The six-month program is paid monthly when you see the dietitian and covers all your care for that month. The monthly cost is $260 a month for 6 months with a total program cost of $1560.
You can stop the program at any stage during the 6 months.
6-month Package inclusions:
- x 7 specialist dietitian sessions
- x 9 specialist program coordinator education/support sessions
- x 4 Psychological support sessions
- x 4 Exercise Physiologist sessions
- Gap free follow up appointments with the Paediatrician
- Educational material and tools to assist
- Remote support as needed (email, text, phone, skype)
To reduce your costs, a GP referral under a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan entitles you to a Medicare rebate for up to x 5 dietitian visits where you will get reimbursement of $52.95 x 5 dietitian visits bringing the total program cost down to $1295. You may be able to claim a higher rebate from your private health fund. In this case, we recommend using these funds first. You will still be able to use the Medicare rebate for subsequent visits. As it is different with every health fund and level of cover, it is important to check with your health fund directly to see what their rebate is for a Dietitian/Exercise Physiologist initial consult and follow up consult.
Our administration staff will assist you to claim via HICAPS from your private health fund on site or provide you with the appropriate receipt for either Medicare or your Health Fund stating all relevant information for claiming. This receipt will need to be taken into a Medicare or Health Fund centre for you to claim your rebate where relevant.
If the cost prohibits your child’s access to the program, we have received a grant from Variety – The Children’s charity to help support children to go through the program. Please fill out application form and return as instructed.
My child doesn't like being in groups with other kids?
All sessions with the team are individually held with you and your child. There is an opportunity for interactions in the waiting room but other than that we find most families prefer the one on one approach.
Why is the program 6 months?
Simply change takes time and we found that when we had a 3 month program that some families became anxious that they had to make changes in a shorter period. Based on that feedback, we have tailored the program over 6 months to provide the best support to everyone.
What if our family doesn't want to do the whole 6 months?
Some families and kids do grasp the concepts and make changes quickly. In this case our program is flexible and when you think you are ready to come off the program and move into maintenance, speak with your program coordinator to organise and we will change the structure to provide you with the support you want and need.
What if my child already sees a psychologist, can we skip sessions?
Absolutely, the choice is yours, but our experience shows that our psychological support is centered more around food and your child’s relationship with food whereas your existing psychologist is often working on different areas with your child. We have found the two can often compliment each other. Always talk to your program coordinator if you have questions or concerns.
Appointments
How long are my appointments?
Appointment lengths may vary, depending on the team member, how many of the team you see in one visit and the type of appointment that you have. As a guide,
- Initial paediatrician appointment is booked for 60 minutes
- Initial appointments with integrated team members will be booked for 45 minutes
- Subsequent appointments are generally booked for 30 minutes
Can you do appointments by skype?
Yes, for families in the Be Your Best program who live remotely or rural we can offer some Skype consultations. For all initial appointments it is important for this to be face to face at the practice, therefore the Skype service is only available for subsequent appointments and at the team’s discretion. Please talk to your program Co-ordinator to discuss the option. For Skype consultations, the monthly program fee is the same as if the visit was undertaken in the Practice, with the exception being that rebates are not available. Following completion of your Skype appointment, you will be contacted by administration for payment of the account over the phone.
Will I get a reminder about my appointments?
To reduce the wait time to see our team, we have implemented reminders for all appointments. These will be made via SMS a few days prior to your scheduled appointment. In order to respect each other’s time, we ask that you make every effort to confirm your appointment by replying to the SMS so that if you are unable to make it, we can offer this to another family.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We understand that things come up from time to time, especially with kids so if you do need to cancel an appointment, we ask that where possible you provide 48 hours’ notice, so that your appointment can be offered to another patient.
Fees – Paediatrician and Paediatric Surgeon
For all initial appointments with the Paediatrician or Paediatric Surgeon, a fee is payable in full on the day*.
- Initial paediatrician consultation: $307.70 with a $227.70 rebate from Medicare ($80 gap)
- Initial surgical consultation: $153.85 with a $73.85 rebate from Medicare($80 gap)
Payments options on the day include Visa, MasterCard, EFTPOS, cash. Our friendly administrative staff will be able to claim your Medicare benefit/rebate and have it paid into your bank account through the practice’s EFTPOS terminal. You must be registered with Medicare for this to occur.
Private Health Insurance does not cover consultations with the Paediatrician or paediatric surgeon.
*If receiving Variety subsidy, the gap for this visit is a part of your subsidy. You must be approved for subsidy before you attend your paediatrician appointment. A valid referral is still required.
