Rebecca Downes Consulting welcomes referrals from all medical practitioners and allied health professionals. Rebecca believes in working closely with other health professionals to ensure her clients receive the best care. All GPs who refer clients to Rebecca will, with permission from the client, receive an initial nutrition care plan as well as updates when necessary and/or requested.

How can a dietitian help my patients?

An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) has the qualifications and clinical training necessary to help patients with the nutritional management of a wide range of conditions. They translate scientific information into practical and personal advice for their clients. An APD assesses a range of variables, including the client's nutritional, medical and social status, in order to make appropriate dietary recommendations that are realistic and applicable to the client's lifestyle. Regular reviews ensure progress is monitored and the client is sufficiently supported.

For further information on how an APD can help your patients, please refer to this DAA publication on "Improving Patient Outcomes". 

Indications for referral

  • New diagnosis requiring specific dietary modification
  • Failure to meet nutritional needs
  • A patient with poor understanding of their dietary management and needs
  • Significant weight change
  • Poor appetite, poor food intake or difficulty with food preparation
  • Deterioration of symptoms or change in care needs
  • The prescription of medication with a nutritional consequence
  • Periodic review of medical nutrition therapy

To refer your patient to Rebecca, please download and use the RDC referral form (.doc version) (.pdf version). This form can be emailed (use .doc version), posted to Rebecca or your patient can bring it along to their first visit.

How can an exercise physiologist help my patients?

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) has the qualifications and training necessary to help your patients become more physically active, particularly if they suffer from a chronic condition or need specialised exercise advice. An AEP will provide individualised education and advice, and provide the support necessary for your patients to make exercise a regular part of their lifestyle.

Indications for referral

  • New diagnosis requiring specific exercise modification
  • Failure to meet recommended exercise levels
  • Lack of understanding of exercise requirements
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Diagnosis of chronic disease
  • Exercise for specific groups. E.g. during/after pregnancy, child activity levels.

To refer your patient to Rebecca, please download and use the RDC referral form (.doc version) (.pdf version). This form can be emailed (use .doc version), posted to Rebecca, or your patient can bring it along to their first visit.

The Collaboration of Exercise Physiologists and Dietitians in Chronic Disease Management

In March 2008, the Australian Association for Exercise and Sport Science (AAESS) and the Dietitian's Association of Australia (DAA) released a joint position statement outlining the benefit of an interprofessional collaboration when tackling chronic disease. As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD), Rebecca has seen first hand how nutrition and physical activity can be used together to advance patient outcomes. The full position statement can be accessed here, with a detailed model of collaboration between professions.

Rebates

Rebecca is a registered Medicare provider, and patients referred to her with an EPC plan can claim back $50.05 of the consult fee (this is over 60% of the initial consultation fee). Similarly, Rebecca welcomes DVA Gold Card holders, who can see her at no additional cost with an appropriate referral from a medical practitioner.

Please contact Rebecca for more information about Rebecca Downes Consulting or referring your patients.