Booking in with a dietitian for the first time can feel a bit like waiting to get told off. (It's not. No judgment here, I promise.)
Most people I see aren't sure what actually happens in the session, what to bring, or whether they can claim anything back. No question is too silly, so let's go through it.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on how you're paying.
Paying privately: no referral needed, just book in.
Private health extras: no referral needed. Pay on the day, then claim your rebate from your fund. Check your extras cover includes dietetics first, and how much you have left for the year.
Medicare: you'll need a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (the plan your GP writes for a long-term health condition, which replaced the old "care plan" in July 2025) and a referral from your GP. This gives you up to 5 Medicare-rebated allied health visits per calendar year. Those 5 are shared across all allied health, so if you're also seeing a physio or podiatrist, they come out of the same 5.
DVA: a Gold Card, or a White Card for an accepted condition, plus a referral from your GP. You won't pay anything.
NDIS: you'll need nutrition supports in your plan, and a self-managed or plan-managed plan. We'll sign a service agreement (a simple document outlining what I'll provide and what it costs) before your first session.
What should I have ready?
None of this is homework. It just means we spend the session on you, not on chasing paperwork.
Your referral, if you're using Medicare or DVA.
Recent blood tests from the last 6 to 12 months. If you don't have a copy, your GP can send them through.
A list of your medications and supplements, including the "it's just a multi" ones.
Any diagnoses or specialist letters that are relevant.
A rough idea of a normal day of eating. No weighing, no tracking. A few photos of your meals over a couple of days is plenty.
Your goals and questions. Write them down (everyone forgets them the second the call starts).
Your training schedule, if you're training for something.
Your NDIS plan details, plus your plan manager's contact details if you have one.
Booking for someone else, like a parent or an NDIS participant? You're welcome to join the session too.
What happens in the session?
Your initial consult is about 45 minutes, by video or phone. You'll get a quick health form before the session, then a link by email. No app needed, just click and join.
We'll chat about your health history, medications, bloods, what a normal day of eating looks like, sleep, stress, training, the foods you love (and the ones you don't), your budget and how much you actually want to cook. I want the real version of your week, not the one you think I want to hear.
Then we work out your priorities together. No guilt, no fads. I build your plan around real food you already enjoy, with as much food as possible. I do the maths. You get the food.
What happens after?
Your plan lands in your client portal, ready to read, print or share with anyone supporting you, like a partner, carer, GP or coach.
Change is hard, so we start with one or two things that fit your life and build from there. You can book a review whenever you want a check-in or a tweak, or choose ongoing coaching if you'd like more regular support.
What does it cost?
Initial consult: $280, including your personalised plan.
Reviews: $110.
Ongoing coaching: $85 a week, with a catch-up every second week plus email support.
Medicare: about $100 out of pocket for the initial consult and $50 for reviews, after the rebate.
DVA: bulk billed, so nothing for you to pay.
NDIS: charged at NDIS price guide rates.
Ready to stop guessing?
Book a free 15 minute call. No pressure and no sales pitch, just a chat about where you're at and what you can claim.
