What does a certified fertility and prenatal dietitian mean?

Paige Wicks is a dietitian accredited by Dietitians Australia and certified in fertility and prenatal nutrition by the Early Life Nutrition Alliance. Her specialisation in nutrition and dietetics focuses on fertility and prenatal care, requiring additional training and certification beyond standard qualifications for dietitians. This specialised area of expertise encompasses the intricate connections between nutrition, fertility, pregnancy, and the health of both mother and developing foetus, ensuring a holistic approach to maternal health.

What’s included in a Women Health initial consultation?

• An in-depth 75-minute consultation with a comprehensive analysis of your dietary habits, your blood tests, and a review of your overall health, lifestyle, and medical history.

• Receive up-to-date, evidence-based dietary guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals.

• Clear, practical steps in nutrition to help bring you closer to your goals.

• A supplement regimen meticulously crafted to suit your unique body needs.

• On average, we find that most of our clients like to see us fortnightly for 10 weeks to help them achieve some rapid results, then we follow up with monthly consultations for the next three months to help cement all of the new skills that you’ve learnt.
  

Do you offer consultation for couples?

Our initial consultation is primarily focused on the individual. However, we highly encourage your partner to participate in the consultation to gain insights into the vital dietary and lifestyle changes that can enhance fertility for both of you.

What’s the cost of the initial consultation?

The fee for an individual initial consultation is $295, the current rate for paediatrics is $260.

What’s the cost of follow-up consultations?

Each follow-up consultation is priced at $220 per session if purchased individually (rather than as a package). Follow-up consultations for paediatrics are priced at $195. These sessions are crucial for providing individually tailored reviews and nutrition strategies designed to educate and support in making sustainable improvements to your dietary habits.

What happens after the initial consultation?

After your initial consultation, you’ll have a couple of options for your next steps:

1. Enrol in a Review Program: This is the most popular choice for many clients. By choosing to enter this program, you’ll gain access to four follow-up consultations at a highly discounted rate. We recommend scheduling follow-up sessions every 2-3 weeks to help reinforce and refine the strategies and skills you’ve learned.

2. Select Single Follow-up Consultations: Alternatively, if you prefer more flexibility, you can book individual follow-up consultations as needed. This option allows you to address specific concerns or questions following the initial consultation.

Both options are crafted to provide ongoing support, guidance, and expert knowledge on your path to enhanced fertility.

Do I need a referral letter?

You don’t need a referral letter.

Can I use my private health fund for consultations?

Yes, we’re an accredited provider of most private health funds in Australia. The amount you can claim as a rebate will depend on your specific policy’s coverage under the Extras. After each consultation, we will provide you with a receipt, which you can submit to your health fund for reimbursement.

Can I use my Medicare?

Yes. You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate to see an accredited dietitian, depending on your individual circumstances and referral type.

Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP)

If you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan prepared by your GP, you may be eligible for:

• Up to 5 Medicare-rebated allied health visits per calendar year
  (shared across providers such as dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists, etc.)

• A partial rebate of approximately $60 per appointment

• A valid GP referral is required before your appointment

Pearl Nutrition operates on a private fee basis, so a gap fee applies.

New Medicare access from 1 July 2025 (M10 items)

From 1 July 2025, accredited dietitians can also provide Medicare-rebatable services under M10 allied health items for eligible clients. This applies when a referral is provided by an eligible medical practitioner (such as a GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist) for individuals with:

• Complex neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism), and/or

• Eligible disabilities

These items support both dietetic assessment and ongoing treatment, including telehealth where appropriate, and expand Medicare access to nutrition care that was previously limited to certain allied health professions.

What conditions can Medicare-rebated dietitian visits support?

Depending on referral type, nutrition care may include:

• Chronic health conditions

• Women’s health concerns (PCOS, endometriosis, menopause)

• Paediatric feeding and growth concerns

• Neurodevelopmental conditions

• Cardiometabolic health

• Weight concerns, including GLP-1 nutrition support

What do I need to do?

• Speak with your doctor about the most appropriate Medicare referral for your needs

• Book your appointment with Pearl Nutrition

• Pay the consultation fee on the day

• After each consultation, we will provide you with a receipt which you can submit to Medicare online for reimbursement.