General Practitioners (GPs) play a vital role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders.

The trusted role of a GP means that they are often in the best position to recognise the potential physical, psychological and behavioural signs of an eating disorder in their patients. However, many people who present to their GP may not be forthcoming with the symptoms, thoughts or behaviours that they are experiencing, or may present with other apparently unrelated complaints. This requires GPs to always be alert to the possibility of an eating disorder.

GPs have a range of tools at their disposal to help with the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. This includes screening questionnaires, physical assessment and laboratory investigations. A non-judgmental and weight-neutral approach with patients will also help facilitate accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

Changes introduced by the Australian Government on November 1st 2019 mean that some patients with eating disorders will have access to an evidence-based, best practice model of treatment.

This is known as an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) and involves Medicare subsidies for 20 sessions with a dietitian and up to 40 sessions with a mental health clinician over a 12 month period.

To understand more about the MBS item numbers for eating disorders and how GPs can support patients to access treatment, please see the below key resources.

Referring a client to EDV’s mental health and dietetics clinic

EDV run a private clinic out of our consulting offices in Abbotsford, Melbourne. If you would like to refer a client to our services, please follow the information provided on these pages:

• EDV mental health clinic
• EDV dietetics clinic

Tips when writing a referral letter for an Eating Disorder Plan

EDV recommend that GPs use the Eating Disorder Plan template from the Inside Out Institute to write referral letters for allied health professionals.

When writing a referral letter to psychology/dietetics clinics, it’s important that GPs include the following information:

• The clinician’s name
• Indicate clearly that the client wants to go under the Eating Disorder Plan, not a Mental Health Care Plan
• The diagnosis
• How many sessions the client needs out of 40 (psychology) or 20 (dietician)

For more information regarding referring clients to EDV’s psychology and dietetics clinic, please contact us at reception@eatingdisorders.org.au or phone 03 9994 0354 Mon – Fri 9am-5pm.

Due to the complex nature of eating disorders, it is highly recommended that GPs undertake additional training to support their knowledge base. Here we have listed RACGP accredited training courses.

Eating Disorder Core Skills: eLearning for GPs

• RACGP accredited
• ACRRM accredited
• 40 CPD points
• Online – 5 modules, self-paced
• Free with NEDC membership (free to join)

Eating Disorder Core Skills: eLearning for GPs is comprehensive foundational eating disorder training developed specifically for GPs. The training provides GPs with the key information needed to provide best practice care for patients with eating disorders.

The training will equip GPs with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, identify and assess eating disorders, provide medical treatment, lead the multidisciplinary team, manage MBS items and provide ongoing recovery support.

This four-hour, self-paced and interactive online training includes practical real-life scenarios and activities, videos from leaders in the field and people with a lived experience of an eating disorder, up to date resources and a formal assessment.

This training has been developed by the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) and is available free for GPs.

Eating Disorders: Early Intervention and Community Treatment

• RACGP and ACRRM accredited
• Cat 1, 40 CPD points
• In person learning
• 6.5 hours
• $467.50 incl. GST

“I learnt so much from this session and have been able to use it with my patients already. Hopefully I am now not missing patients which I am sure I did in the past.” – Victorian GP

This is an activity-based training featuring a panel of experts as well as people with a lived experience of an eating disorder. Learning outcomes include:

• Coordinate care for a person with an eating disorder with specialist services and community providers.
• Evaluate the signs and symptoms of the different types of eating disorders.
• Support patient engagement and disclosure for patients with an undiagnosed eating disorder.
• Implement the use of HEADDS and SCOFF screening tools.
• Assess the clinical risks associated with eating disorders.

To comply with RACGP and ACRRM points and allocation, predisposing and reinforcing activities must be completed pre- and post-attendance at this event.

Recognising Eating Disorders in General Practice

• RACGP online learning
• Cat 2
• 2 CPD points
• 2 hours, online
• Free with RACGP membership

General Practitioners registered with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners have access to this accredited online training. Areas covered include:

• Description of the spectrum of disordered eating behaviours and their consequences
• Explanation of the factors contribute to the development of eating disorders and how to use this knowledge to identify patients at higher risk
• Discussion on how to improve early recognition of eating disorders through identification of disordered eating behaviours and screening tools
• Suggestions on communication techniques that support patient engagement and disclosure of disordered eating
• Brief outline of interventions and treatment options pathways

For more information about EDV’s RACGP accredited training programs for GPs, please contact our Education team using the contact form below.