Do I have to pay the full amount up front?
No not at all, payments are made monthly when you have your dietitian visit. Some families do like to pay the total at the beginning of the program if they are covered by NDIS, that is okay too.
How do I claim my private health rebate?
During the program each time you make payment you will be given a receipt to send to your health fund via their app/website or to physically take in to receive your refund.
For follow up visits in the maintenance program we have a HICAPS machine on site that can electronically process your refund at the time of payment.
How do I claim my health care plan from my GP?
We have a HICAPS machine on site that can electronically process your refund at the time of your payment.
Can I use my private health and a health care plan at the same visit to get a greater rebate?
Unfortunately you can only use one at a time. We always encourage you to check with your private health fund to see what rebate you are entitled to for a dietitian initial and follow up visit and an exercise physiologist initial and follow up visit, that way you can work out which is the best for you to use to maximize your rebate?
Is Danny's Place a recognised NDIS provider?
Not yet, but we are working on it and are liaising with NDIS.
Some families however have received funding to attend Danny’s Place as part of their NDIS funding as their goals have been linked with what the program provides. Please speak to your program coordinator for guidance.
Do I need a referral?
Yes, in order to claim a benefit from Medicare a valid referral is required. It is important to ensure you obtain a referral prior to your appointment. Our administrative staff are more than happy to advise if a new referral is required when making appointments. The referral can come from a GP or a specialist and can be addressed to the Danny’s Place paediatrician or to Dr Sanjeev Khurana (paediatric surgeon) as required.
A referral template is available here to assist with the referral process.
General Questions
Medical
How much weight should I/my child expect to lose?
At Danny’s Place the program is designed to achieve a healthy, safe and sustainable weight loss.
It is important to understand though that for younger adolescents and kids that are still growing, that whilst we aim to reduce overall body fat, we don’t set a weight target as they are still growing and developing which increases overall weight.
Sometimes whilst a child is still growing it is important to recognise that stabilising weight (not gaining/not losing) can be a positive because if they increase their height whilst maintaining their weight, their overall BMI will reduce.
Are there any risks associated with weight loss as a child or adolescent?
Rapid weight loss can be associated with adverse effects on growth, development and overall heath. Our program is designed for safe weight loss. Rate of weight loss, growth and development are closely monitored to ensure there are no adverse effects.
How do I know if I/my child is carrying excess weight?
If you think that your child may have a weight problem, identifying and managing it early is very important to avoid any long term health implications. The discussion around weight needs to be handled with care. Rather than using the terms overweight or obese it may be best to talk in terms of a healthy weight range. The healthy weight range for children is measured using specialised BMI growth charts. These charts take into account the growth and age of a young person. Use the BMI calculator to work out where your child’s weight is in reference to the healthy weight range.
What are signs that may indicate my child has a weight problem?
If they wear clothes much bigger than their age/size
If they eat as much or more than adults
If they are much bigger than their peers at school
If they do no physical activity
If they have expressed concerns about their weight
If they get puffed when doing physical activity
If they are always hungry and asking for more food outside of meal times
What are the consequences of being overweight or obese as a young person?
Being overweight or obese puts you/ your child at increased risk of health related complications as an adult. It also has further reaching effects on mental health, relationships, education and general wellbeing. We know that young people who are obese are likely to be obese as adults so it is important to intervene as early as possible.
Will weight loss reverse the damage and risk to my/my child's future health?
Absolutely. We know that even a modest weight loss of 5% can improve overall health and reduce the risk of long term complications.
Diet
Will my eating plan be a strict diet?
No, at Danny’s Place we are all about balance. We don’t believe in any strict diet but we will educate you and your child on how to achieve the right carbohydrate intake to help with weight loss.
Do I have to count calories?
No. There is definitely no calorie counting involved. Your BYB eating plan will be flexible and is focused on controlling carbohydrate intake.
Will my child need different food to the rest of the family?
No. The success of any dietary approach is one that the whole family can follow. The Danny’s Place team take the families needs into consideration when developing your eating plan.
Do we have to buy any special dietary products?
No. There will not be any need to use meal replacements or expensive dietary supplements.
How fast will the weight loss be?
This will vary depending on age and the amount of support received. Studies show that health and weight loss outcomes are directly related to the amount of support that the individual receives. Our specialist team will monitor progress to ensure weight loss is safe and effective.
Your Children need you.
We know that life can get in the way and that in today’s busy society it is difficult to find the time to start the process of change. The time is now.