Melbourne Dietitian & Nutritionist FAQs
Still have questions? Get in touch anytime. If you’re feeling ready, you’re welcome to schedule an appointment.
General
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Dietitians are both nutritionists and dietitians and are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy.
The term 'nutritionist' is not regulated or protected, meaning anyone can use it, regardless of their qualifications. This lack of regulation underscores the importance of being cautious about who you seek nutritional advice from.
To become a dietitian, you must have an approved dietetics qualification, complete clinical placement, and undergo accreditation. This ensures that they have the highest level of nutrition education among health professionals.
Dietitians possess the highest level of nutrition education among health professionals. They are the only ones recognised by Medicare to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy.
Dietitians work collaboratively with other health professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve the best possible health outcomes for their clients and patients. This team-based approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's health are considered, leading to more effective care.
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Research shows that telehealth consultations are as effective as in-person sessions. The quality of care remains the same regardless of which consultation you choose.
Ultimately, your choice should depend on what best suits your lifestyle, location, schedule, and personal preferences.
It's worth noting that telehealth services remove geographical barriers and provide equal access to high-quality healthcare. Allowing people living in rural or remote areas to receive the same level of care as those in cities.
If you'd like more information, explore in-person consultations in St Kilda, Melbourne, or discover online consultation options across Australia.
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Emma celebrates, values, and includes ALL people regardless of their body size, weight, shape, background, gender, sexuality, culture, language, neurotype, and abilities.
Who We’re Here For
Adults
Adolescents (please phone to discuss)
We support clients who are seeking meaningful, long-term results — not temporary quick fixes.
You’re in the right place if you:
Are ready to make sustainable, health-promoting changes without rules or restriction
Are questioning why diets don’t work long-term (Hint: It’s not because you’re doing anything wrong)
Feel ready to step away from dieting and diet culture
Want to build a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food
Have experienced disordered eating, suspect you may have an eating disorder or are working on eating disorder recovery
Have encountered weight stigma
Are managing a chronic health condition and want evidence-based, practical, and realistic support
Feel overwhelmed or confused by all the nutrition and diet misinformation on social media
You may not be in the right place if you:
Are content with the status quo and not ready to try a different approach
Want to stay stuck in the cycle of dieting and quick fixes
Prefer to keep following restrictive diets rather than exploring sustainable change
Are not open to moving beyond diet culture
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The number of appointments required depends on your specific reasons for seeking dietetic guidance, your health considerations, and your goals.
For individuals seeking to improve their gut health, it may be necessary to attend multiple sessions in order to identify triggers and alleviate symptoms effectively.
For those aiming to establish a healthier relationship with food, an extended period of collaboration often yields the most beneficial results.
Ultimately, the goal is to equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and skills required to manage your health autonomously.
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View current fees and explore booking options on our Consultation page, or find information regarding rebates on our Referrals & Funding page.
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Credit Card Payment: A credit card is required to secure your appointment. This credit card will be charged at the conclusion of your consultation unless other arrangements have been made. A 50% deposit is required to secure in-person appointments at the time of booking.
Medicare Referral: If you have a Medicare referral, your consultation will be charged to your credit card, then your rebate will be promptly processed and deposited into the bank details you’ve provided.
Alternative Payment Method: If you prefer to use a payment method other than a credit card, kindly request an invoice before your consultation. Invoices are required to be settled 48 hours prior to your appointment.
Self-Managed NDIS Participants: An invoice will be sent to your email following your consultation.
Plan-managed NDIS participants: In the case of plan-managed participants, the invoice will be emailed to your plan manager.
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Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services remotely using digital communication, such as video calls. It allows clients access to healthcare services without having to visit a clinic.
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We provide telehealth consultations via the online video platform Zoom. When you book a telehealth appointment, you’ll receive a secure link to access your session online.
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We ask that if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment that you give us as much notice as possible.
We have a 48-business hour cancellation policy where 100% of the service fee is charged for cancellations within this time frame.
Appointments
Referrals & Funding
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Yes, you can see a dietitian without a referral.
However, we do ask that all clients remain in regular contact with their GP to support ongoing medical care.
We require that clients with disordered eating or eating disorders be under regular GP monitoring and engaged, or in the process of engaging, with psychological support.
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Submitting a Referral
Referrals can be sent to:
What to Expect Next
Referral Review
Each referral is carefully reviewed to ensure our services are the right fit for the client’s needs.
Referral Outcome
Once accepted, the client will be contacted by email or SMS with instructions on how to book an appointment.
If we require further information, we’ll be in touch.
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Many private health insurance policies with extras cover offer rebates for appointments with an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). However, the level of cover and annual limits vary depending on your individual policy. We recommend checking with your insurer prior to your consultation.
Following your appointment, you’ll be provided with a receipt containing all the information needed to make a claim.
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Yes, if your disability impacts your ability to manage nutrition, you may be eligible to receive support from an Accredited Practising Dietitian through your NDIS plan.
Emma Keenan Dietitian supports participants who are:
Self-managed
Plan-managed
Nutrition support can be claimed under the following categories:
Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
Capacity Building – Improved Health and Wellbeing
[Click here to complete our NDIS Nutrition Support Request Form.]
Medicare Care Plans & Dietitian Rebates
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Yes, if your GP has referred you to a dietitian on an eligible care plan and you have sessions available then you will qualify for a Medicare rebate.
Please be aware that we do not provide bulk-billing services and there is an out-of-pocket cost.
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From 1st July 2025
GPCCMPs are for patients with one or more chronic medical conditions who would benefit from a structured approach their care.
A chronic medical condition that has been (or is likely to be) present for at least 6 months or is terminal.
Medicare Rebates:
Up to 5 individual allied health services per calendar year
Up to 10 services for patients of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
The current Medicare rebate is $61.80 per session
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If you are eligible your GP or Psychiatrist can create an eating disorder plan (EDP). This plan can include up to 20 sessions with a dietitian and 40 sessions with a mental health clinician over a 12-month period.
Medicare Rebates:
The current Medicare rebate for dietitians is $61.80 per session up to 20 sessions in a 12-month period.
Eligible Patient
For a patient to be eligible, they have a clinical diagnosis of:
anorexia nervosa; or
They meet the eligibility criteria (below), and have a clinical diagnosis of any of the following:
bulimia nervosa
binge eating disorder
other specified feeding or eating disorder
Eligibility Criteria
a) the patient has a score of 3 or more on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q); and
b) the condition is characterised by rapid weight loss, or frequent binge eating or inappropriate compensatory behaviour as manifested by 3 or more occurrences per week; and
c) a person who has at least two of the following indicators:
clinically underweight with a body weight less than 85% of expected weight where weight loss is directly attributed to the eating disorder;
current or high risk of medical complications due to eating disorder behaviours and symptoms;
serious comorbid medical of psychological conditions significantly impacting on medical or psychological health status with impacts on function;
the person has been admitted to a hospital for an eating disorder in the previous 12 months;
inadequate treatment response to evidence-based eating disorder treatment over the past six months despite active and consistent participation.
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Before 1st July 2025
Clients with existing GP Management Plan and/or Team Care Arrangements can continue to access services under those plans for two years. From 1st July 2027, if clients need to continue to access services, they will need to have a GPCCMP in place.
Medicare Rebates for Dietitian Appointments
| Appointment Type | Appointment Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Assessment (50 minutes) | $210.00 | $61.80 | $148.20 |
| Standard Review (50 minutes) | $180.00 | $61.80 | $118.20 |