Long-term enteral nutrition support services for adults

Manage adults requiring long-term enteral nutrition support with advice from a doctor and accredited practising dietitian experienced in such care.

The Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) program is an Australian government initiative available through the public health system. HEN funding varies in each state. In some states, the cost of formula and feeding equipment is completely or partially covered; in others, patients are required to pay. Only patients with a Medicare card who are having their primary treatment in a public hospital are eligible for the HEN program. Patients who live in an aged-care facility, have a Department of Veterans Affairs gold card, or are under Transport Accident Commission (TAC) care are not eligible for the HEN program. In these circumstances, alternative funding is available to support the cost of the enteral nutrition products and management by a private accredited practising dietitian. Funding for HEN is also available under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for eligible patients (see the NDIS website for information about eligibility and access).

Further information is available from the patient’s accredited practising dietitian or treating hospital, or the relevant state government health department.