FAQ

Where are you located?

The Natural Health and Nutrition Clinic is located at 425 Galston Road, Dural, NSW, which is approximately 36 km (or a 45-minute drive) northwest of the Sydney CBD, in the Hills District.

The clinic is located on the premises of Australia’s premier pet boarding facility “Pet Resorts of Australia’. So once you see the Pet Resorts of Australia sign, you know you’re in the right place.

Once you enter through the main gates, the Natural Health and Nutrition Clinic is located at the front of the house on your right-hand side.

Is parking available on-site?

Yes. There is plenty of parking available onsite. Once through the main gates, the most convenient place to park is under the trees on your left-hand side. Further, parking can be found by continuing to follow the driveway around to the rear of the property.

Is there disabled access?

Yes. If you have special needs, please let me know at the time of booking so that I can ensure parking is available to you immediately outside the clinic entrance.

Can I get to you via public transport?

Yes. Public transport (bus only) is available to the clinic. You will need to catch Bus Route No 637 or 638. The nearest bus drop-off point is at Carters Rd. From here it is a short 5-minute walk (approximately 350 m) along a flat footpath to the clinic.

[Always check the bus timetable for the most current information]

How do I make an appointment for a consultation?

You can contact the clinic by telephone or email for any enquiries or if you would like to make an appointment (details under the ‘Contact’ tab).

Do you conduct online or phone consultations?

Yes. For those patients who live outside of the Sydney region, Skype/Zoom/FaceTime/phone consultations are available. Any supplements can be prescribed via a patient online ordering system.

Fees and charges are the same as for face-to-face consultations, however, health fund rebates may differ and you will need to check with your own provider.

How can I pay for an appointment?

Clinic consultations: Cash, credit card (Visa or MasterCard only) or direct bank deposit.

Online consultations:  Credit card or direct bank deposit.

For in-clinic appointments, all fees are due for payment on the day of the consultation

Payment for online consultations must be received prior to the appointment for new patients.

Do I have to do anything before my first appointment?

Prior to your initial consultation, you will be required to complete and submit a health questionnaire (to provide me with details of your current and previous health history), along with a 7-day food diary. This gives me time to review your health details and ensures time is not wasted during your initial appointment in collecting this information. Questionnaires will be emailed to you.

Please obtain copies from your GP of any pathology test results that you may have had within the last 12-18 months. You should not be required to make an appointment with your GP for this if you have discussed the results with them previously – just speak to the receptionist and let them know that you have previously seen your GP and would like copies for your own records. Reviewing recent pathology results prevents unnecessary repetition and allows a more targeted treatment approach.

What if I’m already seeing a doctor or specialist for my health concern?

It is my preference, and also highly beneficial for you, that any health care providers that you may be seeing work together and maintain open channels of communication. This ensures that you receive the best healthcare possible. This will only ever be done with your consent.

What if I am already taking prescription medications?

This is very common and I understand that there are times when prescription medications are necessary.  I have been trained and am knowledgeable in safely prescribing herbal and nutritional supplements alongside pharmaceutical medications. However, it is of paramount importance that you explain to all health care providers exactly which prescription and/or over-the-counter medications or supplements you are currently using.

As we work together, I am often able to help my patients reduce their need for medications over time, which in turn reduces any side-effects that the medications may be causing. Please note, however, that any changes to your medication regime must be authorised and conducted under the guidance of your prescribing doctor (generally this will be your GP).

If my symptoms are managed with medication why should I see a Naturopath?

Symptoms are the body’s way of telling us that there is a deeper issue at play. While medications can take away symptoms, they often do not remove the underlying cause of the symptoms. When medications mask symptoms over a long period of time, other symptoms can begin to appear and more serious disease states can develop. The naturopathic approach is to help you discover why you developed your symptoms in the first place and to prevent further progression of disease.

Can a Naturopath order lab tests?

Yes.  Naturopaths are able to order functional pathology tests. I am also trained to interpret your lab results from a general and functional perspective, meaning that I may be able to detect less than ideal physiologic functioning or nutritional deficiencies even when lab results fall within the established normal ranges. If you have had any lab work done in the last 12 months please bring the results with you to your first appointment.

Can I claim my consultation on Medicare or Private Health Insurance?

As a clinically accredited Naturopath, I have been issued with provider numbers that will enable your Naturopathic consultations to be claimed via Private Health Insurance if you have extras cover that allows this. You will need to check with your Health Fund for details of what you are eligible for. Unfortunately, naturopathy is not covered by Medicare, so is unable to be claimed.

What will be discussed in my initial consultation?

Generally, the following topics will be discussed:

• The reason for your visit
• Your health goals
• A comprehensive review of your health history
• Your current physical condition and emotional state
• Alcohol, medication and substance use
• Current diet and lifestyle patterns
• Sleep and exercise habits
• Diagnostic test results

How often will I need to have a consultation?

This varies from person to person and will depend on the severity of your health complaint and the condition of your overall health. As your condition improves, the length between visits will also extend.

For example, a naturopathic consultation for a chronic health condition or for weight loss support may require a consultation every fortnight for the first 6 weeks then extend to once a month, then once every 2 months, etc and so on as your health condition improves. For a minor health complaint, only 1-2 visits may be all that is required to get your health back on track.

I’m feeling better, why should I keep seeing you?

It is much easier and more effective to prevent a disease or a state of ill health than to treat or reverse it. The vast majority of chronic and degenerative diseases (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and many others) are preventable.  Naturopathic medicine can provide you with the tools to be proactive about your health and minimise the risk of chronic diseases occurring in the first place. Most patients, once they have overcome their initial health concern, will continue to ‘check-in’ with me 1 to 3 times per year as a proactive approach to maintain their wellness and ensure that they are still on the right track. Others simply enjoy the support that I offer them in working toward their longer-term goals such as weight management.

What happens if I have to cancel?

Please ensure you give at least 24 hours notice if you cannot keep your appointment. There is a 50% cancellation fee for all appointments cancelled on the day it was scheduled. If you cannot make a scheduled appointment please call as soon as possible so that we can offer the appointment time to someone else.

Confidentiality and Privacy

At the Natural Health and Nutrition Clinic, I have strict confidentiality and privacy policies in place that adhere to the Australian Traditional Medicine Society’s Code of Conduct.

Disclaimer

The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. The publisher is not a licensed medical care provider. The information is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine.  If you have or suspect you may have, a medical or psychological problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Any links on this website to external sites are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy or content.

Any review or other matter that could be regarded as a testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any consultation. The testimonials on this website represent the anecdotal experience of individual consumers. Individual experiences are not a substitute for scientific research.