Questions

An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is a qualified health professional trained in nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and food science. APDs complete an accredited university degree and ongoing professional development to ensure they provide safe, up-to-date, evidence-based care.

APDs are the only nutrition professionals in Australia who can:

• Provide medical nutrition therapy for clinical conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders)

• Work in hospitals, aged care, private practice, community health, and medical settings

• Offer nutrition advice backed by national standards and regulated professional guidelines
  
  

Choosing an APD means you’re receiving guidance from a practitioner who is trained, accountable, and committed to supporting your health with reliable, personalised nutrition care.

Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD):

• Has completed an accredited university degree in nutrition and dietetics

• Trained in medical nutrition therapy (managing health conditions with nutrition)

• Recognised and regulated by Dietitians Australia

• Must complete ongoing professional development to maintain accreditation

• Can work in hospitals, medical clinics, aged care, and provide NDIS services

• Qualified to support conditions like diabetes, gut issues, heart disease, eating disorders, cancer, and more

Nutritionist:

• The term “nutritionist” is not regulated in Australia

• Training can vary widely — from a short online course to a university degree

• Can give general healthy eating advice, but cannot provide medical nutrition therapy

• Not eligible to work in clinical settings (e.g., hospitals)

• No rebate on fee charged.

No, you do not need a referral, appointments are available to everyone. 

If you have a referral (Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan or Eating Disorder Plan) you can receive a rebate on 5-20 consultations per calendar year (for all allied health). Discuss with your GP if you are eligible for this. 

All consultations are approximately 50mins. 

Initial Consultation $180

Follow-up Consultation $180

If you have a valid Medicare Plan (provided by a GP) you will receive a Medicare rebate of $61.80, if you reach the Medicare Threshold in a calendar year, the Medicare Rebate automatically increases.

If you are a member of a Private Health Fund, you will be eligible for rebates as per your coverage. Consultations with Accredited Practising Dietitians are rebatable through all private health funds. Please provide your details for appropriate invoicing.  

Our approach is completely personalised to you.  

How often we meet and how long we work together depends on your goals, your motivation, your current stage of change, your level of nutrition knowledge and the complexity of your health needs.

Research on behaviour change shows that motivation is usually highest in the first week of making changes, and naturally starts to drop off after that. Checking in with a dietitian more regularly at the beginning can help you build momentum, stay accountable, and make steady, sustainable progress, without feeling like you have to do everything on your own.

As your confidence grows and you feel more comfortable with your skills and routines, appointments are usually spaced out gradually. This helps you maintain progress while still having support when you need it.

We understand life changes all the time. If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment we kindly request that you give a minimum of 48 hours notice, so we can adjust plans accordingly. 

As we have limited appointments available a cancellation fee may be charged if you are within the 48 hour cancellation period.

Last Updated: March, 2026

1. Introduction

Berry Health Co is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal and health information. This policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

2. Types of Information We Collect

As a dietetic service, we collect Sensitive Information which receives extra protection under the law. This includes:

• Personal Details: Name, date of birth, address, and contact information.

• Health Information: Medical history, clinical diagnoses, medications, allergies, dietary habits, and blood test results.

• Financial Information: Credit card details and billing information for payment processing.

• Government Identifiers: Medicare numbers where required for claims.

3. How We Collect Information

We collect information directly from you via:

• Our website intake forms.

• Telehealth consultations.

• Emails, phone calls, or SMS.

• Indirectly: From your GP or other healthcare specialists (only with your prior consent).

4. Purpose of Collection and Use

We collect your information for the primary purpose of providing nutritional assessment and medical nutrition therapy. This includes:

• Developing and implementing your personalised treatment plan.

• Communicating with your healthcare team (e.g., sending a report to your GP).

• Administrative tasks, such as billing and booking reminders.

• Complying with legal and professional obligations.

5. Disclosure of Your Information

We will not sell your information. Your data is only disclosed:

• To other healthcare providers involved in your care (with your consent).

• To third-party service providers (e.g., practice management software, payment processors) who are also bound by privacy laws.

• When required by law (e.g., a subpoena or mandatory reporting).

6. Automated Decision-Making (2026 Compliance)

In accordance with 2026 updates to the Privacy Act, we notify you that:

• We do not use automated computer programs to make decisions that significantly affect your rights or clinical care.

7. Data Security and Storage

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, or unauthorised access.

• Digital Records: Stored in encrypted, password-protected practice management software.

• Retention: By law, we are required to retain health records for a minimum of 7 years (or until a minor reaches age 25).

8. Access and Correction

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and request corrections if it is inaccurate. Please contact us at hello@berryhealthco.com to make a request.

9. Complaints

If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact us directly so we can resolve the issue. If you are unsatisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.