What can I expect from an initial dietitian consultation with Dr Steph?

Your first consultation will take 60 minutes and is devoted to assessing your current diet, medical history, supplements and medications, eating patterns, physical activity and current knowledge on your condition. This will make sure I can tailor my recommendations to your specific requirements.

We will also discuss your goals and expectations of working together, as well as go through the initial stages of dietary recommendations to get you well on your way to making positive dietary changes!

What can I expect from a dietitian review?

Reviews are 45 minutes and are devoted to assessing how you went with implementing the recommended lifestyle and nutrition changes and identifying ways to better meet these recommendations. Using a step-up approach, I will also discuss additional changes to meet your current goals, if you are ready to do so.

Are dietitian consultations in person or online?

You may see Dr Steph online or in person. Online consultations are through zoom. In person locations are Embrace Women’s Health in Armadale or Maven Centre at Sunshine Private Hospital . You shall receive information all the information to join the zoom meeting through your nominated email address a few days before your appointment.

What information do I need to provide before my initial consultation?

Once you book in an appointment you will receive a confirmation email asking you to complete an initial consultation form. This will ask questions relating to reason for seeing me, supplements and medications, physical activity, recent lifestyle changes and current eating patterns.

In addition to the initial consultation form I ask you to provide:

1. a typical 2-day food and drink diary (please send to my email)

2. any recent blood test results

3. a healthcare plan from your GP (if referred from your GP with Medicare subsidies)

Do you accept healthcare plans from my GP?

Yes, I accept Medicare referrals. This means that Medicare will pay $56 for each dietitian consultation (initial and reviews). There will then be a gap fee to finalise the payment. To see me with a Medicare plan you need to have a chronic illness and be assessed by your GP. You must also provide my details to your GP for me to be in your care plan. Please email me if you wish to receive my provider number details.

How many sessions will I need and how often will I need to see you?

This is very dependent on the person, their current needs and presenting condition. Generally speaking people see me for at least 3 sessions. The first review is recommended 2 weeks after your initial and the second is at least 1 month after your first review. This gives you enough time to implement your recommended changes before seeing me again.

What are your consultation fees?

This depends if you see Dr Steph Pirotta or Amelia.

• Dr Steph Pirotta: Initial consultations: $250; reviews: $150.

• Amelia: Initial consultations: $150 ; reviews: $99

Consultation packages are also available.

What is your cancellation policy?

Any appointment bookings made with us require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice of cancellation during business days in the State of Victoria to be eligible for a full refund, should you wish to cancel your appointment. If you wish to change your appointment time, we require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice during business days. Cancellation of a booking within the 48 hours of the original booking will incur a 50% charge of the original booking.

Your rights to refund or replacement (if applicable) in respect of our Services are as prescribed under the “consumer guarantees” as defined by Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) (“Consumer Guarantees”) (“Australian Consumer Law”).