How to Start a Dietitian Private Practice in Australia: Complete Guide

Starting your own dietitian private practice in Australia is an exciting step toward professional independence and flexibility. Whether you're leaving hospital work, transitioning from community health, or building something alongside your current role, private practice offers the opportunity to specialise, set your own hours, and build a business around the clients you're most passionate about helping.

This comprehensive guide covers everything Australian Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) need to know—from registration and Medicare requirements to pricing, insurance, and the technology that will help you run an efficient practice.

Step 1: Ensure Your APD Credential is Current

Before you can practice privately in Australia, you need to hold the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential through Dietitians Australia. This credential is essential for:

Medicare rebates under Chronic Disease Management plans

Private health insurance recognition

Professional credibility with referrers and clients

WorkCover and DVA claims

Action items:

Confirm your APD status is current with Dietitians Australia

Ensure your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements are met

Update your contact details if you're changing practice locations

 

Step 2: Register Your Business

In Australia, you'll need to establish your business structure properly. Most solo dietitians choose one of two options:

Sole Trader

The simplest structure. You operate under your own name or a registered business name. Income is taxed at personal rates. This is how most dietitians start.

Company (Pty Ltd)

A separate legal entity that offers asset protection and potential tax advantages as your practice grows. More complex to set up and maintain but worth considering as revenue increases.

Essential registrations:

ABN (Australian Business Number): Free to register at abr.gov.au. Required for invoicing and GST purposes.

Business name: If operating under anything other than your personal name, register through ASIC.

GST registration: Required once turnover exceeds $75,000. Optional below this threshold.

Consult an accountant before choosing your structure—the right choice depends on your circumstances and growth plans.

 

Step 3: Understand Medicare & Chronic Disease Management Plans

Medicare rebates are a significant revenue source for many Australian dietitian practices. Here's how they work:

Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDMPs)

GPs can refer patients with chronic conditions to allied health professionals including dietitians under Medicare's CDM program. Key points:

5 sessions per year: Patients receive up to 5 Medicare-subsidised allied health sessions annually (shared across all allied health providers).

Rebate amount: Currently approximately $61 per session (check current MBS rates).

Gap payment: You can charge above the rebate—the difference is the patient's out-of-pocket cost.

Referral required: Patients need a GP referral and care plan to access rebates.

Eating Disorder Plans

Patients with eating disorders can access up to 20 Medicare-subsidised sessions per year with dietitians—a significant opportunity if you work in this area.

Setting Up for Medicare

Register as a provider through HPOS (Health Professional Online Services)

Set up claiming through Medicare (bulk billing or patient claims)

Consider Tyro, Medipass, or similar for streamlined Medicare claiming

 

Step 4: Get Your Insurance in Order

Insurance is non-negotiable for private practice. You'll need:

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Protects you against claims of professional negligence. This is mandatory for APDs and required by Dietitians Australia for credential maintenance. Providers include Guild Insurance, HPLS, and others specialising in allied health.

Public Liability Insurance

Covers claims arising from accidents or injuries on your premises. Essential if seeing clients in person, and often required by clinic landlords.

Business Insurance

Consider coverage for equipment, cyber liability, and business interruption depending on your setup.

 

Step 5: Choose Your Practice Model

Australian dietitians run successful practices in several formats:

Telehealth Only

Run your entire practice virtually. Lower overheads, flexible location, and reach clients anywhere in Australia. Medicare telehealth items are now permanent, making this a viable long-term model.

In-Person Clinic

Traditional consulting rooms. Options include renting your own space, subletting from a GP practice or allied health clinic, or using a serviced office arrangement.

Hybrid Model

Combine telehealth and in-person sessions. Many clients prefer initial consultations in person with follow-ups via video. This offers flexibility while building local referral relationships.

Mobile Practice

Visit clients in their homes, workplaces, or aged care facilities. Higher travel time but addresses accessibility barriers and can command premium pricing.

 

Step 6: Set Your Pricing

Pricing is one of the biggest challenges for new practice owners. Many Australian dietitians undercharge. Here's how to approach it:

Research Market Rates

Private practice dietitian rates in Australia typically range from $120-$220+ for initial consultations and $90-$180+ for follow-ups. Rates vary by location, specialisation, and experience.

Consider Your Costs

Factor in: room rent, insurance, software subscriptions, professional development, marketing, superannuation (9.5% minimum for yourself), and the fact that not all your time is billable.

Package Pricing

Many successful practices offer packages rather than per-session pricing. For example, a 3-month weight management program including initial consultation, follow-ups, meal plans, and app access for a fixed price. This improves client commitment and your cash flow.

 

Step 7: Set Up Your Technology Stack

The right software makes your practice efficient and professional. Australian dietitians typically need:

Practice Management Software

For scheduling, client records, and billing. Cliniko is the leading option for Australian allied health, with Medicare integration and strong local support.

Meal Planning Software

Foodzilla is designed for Australian practitioners with AUSNUT/FSANZ databases, Cliniko integration, and Australian data hosting. Create professional meal plans in minutes rather than hours.

Video Conferencing

For telehealth consultations. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Cliniko's built-in telehealth features. Ensure your platform meets privacy requirements.

Accounting Software

Xero or MYOB are the Australian standards. Essential for BAS lodgement, expense tracking, and making tax time manageable.

 

Step 8: Build Your Referral Network

In Australia, GP referrals are essential for Medicare-eligible clients. Building relationships with local GPs and other health professionals is critical:

Introduce yourself: Visit local GP practices with your information pack and business cards.

Make referrals easy: Provide clear referral pathways and respond promptly to referred patients.

Send reports: Keep referring GPs informed with professional consultation reports.

Connect with allied health: Build relationships with exercise physiologists, psychologists, and other professionals for cross-referrals.

 

Step 9: Market Your Practice

Getting your name out there is essential for building a client base:

Online Presence

Website: Professional website with clear information about your services, pricing, and how to book.

Google Business Profile: Essential for local search visibility. Encourage reviews from happy clients.

Social media: Choose platforms where your target clients spend time. Instagram works well for nutrition content.

Directories

Dietitians Australia "Find an APD" directory

HealthShare, HotDoc, and other healthcare directories

Private health fund provider directories

 

Step 10: Deliver Exceptional Service

Your reputation is built on results. Focus on:

Professional materials: Use software like Foodzilla to deliver polished meal plans and resources that reflect your expertise.

Client communication: Respond promptly, communicate clearly, and make clients feel supported.

Follow-up: Check in between sessions. A client mobile app makes this seamless.

Measure outcomes: Track progress so clients see their results and you can demonstrate value to referrers.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Undercharging: Calculate your true costs and charge accordingly. You can't help clients if your business isn't sustainable.

Skipping the business basics: Get your ABN, insurance, and registrations sorted before seeing your first client.

Trying to serve everyone: Niching down makes marketing easier and helps you become known for something specific.

Manual everything: Invest in software from day one. Time spent on admin is time not spent with clients or building your practice.

Ignoring Medicare requirements: Understand the rules around CDMPs, documentation, and claiming to avoid compliance issues.

 

Ready to Start Your Australian Dietitian Practice?

Starting a private practice takes planning, but Australian dietitians have excellent opportunities with Medicare rebates, growing health consciousness, and increasing demand for nutrition services. Get your foundations right, invest in professional tools, and focus on delivering exceptional client care.

Foodzilla helps Australian dietitians run efficient, professional practices with AUSNUT/FSANZ databases, Cliniko integration, automated meal planning, and a white-label client app. Start your free trial and see how the right tools set your practice up for success.