Information for New Clients
Individuals, family members or professionals can make a referral to Nourish. Nurture. Thrive. You are welcome to phone 03 8370 3178 or email at admin@nourishnurturethrive.com.au to make an enquiry.
Intake Process
FOR CLIENTS WITH EATING DISORDER CONCERNS OR ARFID
First Contact
Your enquiry or referral will be responded to by a member of our friendly reception team. Due to the volume of referrals we receive, we first register your contact on an enquiry database, so we have a record of when you made contact with our service and what help you are looking for. This way, we can call you back when we are able to offer help, rather than you having to continue to chase up services. Our reception team can provide a guideline to the current wait times for particular services.
Medical Assessment
A requirement of our clinic is that all clients undertake a thorough assessment with a GP prior to the first appointment being booked. This will normally include the GP assessing the current eating disorder symptoms, your mental health and wellbeing and your physical health including heart rate, blood pressure, weight & height, recent weight trajectory, temperature and perfusion status. Your GP may also order blood tests and an ECG. This medical assessment is required even if you would like to pay privately or receive services through a third party funder. If you would like to receive Medicare Rebates, you will also need a referral from your GP, in addition to the medical assessment.
Click Here to download Medical Assessment Guidelines to take along to your GP visit.
We recommend that you make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible, in order to prevent any delays from accessing services. It is important to have regular reviews with the GP and at times we may request an up-to-date assessment prior to the first appointment.
Our clinic adopts a non-diet, weight inclusive approach to healthcare and ascribes to the Health at Every Size philosophy which supports people of all sizes to receive help and care, without weight stigma and discrimination. Therefore, if you have any concerns about having your weight taken, we would recommend that you speak with your GP and advocate for a collaborative weighing approach, which may involve having a blind measurement taken where you don’t see the number.
Intake Call
When an appointment becomes available, or a place on our waitlist, you will be contacted by our warm and caring practice management team, Carla and Karen. Carla has 20 years of administrative experience in the healthcare industry, and Karen is a paediatric nurse with over 40 years experience, so both are well equipped to guide you through the referral process. This will include a thorough intake via telephone to ensure we are aware of your specific needs and they can also answer any queries you might have, or make recommendations (for example, around care team arrangements) that prioritise your health. You will also be asked to complete some online registration forms and we may require an up-to-date medical assessment or a referral if this has not already been completed.
Appointment
We take significant care to match clients to the right clinician with suitable skills, experience and training to meet your specific needs. The first appointment will be an assessment session, where the clinician will spend time getting to know you, understanding your concerns and learning about your needs. For children and adolescents, the first two appointments held are assessment sessions.
FeeS
We are a private billing clinic and unfortunately we do not bulk bill. However, concession rates are available for healthcare card holders and pensioners. Further information regarding fees can be viewed under the Medicare Rebates information, below. Accounts are to be settled on the same day using an automated process and your credit card details will be requested and stored securely with encryption in our confidential practice management software. We are also pleased to be able to process Medicare rebates on your behalf.
NDIS
We are able to provide psychological and dietetic services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for clients who are self managed or plan managed. We are not registered providers with NDIS therefore clients who have an Agency Managed (NDIA) plan will unfortunately not be able to use their NDIS funding with us.
Parents & Medicare Claimants for clients under 18
Please note parents: if you are paying your child’s fees and wish to have the Medicare rebate paid into your account, please ensure you have provided Nourish. Nurture. Thrive. with your Medicare card details (in addition to your child’s) so we can list you as the primary claimant. Additionally, please confirm with Medicare that you have registered your bank details with your child’s Medicare number. While we take every care to ensure you are informed about Medicare processes and rebates, Nourish. Nurture. Thrive. is unable to take responsibility for this process.
We understand that accessing treatment and support is a significant financial investment. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our wonderful practice managers, Carla or Karen, on admin@nourishnurturethrive.com.au
Medicare Rebates
Better Access to Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP):
The MHCP allows individuals who are diagnosed with a mental health condition (including an eating disorder) to access Medicare rebates for psychological services.
