliminate meat from a diet but focus on teaching people how to include more vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, which are lacking in western diets. Our main focus is education, whatever your personal dietary preference, we at Doveston Health can show you how to eat for optimal health and vitality.
I don’t have any medical problems. Would it still be appropriate for me to see a dietitian to learn about healthy eating in general?
Absolutely. Dietitians see plenty of people who are well, not just those with medical conditions. We can teach you about menu planning, how to stock a healthy pantry, understanding food labels and how to makeover your favourite recipes so you can optimise your wellness and keep disease at bay.
Diabetes Care and Education Specialist or Diabetes Educator
What is the difference between a Dietitian and a Diabetes Educator for managing Diabetes?
A dietitian will teach you about the best food choices so you can have optimal control of your blood sugar level and significantly reduce the risk of complications associated with poorly controlled diabetes. A dietitian can also tailor your eating plan to help manage any other conditions associated with diabetes, such as overweight, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
A diabetes educator will instruct you in the use of any medication or insulin therapy that may be required to control your blood sugar, including how to adjust these to prevent and treat high and low levels. A diabetes educator will also train you to measure your own blood glucose levels if required and help you understand your readings.
If your diabetes is well controlled with your diet and/or a small amount of medication, you will probably only need to see your GP and dietitian for initial and ongoing care, although a diabetes educator can also be helpful. However, if you have poorly controlled diabetes or require insulin injections you may be referred to an endocrinologist, who is a specialist doctor for diabetes care. In such circumstances, a diabetes educator is also highly recommended to help you get into routine of checking your own blood sugar and adjusting your medication as required.
What Training does a Diabetes Educator have?
To become a Diabetes Educator, you must first hold one of the following credentials:
- Registered Nurse
- Accredited Practicing Dietitian
- Registered Medical Practitioner
- Registered Pharmacist
- Podiatrist
- Accredited Exercise Physiologist
- Registered Physiotherapist
Each of these health professions must undergo a minimum of three years at university and then on top do a Diabetes Education degree.
What should I do to prepare for my first appointment with the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist?
When meeting with a Diabetes Educator for the first time there are a few things you should try to do in preparation for this appointment to maximize your time with them. Whether you keep a written record or use an app to track your blood glucose levels, be sure to bring that with you.
Along with your glucose logbook, take a record of ALL the food you’ve eaten within the last 24 hours. This will help determine how your body is reacting to certain foods. Bring a list of all your current medications that you take and at which times of the day each one is taken. Lastly, write down any doubts or concerns you may have with managing your diabetes. Remember, there are no silly questions, and your educator will help you find answers and guide you. Doing all these things will help to ensure your first appointment with them goes as smoothly as possible.
Does Diabetes Education actually work?
Yes, it does. For example, it helps you keep good blood sugar levels. There's research to suggest that diabetes education can lower your risk of complications like nerve and kidney damage, which helps you avoid dialysis and gives you a better quality of life. Knowing what is going on with your body also helps you feel more in control of your health.
A Diabetes Educator will help to educate you on the following:
- Healthy eating
- Exercise
- Medication
- Self-monitoring
- Easing stress
- Dealing with potential problems
Being educated on all of these factors will give a better quality of life.
Do I need a referral to see a Diabetes Educator?
Not always. There are a few different routes you can go down when wanting to see a Diabetes Educator, and each route will determine whether you need a referral or not.
If you are a private patient and/or wanting to claim your private health insurance, you do not need a referral, but you will need to provide your private health insurance card.
For Work Cover, Bulk Billed Medicare EPC, or Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) claims, a doctor's referral is required. If you have consulted your GP already regarding your condition and they have given you a referral, please remember to bring that along to your appointment.
