What you eat has a direct impact on how you feel, how your body functions, and your long-term risk of chronic disease. A dietitian isn’t just for people on restrictive diets — they’re a valuable resource for anyone managing a health condition with a nutritional component, or simply wanting to understand what actually works for their body.
Our dietitian Mikayla Caniglia is based at Southport Metro Medical Centre and offers Medicare-rebated appointments for eligible patients with a GP Chronic Disease Management Plan referral.
What Our Dietitian Can Help With
- Type 2 Diabetes management
- Pre-diabetes and insulin resistance
- Weight management
- High cholesterol
- Cardiovascular disease
- IBS and gut health
- Coeliac disease
- Crohn’s disease and IBD
- Kidney disease
- Cancer nutrition support
- Eating disorder recovery
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Sports and performance nutrition
- Pregnancy nutrition
- Healthy eating for children
- Aged care and malnutrition
When Is a Dietitian Referral Useful?
- You have a newly diagnosed chronic conditionConditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, and coeliac disease all have significant dietary components. Getting clear, personalised guidance early — rather than trying to piece together information from Google — sets you up for better outcomes.
- You’re struggling with your weightA dietitian works with you on sustainable, evidence-based approaches to weight management — not fad diets or one-size-fits-all meal plans. They’ll take your health history, lifestyle, and preferences into account.
- You have gut symptoms that aren’t resolvingIBS, bloating, constipation, reflux, and food sensitivities can all be addressed with targeted dietary strategies. A dietitian can work through an elimination process and help you understand your triggers.
- Your blood results aren’t improvingIf your HbA1c, cholesterol, or other markers aren’t responding to medication or lifestyle changes, a dietitian can dig into the specific dietary factors that might be contributing.
- You want practical, personalised nutrition guidanceEven without a specific diagnosis, a dietitian can help you build sustainable eating habits that support your health goals — whether that’s more energy, better sleep, or just eating better without the confusion.
Medicare rebates are available for eligible patients with a GP Chronic Disease Management Plan (GPMP) referral. Ask your GP at your next appointment whether you qualify. To book with our dietitian, call reception on (07) 5612 7830.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see the dietitian?
You don’t need a referral to self-refer, but a GP referral via a Chronic Disease Management Plan is required to access Medicare rebates. If you want to see the dietitian privately without a referral, call us to discuss the fees.
How many dietitian sessions can I get a Medicare rebate for?
Under a GP Chronic Disease Management Plan, you can access up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year across all eligible providers (dietitian, physio, psychologist etc). Your GP can discuss how to allocate these based on your health needs.
Is the dietitian the same as a nutritionist?
No. Dietitians are university-trained, government-regulated health professionals who are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy and are eligible for Medicare and health fund rebates. The title “nutritionist” is not protected and can be used without formal qualifications. Our dietitian is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD).
Can I see the dietitian for weight loss without a health condition?
Yes, though Medicare rebates via a GPMP referral are generally reserved for patients with a chronic condition. If you don’t qualify, private appointments are available — call reception to discuss fees and availability.
Related Services
Book with our Dietitian
Medicare rebates available with a GPMP referral from your GP. Call to book — online booking for dietitian is via phone only.
Book a GP FirstOr call (07) 5612 7830