What does the MHCP provide?
The MHCP provides Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions of psychological therapy per calendar year.
Who is eligible for a MHCP?
Your medical practitioner (GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician) will assess your eligibility, but generally individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition are able to access this plan.
How do I access a MHCP?
You will require a referral from your medical practitioner (GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician). If consulting with your GP, we recommend you book an extended appointment to ensure you have adequate time to complete a plan.
Eligible clients can receive up to 10 individual sessions in a calendar year. After the first six sessions, a review with your GP is required where you can discuss your progress and make further treatment plans if necessary.
What are the rebates for a MHCP?
The rebate amount will vary depending on the clinician that you see. For the latest Medicare Benefits Schedule information, please visit: www.health.gov.au/mbsonline
Eating Disorder Management Plan (EDMP):
The Eating Disorder Management Plan (EDMP) allows eligible clients who are diagnosed with an eating disorder to access Medicare rebates.
What does the EDMP provide?
Eligible clients are able to access up to 40 sessions of evidence-based eating disorder psychological treatment (within a 12 month period) under an Eating Disorder Psychological Treatment (EDPT) plan.
Eligible clients are able to access up to 20 dietetic services with an Accredited Practising Dietitian (within a 12 month period) under an Eating Disorder Dietetic Treatment (EDDT) plan.
Who is eligible an EDMP?
All individuals with a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa are eligible
Clients with other eating disorder presentations (such as Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders/OSFED) may be eligible if their condition is considered “severe”.
What is considered a “severe”** presentation for conditions other than Anorexia Nervosa?
This will be assessed by your treating team, but the following criteria are considered:
Rapid weight loss, frequent binge eating episodes, or compensatory behaviours that occur more than three times per week
Current or high risk of associated medical complications
Serious psychological or medical comorbidity
An eating disorder-related hospital admission in the past 12 months
Inadequate treatment response after 6 months of consistent, evidence-based eating disorder treatment
Your doctor or psychologist will complete a psychometric assessment (the EDE-Q) with you, that will also contribute in determining if a condition is considered “severe”**
** Please note, Nourish. Nurture. Thrive. would like to acknowledge that the EDMP criteria that determine severity do not adequately represent the severity of suffering, nor the worthiness of care, for individuals afflicted by conditions outside of these criteria. Unfortunately ARFID does not qualify for a referral under an EDMP.
How do I access the EDMP plan?
Ask your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician to prepare an Eating Disorder Management Plan (EDMP). We recommend you request an extended appointment to ensure you have adequate time available to complete the information required.
What are the rebates for an EDMP?
The rebate amount will vary depending on the clinician that you see. For the latest Medicare Benefits Schedule information, please visit: www.health.gov.au/mbsonline
Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM):
A Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) enables clients with a chronic health condition requiring a multidisciplinary care team approach to access Medicare rebates for allied health services.
What does a CDM provide?
The CDM allows eligible clients to access Medicare rebates for up to 5 sessions of allied health services (e.g. dietitian, psychologist, occupational therapist, social worker, etc.) within a calendar year.
Who is eligible for a CDM?
Clients who have a chronic health condition (chronicity of more than 6 months) that requires a multidisciplinary care team approach. A chronic eating disorder may meet these requirements.
How do I access a CDM?
You will require a referral from your GP and we recommend you book an extended appointment to ensure you have adequate time to complete a plan.
What are the rebates for a CDM?
Dietetics (10954): $56
Mental Health Service (10956): $56
Psychology (10968): $56
Private Health Insurance
Most private health funds will provide some cover for psychological services. However, the level of cover varies significantly and is also dependent on your particular policy. It is best to check this with your private health fund directly.
Cancellation policy
We require sufficient notice (48 business hours) for cancellations, in order for us to reallocate your appointment time to another person. If less notice is received, a cancellation fee will apply which is not covered by a Medicare rebate. Please be mindful of this when scheduling and confirming your appointments. For detailed information on cancellation fees, please contact us directly.