In Australia, the title "Dietitian" is protected by law and dietitians must meet specific professional qualifications, including a university-level degree in dietetics recognized by the Dietitians Australia (DA), and they often work in clinical or public health settings. This allows consultations with a dietician to be covered by Medicare.

A Registered Nutritionist (RN) in Australia has met certain standards of professionalism and continues to maintain these standards, similar to dietitians. RNs must have a tertiary qualification in a field of study related to nutrition and must be a member of the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Nutritionist Consultations cannot be covered by Medicare but they can be covered by certain Private Health providers.

In short, while there is a significant overlap in the roles of a dietitian and a nutritionist, the key difference lies in the level of regulation of their titles and their qualifications. Dietitians in Australia are more strictly regulated, while the term "nutritionist" can be used more broadly.

I am a Registered Nutritionist with ATMS.

A nutritionist can be consulted by a wide range of individuals for various reasons.

Here are a few examples:

1. General Health: Individuals interested in improving their overall health may see a nutritionist. This can include those who want to improve their diet, need help with meal planning, or want to learn more about the impact of nutrition on their health and wellbeing.

2. Weight Management: Those seeking help with weight loss, weight gain, or maintaining a healthy weight might consult a nutritionist. A nutritionist can provide advice on a balanced diet and help develop personalised meal plans that align with individual health goals.

3. Disease Management: People with certain diseases and health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or food allergies might see a nutritionist. The nutritionist can help these individuals manage their conditions through dietary changes.

4. Digestive and gastrointestinal management: Those seeking help with IBS, SIBO, H Pylori, Gastritis, IBDs and more. A nutritionist can help in the management and healing of these.

5. Autoimmune disease management: There are various autoimmune diseases that require personalised nutrition and lifestyle changes in their management, including Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.

6. Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances and metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, PMS, PMDD, perimenopause, PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis and thyroid dysfunction all require specialised nutrition care and management. A nutritionist can help support and manage these conditions.

Some private health insurers cover nutritionist consultations, for example, Medibank. This is something you will need to check with your insurer. Upon payment, you will receive an invoice you can use to make the claim.

During an initial consultation with a nutritionist, here’s what can you expect:

1. Introductions:** I will introduce themselves and explain their approach to nutritional counselling.

2. Health History Review:** They will review your reasons for coming to see me, medical history, which includes any chronic diseases, allergies, blood tests if you have them, or other health concerns. The more information you provide the better.

3. Dietary Assessment:** I’ll ask about your current eating habits. If you’ve kept a food diary, we'll review it together.

4. Lifestyle Assessment:** I will ask about my physical activity, sleep patterns, stress levels, and other lifestyle factors that can affect my nutritional needs.

5. Goal Setting:** We'll discuss my health and nutrition goals, such as weight management, improving general health, managing a health condition, or optimising athletic performance.

6. Initial Recommendations:** Based on the information gathered, the nutritionist will likely provide some initial dietary, lifestyle and supplement recommendations or discuss potential dietary changes with you. This will be discussed and provided in a personalised treatment plan. See point 7 below.

7. Plan Development:** After the consultation, I will develop a personalised nutrition plan. This will include some initial dietary, lifestyle and supplement recommendations and may also include meal planning, grocery shopping tips, or strategies for behaviour change.

8. Questions and Clarifications:** I'll have the opportunity to ask any questions or clarify any information.

9. Follow-up Planning:** I will discuss the need for follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, make adjustments to your plan as needed, and provide ongoing support.

10. Summary and Documentation:** After the session, you will receive your treatment plan which will include your goals and further action required, for example, what blood tests are recommended. I may also provide you with educational materials or other resources.

Remember, the exact process can vary depending on your needs and the specific reasons for your visit.