Clinical Dietetics & Medical Nutrition Therapy in Brighton & Bayside
What is Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and how can a Clinical Dietitian help?
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is an evidence-based, clinical approach using tailored dietary modifications and nutritional science to prevent, manage, and treat chronic medical conditions. Unlike general nutritional advice, an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) translates complex biochemistry and clinical pathology into sustainable, personalized eating plans. At Brighton Spine & Sports Clinic, clinical dietetics works synergistically with our 18 practitioners across 9 modalities—combining nutritional optimization with medical oversight, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and our onsite rehabilitation facilities.
The Multidisciplinary Advantage: Integrated Care Under One Roof
Located at 441 Bay Street, Brighton, Brighton Spine & Sports Clinic offers expert dietetic services for patients across Melbourne, Bayside, and Victoria.
What sets our clinic apart is our scale and integrated healthcare environment. Featuring 18 practitioners across 9 distinct clinical modalities—including Exercise Physiology, Osteopathy and Psychology—our dietitian collaborates directly with your broader care team.
Instead of visiting isolated clinics across Melbourne, your nutritional therapy is seamlessly integrated alongside your physical rehabilitation in our onsite clinical rehabilitation gymnasium and dedicated Clinical Pilates studio.
Key Clinical Focus Areas
Our clinical dietetics service delivers targeted Medical Nutrition Therapy across a broad range of clinical health conditions:
- Bone Health & Metabolic Bone Disease: Optimizing bioavailable calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, and protein synthesis to support osteoporosis and osteopenia management alongside clinical exercise.
- Gut Health & Gastroenterology: Specialized dietary management for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including the low FODMAP diet, Coeliac disease, food intolerances, and inflammatory bowel conditions.
- Inflammatory Conditions & Joint Health: Anti-inflammatory nutritional protocols designed to reduce systemic inflammation and support pain management in osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Diabetes & Metabolic Health: Strategic glycemic control and nutritional planning for Type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
- Neurological Nutrition: Specialized nutritional support for individuals managing Parkinson’s Disease and neurological conditions to maintain muscle mass and metabolic vitality.
- Cardiovascular & Lipids: Evidence-based dietary interventions to lower cholesterol, manage hypertension, and promote long-term heart health.
- Weight Management & Post-Surgical Support: Compassionate, evidence-backed nutritional guidance for sustainable weight management and pre/post-bariatric surgery support.
Our Accredited Practising Dietitian
Dietetic services at Brighton Spine & Sports Clinic are led by our clinical nutrition expert:
Amy Peng
Accredited Practising Dietitian & Nutritionist (APD, AN)
Professional Member of Dietitians Australia, Diabetes Australia, and Fight Parkinson’s Victoria
Amy is a warm, highly skilled clinician who takes a holistic, evidence-based approach to Medical Nutrition Therapy. She creates realistic, enjoyable eating plans tailored to each patient’s unique medical profile, culture, and lifestyle.
- Language Support: Amy is multi-lingual and offers consultations in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, providing accessible care for diverse patient backgrounds.
- Consultation Options: In-clinic consultations (Wednesdays), Telehealth nationwide, and Home Visits upon request.
- Rebate & Funding Acceptance: Private Health Insurance (HICAPS), Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plans (GPCCMP / EPC), TAC (Transport Accident Commission), WorkCover compensable claims, and DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold & White cards).
Appointments, Consultations & Funding Options
We offer 45-minute initial assessments to thoroughly review your medical history, pathology, and dietary baseline, followed by 30-minute progress consultations.
- No GP Referral Required: You can self-refer and book directly with our dietitian as a private patient.
- GP Chronic Disease Management Plans (GPCCMP / Medicare EPC): We accept doctor referrals under Medicare EPC plans, allowing eligible patients to claim Medicare rebates for up to 5 allied health consultations per calendar year.
- Private Health Insurance (HICAPS): Instant rebates for Dietetics are available on-site via HICAPS for patients with extras coverage.
- Compensable Schemes (NDIS,TAC, WorkCover & DVA): Amy Peng accepts approved NDIS, TAC and WorkCover injury claims, as well as Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) referrals with appropriate paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist in Australia?
In Australia, all Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are qualified nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are qualified dietitians. APDs hold accredited university qualifications, are regulated by Dietitians Australia, and are the only nutrition professionals eligible for Medicare, DVA, TAC, WorkCover, and private health insurance rebates.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see Amy Peng?
No referral is required to book a private consultation. However, if your GP provides a Chronic Disease Management Plan (GPCCMP / EPC) or a DVA referral, you can claim relevant Medicare or DVA rebates.
How does a dietitian work alongside my physiotherapist or exercise physiologist?
Nutritional therapy provides the essential bioavailable nutrients (such as protein, anti-inflammatory compounds, and bone-building minerals) your body needs to repair tissue and adapt to physical exercise. At Brighton Spine & Sports Clinic, Amy Peng collaborates directly with our physical practitioners to ensure your nutrition fuels your clinical exercise in our gym or Pilates studio.
Does Amy Peng accept TAC, WorkCover, and DVA patients?
Yes. Amy Peng accepts DVA referrals as well as approved TAC and WorkCover claims, in addition to Medicare EPC and Private Health patients.
Where is the clinic located?
Brighton Spine & Sports Clinic is located at 441 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186, servicing patients across Bayside, Greater Melbourne, and regional Victoria.
Optimize Your Health with Personalized Nutrition
Book a clinical dietetics consultation today to develop a supportive, evidence-based nutrition plan.
- Clinic Address: 441 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186
- Phone: (03) 9596 7211
- Book Online Now
