Bulk-Billed Dietitian Support for Coeliac and Gut Health
Nicole Marie of Gut Health Group shares insights into her specialist bulk-billed telehealth dietitian service
GUEST BLOG: Nicole Marie
I’m writing to introduce my bulk-billed Telehealth dietitian services, which are designed to support individuals living with coeliac disease, gastrointestinal conditions and those navigating a gluten free lifestyle. With the cost of living increasing and the rising price of gluten free products, many patients face significant financial barriers when it comes to accessing the specialised nutrition support they desperately need.
Dietitians are often overlooked but are crucial in managing complex conditions like coeliac disease, IBS, SIBO and other gastrointestinal disorders. However, for many, the high cost of private dietitian services, often ranging from $150 to $250 per consultation, makes it financially unfeasible.
Due to this, general dietitians bulk-billed within GP clinics are really the only feasible option, so many patients miss out on the expertise required for their specific GI conditions. Like any healthcare specialist, dietitians have niches and when dealing with gastrointestinal issues, it’s essential to consult a dietitian with specialised expertise.
Unfortunately, this often leads to complications when patients are referred to general bulk-billed dietitians who lack expertise in gastrointestinal health. The advice they receive is often oversimplified or inaccurate, leading to unnecessary setbacks in their healing process.
Here are just a few examples from my clinic where patients have had negative experiences after consulting with an unspecialised dietitian:
Client 1: A coeliac patient was told by a general dietitian that eating oats every day was fine, even without specifying the need for wheat-free oats and did not mention the oat challenge. This led to continued gut inflammation and digestive issues. By the time they came to me, their symptoms had worsened and they had developed IBS-like symptoms as well, which had gone unaddressed.
Client 2: A patient struggling with chronic bloating was given a generic low-FODMAP diet recommendation with a simple handout, despite presenting with "red flag" symptoms of SIBO. The lack of precision in their diet led to no relief.
Client 3: Another patient with frequent cross-contamination issues was advised to “just be careful” when dining out, with no specifics on what to watch out for to prevent gluten exposure. By the time they reached me, they were still experiencing symptoms due to continued gluten ingestion because they hadn’t been properly educated on restaurant communication.
Client 4: A coeliac patient was instructed to rely on processed gluten free foods because they are "safest," without emphasising the importance of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet for optimal healing. This led to nutritional deficiencies and worsening fatigue.
This is just a small sample of the challenges I see regularly, which has been increasingly frustrating. Patients have often been left unsupported and vulnerable, exacerbating their condition and making their recovery more difficult.
Why Specialised Dietitians Play a Major Role
Misdiagnosis of SIBO: 45% of my clients were misdiagnosed with IBS and were placed on ineffective low-FODMAP elimination diets for years, while their SIBO remained undiagnosed and worsened.
Chronic Inflammation & SIBO: Without specialised nutritional management and expertise, chronic inflammation and undiagnosed SIBO can cause fatigue, weakened immunity, increased food intolerances and a variety of metabolic issues that significantly affect a patient's quality of life.
Cross-contamination Issues: Many patients do not fully understand how to avoid cross-contamination, resulting in ongoing gluten exposure, which prolongs healing and exacerbates symptoms.
Undiagnosed Conditions: 72% of my coeliac patients had persistent gut issues that were eventually linked to undiagnosed IBS or SIBO, which worsened because they did not receive appropriate dietary intervention.
This is why I’ve made it my mission to provide vulnerable individuals with access to specialised dietetic care without the financial strain. For those with a valid CDM referral, my services are available with no out-of-pocket cost for up to five sessions per calendar year. I believe no one should have to sacrifice their health or healing due to financial barriers.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this essential service and being able to share this with your audience, ensuring they receive the right care at the right time to improve their health outcomes.
I will also just pop down some referral information that is outlined on our website HERE:
How to Get a Referral From Your GP to Visit Our Bulk-Billed Clinic
Just two simple steps are needed to ensure your GP referral leads to a telehealth dietitian appointment
Step 1: Visit Your GP
Ask your GP for a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan and a referral to our bulk billed clinic.
Let them know you’re seeking dietitian support for a chronic condition such as:
Coeliac disease
IBS or SIBO
Constipation
Bloating
Weight management
General gut health concerns
Here are the Details to Give Your GP
Practice Name: Gut Health Group
Clinic Location: 470 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
Note: Telehealth clinic only – we see clients Australia-wide
Medicare Item Number: 10954 (Dietitian – Individual Allied Health Services under CDM)
Step 2: Send Us Your CDM Referral
Once your GP has completed the referral, either:
Ask them to email it directly to referrals@guthealthgroup.com or
Email it to us yourself once you receive a copy.
Important: We must receive your referral before your appointment to ensure your session is bulk billed through Medicare.
You may be eligible for up to 5x fully covered appointments per calendar year under your CDM plan.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
About Nicole Marie
Nicole Marie is an Australian Accredited Practising Dietitian and the owner of the Gut Health Group, a Telehealth dietitian clinic dedicated to providing specialised care for coeliac disease, IBS, SIBO, gut health and weight management. Too many coeliacs struggle to afford specialised care, often settling for a general dietitian at their GP clinic, receiving a basic handout and not understanding the complexities of managing coeliac disease and ongoing gastrointestinal issues.
Going gluten free is more than just avoiding certain foods, it’s about navigating a whole new way of eating and living, whilst trying to avoid risks of secondary health conditions and deficiencies. Nicole understands the challenges that come with it, so Nicole's mission is to help bridge the gap and make specialised dietetic services an affordable and accessible option for those who need it.
