FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is a Clinical Nutritionist?

A Clinical Nutritionist uses individualise nutrition plans and lifestyle goals for people in a holistic way, including the person’s needs, wants and values. Factors considered whilst planning and setting goals are stress levels, environment, ways of living, motivation levels, food intake, family history and genetics of the individual.

A Clinical Nutritionist holds a degree in Health Science, using this knowledge to correct impaired, insufficient or abnormal functioning of the following:

  • Biochemical pathways

  • Oxidative stress

  • Tissue damage

  • Immune responses

  • Detoxification process

  • Cell or organ damage

  • Chronic inflammation and infections

  • Enzymes and energy production

  • Mental or physical stress

 

The overall aim is decided by the client and guided by the Clinical Nutritionist to address the root cause of ill health. Nutritional education is a key part of the consultation, which is to support and empower the individual to implement a realistic and achievable dietary and lifestyle plan.

So, what does a Clinical Nutritionist do?

✓ WE DO:

  • Consults as health professional

  • Treat signs and symptoms of ill health

  • Review laboratory assessments (blood results, microbiome results)

  • Research health issues

  • Check your blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs

  • Advice on evidence based therapeutic meal plans and nutritional medicine

  • Promote active lifestyles

  • Use foods as medicine

  • Diet and lifestyle assessment

  • Explain the benefits of nutrient-dense foods

  • Individual meal plans

  • Shopping tours

  • Realistic and doable lifestyle advice

  • Realistic and doable advice for managing stress

  • Hold wellness and nutrition classes/talks

  • Explore and research supplementations options for individuals (if needed)

  • Provide follow-up long-term support

✕ WE DON’T:

  • Diagnose diseases in people

  • Treat diseases in people

  • Claim to cure diseases

 

A CLINICAL NUTRITIONIST IS NOT A:

  • Dietician

  • Nutritionist only

  • Health Coach only

  • Counsellor/Phycologist

  • General Practitioner

  • Medical Professional

What’s the difference between a Clinical Nutritionist and Dietician?

Both clinical nutritionists and dietitians offer expert advice on nutrition, but their approaches differ. Dietitians often work in clinical settings like hospitals, while clinical nutritionists focus on personalised and holistic health plans for individuals. If you’re searching for a dietitian in Brisbane, consider a clinical nutritionist instead, like Janelle Clancy, for individualised support with hormonal health, perimenopause and overall wellbeing. Learn more about Janelle’s services.

SIMILARITIES

Clinical Nutritionist and Dietician

  • Holds a university degree

    Including mandatory internship hours overseen by supervisors

  • Must be insured

  • Self-regulated

  • Recognised in the Allied Health sector

  • Works as a first point of contact with the health system (primary health care)

  • Works as a second point of contact in the health system via referrals, specialised nutrition and another option for health treatment (secondary healthcare)

  • Offers Private Health rebates

DIFFERENCES

Clinical Nutritionist

  • Focuses on root cause

  • Uses holistic measures

    Including a person’s culture; lived

    experiences; genetics; personal needs and more

  • A focus on wholefoods

  • Uses health foods outside of the recommended 5 Food Groups

  • Can not call themselves a dietician

  • Note on Medicare rebates -measures have been implemented with the government to lobby for Clinical Nutritionists to have mandatory registration to offer Medicare rebates

Dietician

  • A focus on treating disease

  • Can advise to eat packaged food

  • Will focus on calorie intake

  • Can call themselves a nutritionist

  • Offers Medicare rebates

Can I claim my consultation with Private Health Insurance?

Yes, with specific Private Health Insurances, not all of them. Here is a list where nutrition can be claimed (As at October 2024):

  • AAMI 

  • AHM (Australian Health Management)

  • APIA Health

  • Australian Unity

  • CUA (Credicare Health Fund) 

  • GU Health 

  • HBF (Includes GMF) 

  • Health Partners

  • Medibank Private

  • Mildura Health Fund 

  • NIB 

  • Qantas Insurance 

  • Suncorp 

  • Westfund Health Insurance

    Sources regarding health fund rebates:

    https://aarpn.com/index.php/private-health-funds/

    https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/private-health-insurance-and-medicare?context=60092

Can I claim my consultation with Medicare?

Not yet. For Medicare rebates, measures have been implemented with the government to lobby for Clinical Nutritionists to be able offer Medicare rebates and help recognise how nutrition can play a role in the management of diagnosed diseases. Some great news in this field, Clinical Nutritionists have now been recognised by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as Allied Health Science Professionals (as at 6/12/2024), so we are excited about that!

What does an appointment look like?

It is standard practice to gather the client's health history, which helps the Clinical Nutritionist gain a deeper understanding of the signs and symptoms and identify the root cause. Each consultation is thorough and professional, and any planned goals are reviewed at every consult to monitor.

The first consult lasts around 60 - 90 minutes and a return consult lasts around 45 - 60 minutes.

I’ve been told Janelle is vegan, will she try and make me vegan?

No, this would go against the Femme Philosophy, it would be unethical and biased. Veganism will only be discussed if the client asks or if the client is vegan themselves.

Can you just prescribe me supplements?

No. If supplements are needed, a person will be prescribed depending on the outcome of a consultation from the evidence-based research and holistic questioning of a person’s whole life needs.

Can nutritional medicine and supplements cure my cancer?

No. While there is ongoing research in the field of nutritional medicine and supplements, it is important to note that, at present, nutritionists cannot make claims about the ability of these approaches to cure cancer.

Nutrition can play a supportive role in managing certain symptoms associated with cancer, such as nausea or pain. However, it is important to emphasise that nutritional interventions are to be discussed and coordinated with your healthcare team, working in conjunction with your doctor's prescribed treatments and therapies.

It is always recommended to consult with your doctor for guidance and treatment options specific to your condition.

Do you have more questions???

Click here with your question.