Practical nutrition support for serving ADF members
No out-of-pocket cost for appointments approved on a referral from your Defence health centre, through Bupa ADF Health Services.
In clinic at Ipswich, a short drive from RAAF Base Amberley, and at Logan and Redlands. Home visits and telehealth too.
Practical, evidence-based nutrition support across Ipswich, Logan and Redlands.
Nutrition care that fits Defence life
Training loads, shift work, time in the field and injuries all change what and when you eat. We look at the demands of your role and your routine, then build a plan you can keep up on base, at home and away.
Care is client-focused, so you are supported while working towards the outcomes you want, whether that is recovering from an injury, meeting a fitness standard or getting on top of a health condition. We keep your Defence medical officer in the loop along the way.
What can a dietitian help ADF members with?
Our dietitians support serving members across Ipswich, Logan and Redlands with a wide range of nutrition needs.
- Fuelling for training, field time and fitness assessments
- Weight and body composition goals, without crash dieting
- Injury recovery and getting back to training
- Gut health, IBS and Monash low FODMAP support
- Shift work, irregular hours and eating on the go
- Energy, fatigue and recovery
- Type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol and fatty liver
- A difficult relationship with food or disordered eating
- Clear reports back to your Defence medical officer
How to see a dietitian through ADF Health Services
Defence covers dietitian care for ADF members on continuous full-time service when your Defence health centre requests it. The referral comes to us through Bupa ADF Health Services, and we bill Bupa directly.
Who is covered
Permanent ADF members and Reservists on continuous full-time service. If you have left the ADF, see our DVA dietitian page.
Your referral
Your Defence medical officer requests a dietitian, and the referral sets how many appointments are approved. You are welcome to ask for Thompson Community Dietitians by name.
Cost to you
Nothing for approved appointments. We bill Bupa directly, so there is nothing to pay upfront or claim back.
Families
Families are not covered by ADF Health Services. Recognised dependants of permanent members and Reservists on continuous full-time service can use the ADF Family Health Program, which includes dietitians and allows $800 a financial year for each registered dependant, shared across the family.
How it works
- Ask your Defence health centreYour medical officer requests a dietitian through Bupa ADF Health Services.
- We receive your referralIt comes to us with your approved appointments, and we contact you to book.
- First appointmentA full nutrition assessment in clinic, at home or by telehealth.
- Ongoing supportFollow-ups within your approved appointments, with reports back to your medical officer.
Questions before you start?
- Free 15-minute discovery callBook a free discovery call with Andrew or Shayan online and we will help you work out the next step.
- Call us07 5616 6549
- Already have a referral?Call us or email info@thompsondietetics.com.au and we will book you in.
ADF dietitian questions
Can I see a dietitian through ADF Health Services?
Yes, if you are an ADF member on continuous full-time service and your Defence health centre requests it. Your medical officer sends the referral through Bupa ADF Health Services, and we contact you to book.
Is there a cost to see a dietitian as an ADF member?
No. Appointments approved on your referral are billed to Bupa, so there is nothing to pay upfront or claim back.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. Defence-funded appointments start with a referral from your Defence health centre. Without one you can still see us privately at our standard fees, but Defence will not cover it.
How many appointments can I have?
Your referral sets the number of approved appointments. If you need more, we report back to your medical officer, who can request further appointments.
What do you send to my medical officer?
A short report after your first appointment, along the way and when care finishes, so your Defence health team knows what we are working on together.
Are Reservists covered?
Reservists on continuous full-time service are covered in the same way as permanent members. If you are not sure where you stand, ask your Defence health centre.
Can my family use ADF Health Services?
ADF Health Services covers members, not families. Recognised dependants of permanent members and Reservists on continuous full-time service can use the ADF Family Health Program, which includes dietitians and allows $800 a financial year for each registered dependant, shared across the family. Families can also use Medicare or private health cover.
I have left the ADF. Am I still covered?
Defence health care ends when you leave the ADF. You may be covered through DVA, depending on your service and any accepted conditions. Our DVA dietitian page explains how that works.
Do you offer home visits and telehealth?
Yes. We see clients in clinic at Ipswich, Logan and Redlands, at home across those areas, and by telehealth video call.