Plenty of people are told by a GP that they should “see a dietitian”, then never book in.
Part of the reason is not knowing what happens in the room. Some people worry they will be handed a strict meal plan, told off about what they eat or asked to give up foods they love.
In practice, a first appointment is mostly a conversation. To give a local example, New Leaf Dietetics is a team of Accredited Practising Dietitians and nutritionists in Applecross, Perth, offering in-clinic or online appointments and nutrition plans for all ages.
This guide walks through what usually happens before, during and after a first visit, and how to make the most of it.
What a dietitian does
A dietitian is a university-trained health professional who works with food and nutrition for health. They can help with day-to-day healthy eating as well as with medical conditions where food plays a part.
In Australia, look for the title Accredited Practising Dietitian, or APD. The APD credential is run by Dietitians Australia, and it means the dietitian meets set standards for training and ongoing education.
People see dietitians for many reasons. Common ones include diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, food allergies and intolerances, gut problems, pregnancy, low appetite in older age and eating concerns.
Before your appointment
A little preparation helps the first session go further.
Write down why you are going. It might be a new diagnosis, a referral from your GP, a goal you have set yourself or a concern about a family member.
Gather any recent information that might be useful. This could include:
- A referral letter or care plan from your GP, if you have one
- Recent blood test results
- A list of medications and supplements you take
- Any food allergies or intolerances you know about
Some dietitians ask you to keep a food diary for a few days before the visit. Even if they don’t, jotting down what you eat and drink over a normal few days can be a handy starting point.
Checking costs and rebates
Fees vary between practices, so it is worth asking when you book.
There may be help with the cost. Dietitians Australia’s page on help with costs explains the main options. These include Medicare rebates through a GP care plan for some chronic conditions, private health insurance extras cover, NDIS funding depending on your plan and goals, and DVA cover for eligible veterans.
With Medicare, there is usually still a gap to pay. The number of visits covered depends on your care plan, so check the details with your GP.
If you have private health insurance, call your fund before the visit. Ask whether dietetics is on your extras and how much you can claim.
What happens during the first visit
First appointments are often longer than follow-up visits. The aim is for the dietitian to understand you and your situation.
Expect questions about your health history, any conditions you have and medicines you take. They will usually ask about your daily routine too, such as work hours, sleep, exercise and who does the cooking and shopping at home.
They will want to know what you normally eat and drink. Be honest here. A dietitian has heard it all before, and accurate information leads to more useful advice.
They may also ask about your food likes and dislikes, your cultural or religious food practices and your budget. These details help them suggest changes you can actually stick with.
Depending on why you are there, they may take some measurements or look over your blood test results.
Setting goals together
Once the dietitian has the full picture, the two of you will usually agree on a few goals.
Good goals are small and specific. “Eat better” is hard to act on. “Add a serve of vegetables to lunch on workdays” is something you can start tomorrow.
You should leave with practical ideas. These might be meal and snack suggestions, shopping tips, label reading advice or simple recipes. Some people also get written material or a nutrition plan to take home.
You don’t have to agree to anything that doesn’t suit you. If a suggestion won’t work with your family, your job or your budget, say so. A good dietitian will work with you to find another option.
Follow-up appointments
Changing eating habits takes time, and one visit is rarely the end of the story.
Follow-ups give you a chance to talk about what has worked and what hasn’t. The dietitian can adjust the plan, answer new questions and help you take the next step.
How often you go back depends on your needs. Some people return every few weeks at first, then less often. Others only need one or two visits.
Seeing a dietitian online
Many dietitians offer telehealth appointments by video or phone. This can suit people who live far from a clinic, work long hours or find it hard to leave the house.
Online visits follow much the same pattern as face-to-face ones. Have your notes, test results and medication list ready, and find a quiet spot where you can talk freely.
Some rebates and funding schemes have their own rules about telehealth, so check with your GP or health fund if you plan to claim.
Questions worth asking
It helps to bring a few questions of your own. You might ask:
- How many visits do you think I will need?
- What should I do if I find a change hard to keep up?
- Will you send a letter to my GP?
- Is there anything I should avoid while we work on this?
Write the answers down, or ask if the dietitian can give you a summary at the end.
Booking your first visit
If your GP has suggested seeing a dietitian, or you simply want help with your eating, start by finding an APD near you or one who offers online appointments.
Check fees and rebates when you book. Gather your notes and test results, and write down a couple of things you want to get out of the session.
Then go along with an open mind. The first visit is a starting point, and you stay in charge of the choices you make about your own food.