What do I need to bring to my initial consultation?

Any relevant medical history, blood or allergy test results, and/or a list of your current medications. Please complete a food log and bring it along with you so we can get an idea of your usual dietary intake. For consultations on gut issues, please complete a five day food and symptom diary. You’re also welcome to bring along a support person.

Do you offer discount for community service card holders or students?

Yes Well offers 15% discount for community service card holders and university students. Please bring proof of ID along to your consultation.

Will my health insurance cover the cost?

Some insurance policies cover all or part of dietitian appointments. Check your policy to see if it covers NZ Registered Dietitians, or give Well a call if you are unsure. You may have to pay at the time of your consultation but Well can email you an invoice so you can be reimbursed by your insurance company after.

Do you offer allergy or food intolerance testing?

At your initial assessment we can determine whether you require any additional blood or allergy tests. Usually these can be done through your GP and most are free of charge.

What is the difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist? *

Dietitian – The term dietitian is a protected term. A dietitian is a registered health professional who meets standards required by the Dietitians Board and has both an undergraduate science degree in human nutrition and a post-graduate qualification in dietetics. To practise in New Zealand, a dietitian must, by law, be registered with the Dietitians Board and hold a current practising certificate. The Dietitians Board protects the health and safety of the New Zealand public under the Health Practitioners Competency Act (HPCA) 2003, by ensuring that every dietitian working in New Zealand is fit to practice and meets standards of professionalism. In New Zealand dietitians are the only nutrition health profession to be regulated by law. The Dietitians Board regulates the dietetic profession and only those on the Register can call themselves a dietitian and practise as a dietitian.

Nutritionist – The term nutritionist is not a protected term, there is no specific qualification or statutory legislation that regulates that profession and therefore the title can be used freely by anyone. This could range from someone with a PHD in a specialty area of nutrition to someone with no formal training. The Nutrition Society has a programme for registration of nutritionists where a set criteria must be met to achieve registration status.  Nutritionists can be an associate member of Dietitians NZ if they hold a scientific qualification in human nutrition approved by Dietitians NZ or occupy a prominent position in work or research relating to nutrition or dietetics.

* Source: Dietitians NZ https://dietitians.org.nz/public-info/