Dietetics

Dietitian – Medicare & Private Health FAQs

If you're considering seeing a Dietitian here at Southside, you may be wondering about referral options, rebates, and how to access services. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process. If you are still unsure, feel free to call reception or discuss with your GP.

Medicare Information:

Can I see a Dietitian under Medicare?

Yes, you may be eligible to see a Dietitian under Medicare through a Chronic Condition Management (CCM) plan (previously called a CDM or EPC plan).

What is a CCM plan?

A Chronic Condition Management Plan is arranged by your GP to help manage chronic or complex medical conditions, such as:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• IBS or Coeliac disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• PCOS
• Insulin resistance
• Mental health conditions (e.g. eating disorders with physical health impacts)

This plan allows you to access up to 5 Medicare-subsidised allied health visits per calendar year, which may include Dietitian services (and other allied health)

How do I access it?

Visit your GP – Ask if you are eligible for a CDM plan.

If approved, your GP will create a care plan and provide a referral to a Dietitian.

Bring the referral to your appointment or have your GP send it directly to our clinic.

What is the Medicare rebate?

The current rebate is $61.80 per Dietitian consult (as of July 2025). After the Medicare Safety Net Threshold is met in the calendar year, the amount rebatable via Medicare will increase to include 80% of the gap fee.

What about eating disorder referrals (EDMP)?

Yes, Medicare also provides Eating Disorder Management Plans (EDMPs) for eligible clients with a diagnosed eating disorder.

What is an EDMP?

An EDMP is a more intensive Medicare plan designed for people with an eating disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, or OSFED.

What's included?

• Up to 20 Dietitian sessions over 12 months from referral start date
• Up to 40 additional sessions with Psychologist (review needed every 10 sessions)

Requires an initial GP assessment and referral and ongoing review by your GP or psychiatrist.

If you think this might apply to you or your loved one, speak to your GP about an EDMP referral.

Can I use private health insurance instead of Medicare?

Absolutely! If you have extras cover that includes Dietetics, you can claim a rebate through your private health fund.

How does it work?

No GP referral is needed. Rebates and coverage depend on your specific fund and level of cover. When paying at reception, on-the-spot claiming via HICAPS  – just bring your health fund card. Please check with your health fund to confirm your rebate amount before your appointment.

Can I use both Medicare and private health insurance?

Not for the same appointment.

You can:

• Use Medicare (if referred via a GP plan), or
• Use private health insurance (if you don’t use a Medicare referral)

You can switch between them for different sessions, but you cannot claim both for a single consult.

Your GP is the best person to speak to regarding types of Medicare referrals that you might be eligible for.



Cancellation Policy:

At least 48 hours' notice is required to change or cancel appointments, or a cancellation fee will be charged (notice period excludes weekends & public holidays). The cancellation fee is 50% of the usual session fee if the cancellation is made within 24-48 hours, or the full session fee if the cancellation is made with less than 24 hours' notice. The full session fee also applies for missed appointments. These fees are not covered by Medicare.

Our Dietitians