What to Expect at Your Dietitian Appointment

Seeing a dietitian is a positive step toward improving your health. Many patients come in expecting to leave with a detailed personalised meal plan, but in most cases that isn’t necessary or even helpful at the very first visit. A dietitian’s focus is on understanding your health, your lifestyle, and your goals so that the strategies you take away are both practical and sustainable.

Your First Consultation

Your initial session is about gathering the right information. Your dietitian will:

• Take a detailed medical, lifestyle, and dietary history

• Review any relevant blood tests or health reports

• Talk through your goals and challenges

• Provide tailored advice you can start using straight away

Rather than a prescriptive plan, you’ll leave with strategies that can be adapted to your needs, preferences, and health priorities.

Why You Won’t Always Receive a Meal Plan

Creating a full, personalised meal plan requires more than a single consult — it’s a process that may or may not be clinically necessary. In many cases, practical advice and flexible strategies are more effective. If a structured plan is required, this may be developed during follow-up consultations once your dietitian has a deeper understanding of your needs. For more information about personalised meal plans please see here)

Follow-Up Consultations

Subsequent appointments are where your plan takes shape. Your dietitian will:

• Review your progress and troubleshoot challenges

• Adjust recommendations as needed

• Provide additional resources or structured plans if appropriate

• Support you in building confidence and long-term healthy habits

---

Fees and Rebates

Initial Consultation

• 45 minutes

• $150

• Available in person or via Telehealth

• Private health rebates available (if covered for Dietetics)

• Medicare rebate available under a current Team Care Arrangement (TCA)

Review Consultation

• 20–30 minutes

• $95

• Available in person or via Telehealth

• Private health rebates available (if covered for Dietetics)

• Medicare rebate available under a current TCA

Care Plans

• Team Care Arrangements (TCA) / Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans are accepted but not bulk billed

• Rebate: $60.35 per appointment (for up to five dietitian appointments per year)

• Requires a consultation with your GP to arrange

Private Health

• Rebates are available if your policy covers Dietetics

• Item numbers: 500 (initial consultation) and 600 (review consultation)

DVA

• Department of Veterans’ Affairs referrals are accepted and bulk billed

---

The Takeaway

Your dietitian appointment isn’t about a one-size-fits-all meal plan. It’s about working together to build a tailored, sustainable approach to food that genuinely supports your health. With clear expectations and flexible options, your sessions can be structured around what will help you most.

To find out more please visit https://www.gcdietitian.com.au/about

 

From 1 July 2025, Gemma will be adjusting her consultation fees to $95 for standard appointments across all locations. Initial consultations will remain at $150.

Gemma sets her own fees independently, and this change reflects the ongoing value she provides through her personalised, evidence-based approach to nutrition and wellbeing. Whether you’re navigating complex dietary needs, working through health challenges, or simply looking to optimise your lifestyle, her support can be a game-changer.

Dietitian services are an incredibly worthwhile investment — often saving time, stress, and long-term health costs. Gemma brings extensive experience and a practical, compassionate touch to every session.

If your appointment is scheduled for 1 July or later, the updated fee will apply — even if your booking was made prior to this change.

For any questions about fees or to check if you’re eligible for Medicare or private health rebates, feel free to reach out to reception.