M10 Medicare Referral for Paediatric Dietitian

Every child approaches food in their own unique way. For some, eating comes easily. For others — particularly neurodivergent children or those with disabilities — mealtimes can feel more complex. Perhaps your child prefers only a few foods, avoids certain textures, or has challenges with growth or energy levels.

As a parent, this can feel worrying. The good news is that Medicare’s M10 referral system makes it easier to access support from a paediatric dietitian with rebates to reduce the cost.

What Is the M10 Referral?

The M10 referral is a Medicare pathway that supports children and young people under 25 who are:

• Neurodivergent (for example, autistic or ADHD).

• Living with certain lifelong disabilities (like Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome).

Through M10, families can access allied health services — including accredited dietitians — for assessment, treatment and care planning.

It’s designed to make sure your child’s needs are understood holistically, with different professionals working together to provide support.

How a Paediatric Dietitian Can Help

A dietitian doesn’t just look at “what” your child eats — they explore the “why” behind eating patterns and help find strategies that respect your child’s preferences, sensory experiences and developmental stage.

Ways a dietitian can help include:

• Supporting selective eating
  Many neurodivergent children eat from a small range of foods due to sensory sensitivities. A dietitian can help you gently introduce variety at a pace that feels safe, without pressure or power struggles.

• Promoting growth and wellbeing
  If you’re concerned about your child’s growth, energy or nutrition, dietitians provide tailored strategies to support healthy development.

• Building balanced nutrition
  Dietitians can help identify if your child is missing out on key nutrients like iron, calcium or fibre, and find realistic ways to add them in.

• Navigating digestion challenges
  Constipation, reflux or tummy discomfort can be common. A dietitian can help explore dietary patterns that make your child feel more comfortable.

• Empowering families
  Dietetic support is about more than the food on the plate — it’s about reducing mealtime stress, giving parents confidence, and helping families enjoy food together.

How Many Sessions Are Available Under M10?

The M10 plan works differently to other Medicare programs. Here’s what parents need to know:

• Children can access up to 20 treatment sessions in total (across their lifetime).

• These sessions can be shared between dietitians, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists and other allied health professionals.

• There are also up to 4 assessment sessions available to contribute to your child’s treatment and management plan.

• Once the 20 treatment sessions are used, they can’t be renewed — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime entitlement, unlike other plans such as GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

• Medicare provides a rebate to discount session however an out-of-pocket cost still applies. For full list of prices, please see here.

FAQs Parents Often Ask

My child is autistic but doesn’t have a diagnosis yet — can we use M10?

You’ll need a referral from a paediatrician, psychiatrist or GP confirming eligibility. Assessment sessions may be used to help clarify diagnosis and create a management plan. Your paediatric dietitian might assess eating behaviours that will help form a formal diagnosis.

Do we have to use all 20 sessions with the same professional?

No. You can divide them between different allied health providers, depending on your child’s needs.

What if we need more help after the 20 sessions?

Other funding options — such as NDIS, private health insurance, or private sessions — may continue to support your child.

Can M10 be used alongside other Medicare plans?

Yes. Many children also use a GP Chronic Disease Management Plan (GPCCMP), which gives up to 5 allied health visits per year. Only one form of Medicare funding can be applied per session. For example, either the M10 or the CPCCMP but not both.

Why This Matters for Families

Accessing a paediatric dietitian in Melbourne can make a huge difference. With an M10 referral, families of neurodivergent children and those with eligible disabilities can:

• Feel reassured about their child’s growth and nutrition.

• Gain practical, realistic strategies that work for their child’s unique needs.

• Reduce stress at mealtimes.

• Build confidence and joy around food.

This isn’t about “fixing” your child — it’s about supporting them to thrive in ways that honour their individuality.

Next Steps

If you think your child may be eligible for an M10 referral:

1. Book an appointment with your GP or paediatrician to discuss your child’s needs.

2. Ask about the M10 referral and whether dietetic support can be included.

3. Choose an accredited paediatric dietitian who understands neurodivergence and takes a respectful, family-centred approach.

At our clinic in Moonee Ponds, our paediatric dietitians work alongside families across Melbourne. We specialise in supporting neurodivergent children and those with disabilities, focusing on practical, compassionate care that reduces stress and builds confidence. Our team understands from personal and professional experience.