Dietetics For Eating Disorder Plans

Many people in Australia who are experiencing eating disorders can access recovery support through Medicare.

Known as an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP), it’s an evidence-based, best-practice treatment model. The plan can include up to 20 Medicare-subsidised sessions with a dietitian and 40 sessions with a mental health clinician over a 12-month period.

Read more about the role of dietitians in mental health care here.

Eating Disorder Plan Client Eligibility

Only a GP – a psychiatrist or paediatrician (if you already have one) – can assess your eligibility.

 According to the Medicare Benefits Scheduling Book (pg 182-195), you may be eligible for an Eating Disorder Plan if:

1. You have a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa according to the DSM-5 (assessed by GP) OR

2. You have a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)

AND

• A Global EDE-Q score of 3 or higher

• Your condition is characterised by rapid weight loss, or frequent binge eating or inappropriate compensatory behaviour as manifested by 3 or more occurrences per week.

You will need at least 2 of the following factors to be eligible

• Clinically underweight with a body weight less than 85% of expected weight where weight loss is directly as a result of the eating disorder.

• Current or high risk of medical complications due to the eating disorder.

• One or more serious medical or psychological conditions (in addition to your eating disorder) significantly impacting on your health status and function, for example, diabetes, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, anxiety disorder, Crohn’s Disease.

• Overnight inpatient admission – that is, a hospital or treatment centre – for an eating disorder in the last 12 months.

• Inadequate treatment response to evidence-based eating disorder treatment over the past six months despite active and consistent participation.

What does an Eating Disorder Plan include?

1. You’ll get a set Medicare refund amount for up to 40 sessions of evidence-based psychological treatments, which are:

• Family Based Treatment for Eating Disorders (including whole family, Parent Based Therapy, parent only or separated therapy)

• Adolescent Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Eating Disorders (CBT-ED)

• CBT-Anorexia Nervosa (AN) (CBT-AN)

• CBT for Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge-eating Disorder (BED) (CBT-BN and CBT-BED)

• Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) for Eating Disorders

• Maudsley Model of Anorexia Treatment in Adults (MANTRA)

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for BN, and/or BED

• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) for BN and/or BED

• Focal psychodynamic therapy for Eating Disorders.

 2. Up to 20 sessions dietetic care

• Only reimbursed for 20+ minute consultations

To book an appointment under an Eating Disorder Plan, you can email your plan to admin@dunehealthandwellbeing.com or ask your doctor's office to do so for you.

Please note – we are unable to provide you with a Medicare rebate if we do not have a copy of your GP Management Plan at your appointment.

Dietetics For Chronic Disease Management Plans

Accredited Practicing Dietitians (APDs) are allied health professionals approved by Medicare to conduct medical nutrition therapy and are authorities on food and nutrition. APDs transform scientific nutrition knowledge into tailored, practical dietary recommendations. They can examine clients' eating patterns compared to their age recommendations and advise on managing numerous health issues through nutrition specifically. APDs regularly examine nutrition interventions to ensure patients' needs are fulfilled, as they can significantly improve client outcomes.

 Any patient with a chronic medical illness who has been present for at least six months (or is projected to be present for that long) may be referred to an APD under a Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan. Suppose you have a chronic medical condition that you are presently managing or have recently been diagnosed with. In that case, you may be qualified for a Medicare rebate on five visits to our dietitian as part of a Management Plan set up by your doctor.

Chronic Disease Management Plan Client Eligibility

Any medical problem that is anticipated to last for six months or more is considered chronic, and this includes conditions like:

•    Cancer

•    Chronic Heart Disease

•    Asthma

•    Renal disease

•    Diabetes

•    Obesity 

•    Stroke

•    Muscle-Skeletal Disorders

According to research, one in five Australians suffer from several chronic illnesses. A dietician is frequently necessary for your healthcare team because many of these conditions necessitate dietary adjustments to ensure effective continuing management.

A management plan for your chronic health condition may be suggested by your doctor (GP), or you may decide to bring it up on your own during your subsequent appointment. Based on your existing health concerns, your doctor will be able to tell you if you qualify for the plan or not.

To book an appointment under a Chronic Disease Management Plan, email your plan to admin@dunehealthandwellbeing.com or ask your doctor's office to do so. Your management plan is frequently faxed to our office by your doctor's office. Our practitioner will then sign the Team Care Arrangement form provided and return it to the surgery to confirm that we are happy to help manage your care.

Please note – we cannot provide you with a Medicare rebate if we do not have a copy of your GP Management Plan at your appointment.