Q. Will my dietitian call me for the consultation or do I have to make the call?
At the time of your consultation, your dietitian will call you.
Q. What happens if I miss the call for my consultation?
If you miss the first call, your dietitian will call again in five minutes. If you miss the call again, it will be considered a cancellation and you may rebook.
Q. What can I expect from the consultation?
Finding a plan to suit you is important, so in your initial consultation, your dietitian will begin with learning about your lifestyle, dietary habits and conditions (if any). After that, an action plan will be negotiated or adapted, if required. Review consultations will be a similar process but take a shorter amount of time because the background information has already been collected.
Q. Should I change my dietary habits before my consultation?
Not unless you want to! The consultation is a safe and judgement-free zone, so there is no need to avoid foods, withhold dietary information or change habits.
Q. Are there any documents I need to bring for my consultation?
If you have any recent blood test results which might be relevant to your condition, then they will be useful during the consultation. However, if you do not have access to them, the consultation can still go ahead. There is nothing else you need to bring.
Q. What do I need to prepare for my consultation?
It is best to plan ahead for your consultation – choose a private, quiet place with limited background noise and a time when you are unlikely to be interrupted. Ensure your internet has a minimum speed of around 300 kbps and your webcam has a minimum resolution of 640 x 480 at 30 frames per second. If you have successfully used Skype before with your current setup, then your speed should be fine. Check your equipment works prior to the consultation to avoid cutting into your consultation time with technical difficulties.
Q. What if I do not want to use the webcam?
Building rapport is easier with a webcam but it is not essential. We understand that privacy or negative emotions surrounding food can make it difficult to use a webcam and that is fine.
Q. What is the preferred method of contact?
Skype or Zoom is ideal for a consultation because it is easier to build rapport when you can see the dietitian and the dietitian can see you.
Q. What if I do not have Skype or Zoom?
Your dietitian can call you on a landline or mobile number as long as you are in Australia. If you are unsure about your chosen method of communication, contact us.
Q. What about my privacy?
Please read our Privacy Policy and Privacy Notice.
Q. How do I reschedule or cancel my appointment?
In your original bookings email, you will find a link to reschedule and a link to cancel your appointment. If you cannot find this, contact us using our contact form or email anna@askanapd.com.
Q. What happens if I cancel my consultation?
If you cancel 24 hours or more before your consultation, your booking will be fully refunded. If you cancel within 24 hours of your consultation, you may forfeit your payment. There are no extra charges for a rescheduled booking, unless it is rescheduled after a missed appointment. We ask that you try to reschedule at least 24 hours before your consultation to allow your timeslot to be available for other clients.
Q. Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral to see our online dietitian unless you are claiming a Medicare rebate for a dietitian visit related to a diagnosed eating disorder.
Q. Is this service claimable on Medicare?
Medicare does not currently cover online consultations, so if you have been referred by a Doctor with a Chronic Disease Management Plan, you will need to physically attend a consultation with a dietitian. This service is not currently available from Ask a Dietitian.
Q. Can I claim this consultation on my health fund?
Many health funds do cover online/telephone consultations with Accredited Practising Dietitians, so it is best to check with your chosen health fund.
Q. Does my dietitian have a Medicare Provider Number?
Yes, it is 5258702W.
Q. How many consultations will I need?
The number of consultations required is very specific to the individual, sometimes only one consultation every 6-12 months is needed but other situations require weekly reviews.
Q. How can I be sure my dietitian is an Accredited Practising Dietitian?
You can search the Dietitians Association of Australia website here.
Q. Where can I find your terms & conditions, privacy policy and privacy notice?
Find them here: