Common questions, answered plainly
Do I need a referral to visit Karma Nutrition?
No referral is needed for a private appointment. A GP referral is required if you want to claim Medicare-supported dietitian services under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP).
Can I claim under Medicare?
Yes. If your GP refers you under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP), Medicare can subsidise eligible allied health visits. Patients can access up to five MBS-supported individual allied health services per calendar year, shared across the allied health providers involved in the plan. A gap fee applies at Karma Nutrition — see the fees page for the current pathway and costs.
Can I claim if I hold a DVA Gold Card?
Yes. DVA Gold Card holders are bulk-billed with a doctor’s referral, through Karma Nutrition’s DVA provider status — no out-of-pocket cost.
Can I get a telehealth consultation?
Yes. Telehealth consultations are available Australia-wide. Eligible Medicare chronic-condition referrals and DVA arrangements can also be provided by telehealth, subject to the usual program requirements.
Can I claim under private health insurance?
Most private health funds offer some rebate for dietitian consultations under extras cover, though the amount varies by fund and policy level. It’s worth checking your fund’s exact rebate for “dietetics” before your appointment.
Do you provide meal plans or diet charts?
Yes, written meal plans and diet charts are available on request, for an additional fee on top of the consultation.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
In Australia, all dietitians are nutrition professionals, but not all nutritionists have a dietetics qualification. Shilpi Arora is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Accredited Nutritionist. APDs are university-qualified to provide evidence-based nutrition care and medical nutrition therapy.
Where can I see a dietitian near me on the Gold Coast?
Karma Nutrition offers in-person dietitian appointments at SmartClinics Arundel and Harbour Town Day/Night Surgery in Biggera Waters, which alternate fortnightly on Mondays (only one clinic runs on any given Monday), plus Harmony Health Medical Centre in Currumbin Waters every Thursday. Telehealth consultations are also available Australia-wide. See the Visit & Online page for clinic details and booking links.
Ready to book?
GP referral or not, Medicare, DVA or private — start with the appointment option that suits you.