Accessing a dietitian

What is a dietitian?

Dietitians are allied health professionals who use their knowledge of human nutrition to help people manage their health. They provide support and services to both inpatients and outpatients, including:

• assessing eating patterns
• supporting people to make healthy food choices
• providing advice about supplements
• helping to manage eating disorders and conditions like obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Why should I see a dietitian?

Dietitians can be helpful to people who:

• want help planning the best possible diet for good health, energy and disease prevention
• manage medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol or blood fats, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, reflux, cancer, anaemia, or food intolerances
• want to lose, gain or maintain weight.

What can I expect when I see a dietitian?

On your first visit, the dietitian will:

• discuss the reason for your visit and work with you to plan goals and strategies for improving your health
• take some measurements (including height, weight and waist circumference)
• ask lots of questions about your medical, social and diet history
• refer you to additional health services if necessary and plan any follow-up appointments.

At follow-up appointments, the dietitian will:

• take your measurements again and ask questions to see how much progress you have made towards your goals
• recommend some new strategies to help you reach your goals.

Referrals

Inpatient

Many Queensland hospitals have dietitians available to help inpatients. Refer to your local Hospital and Health Service to find out more.

Outpatient

You can make an appointment with a private practice dietitian without a referral from a GP.

Cost

Treatment costs vary depending on services. Some people are able to claim part or all of the cost through Medicare or private health fund rebates.

Medicare

Medicare provides some rebates for allied health services, including seeing a dietitian. These rebates have some conditions which are explained on the Allied Health Services Under Medicare—Fact Sheet.

Private health fund rebates

Most private health funds provide rebates for allied health services including dietitians. The rebate amount and claim limits will vary across the different health funds, so contact your fund to check your entitlements.