Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about my servicesFrequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of questions and answers that are aimed at giving you a better understanding of our services. If you have any questions that are not listed below, please send us an email.
What is Naturopathic Medicine (Naturopathy)?
Naturopathic medicine (also known as Naturopathy) is an integrative health care system that is focused on uncovering the underlying causes of illness or poor health, not just in treating the symptoms.
Naturopathic medicine combines both the wisdom of nature with modern scientific knowledge and evidence. It emphasises treatment, prevention, and optimal health through the use of natural approaches to therapy that encourage and support the body’s inherent capacity to heal itself.
Naturopathic medicine utilises modalities such as botanical medicine, diet and nutrtional therapies, lifestyle counselling and physical therapies.
What are your fees?
Consultation Fees
* Initial Consultation (60 – 90 minutes): $195
* Standard Follow-up Consultation (up to 45 minutes): $125
* Extended Follow-up Consultation (up to 60 minutes): $145
* Short Follow-up Consultation (up to 30 minutes): $105
* Short Phone Consultation (10 – 15 minutes): $55 (Existing patients/clients only)
Other Fees
* Repeat Prescription Fee for Herbal/Compounded Medicine without Consultation: $15 (Consultation required within last 12 months)
For more details about consultation types, please go to our booking page here or send us an email.
What are your qualifications and which professional associations do you belong to?
Madeleine has the following qualifications:
* Master of Health Science (Herbal Medicine)
* Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
* Bachelor of Natural Therapies
* Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition
* Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy
* Certificate of Plant-Based Nutrition
* Bachelor of Arts (Clinical Psychology/Media Studies)
Madeleine is a member of member of Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA).
What is your cancellation policy?
Your appointment is reserved for you. Missed appointments or late cancellations cannot be filled at short notice, and prevent Madeleine from being able to accommodate others wanting an appointment. Please consider it a courtesy to contact us as soon as possible should you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment either by email or by indicating the amendment via our booking system.
We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled in less than 48 hours prior to the appointment will incur a cancellation fee. Missed appointments and those cancelled within 4 hours of the consultation time incur the full consultation fee.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
What methods of payment do you accept
We accept EFTPOS (credit, debit and bank cards) and cash.
What should I expect during my first consultation?
Naturopaths are trained to explore and uncover the root cause of health concerns. Madeleine will take an extensive case history in order to understand the complexities of your health, your symptoms, and the impact that these have on your life. Madeleine will review any pathology test results you have, conduct any physical examinations, as appropriate, and review your diet. Madeleine will then devise and discuss a treatment plan with you. This may include dietary refinement, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation, requesting pathology testing, lifestyle recommendations, etc. Madeleine may also refer to, or recommend, other health care practitioners to assist you, if appropriate.
Madeleine takes a patient/client-centred approach meaning that treatment plans are devised in consultation with you to ensure that they are manageable and appropriate to your situation and needs, and with respect for your preferences.
How many consultations will I need?
This varies between individuals and depends on a number of factors including: the complexity of your condition or health concern, the number of health issues that you need support with, the length of time that you’ve had the condition or concern, how well you respond to the treatment, and your personal preferences.
Initially Madeleine usually recommends consultations approximately every 4 – 6 weeks for the first 2 – 4 appointments to monitor and refine the treatment. This can then be spaced out to 6 – 8 weeks or so, for further management or maintenance, depending on your situation and needs.
Will you work with my other health providers?
Yes, often we need a team and Madeleine is happy to liaise and work with your GP, medical specialist, psychologist, chiropractor or other health professional, with your consent.
Do you offer telehealth (online or phone) consultations?
Yes, telehealth consultations are available. Online consultations are conducted via a secure and easy-to-use video conferencing platform. You will be sent a link to your consulation when booking. Phone consultations for current patients/clients are also available. Telehealth is defined as the as the ‘use of telecommunication techniques for the purpose of providing telemedicine, medical education, and health education over a distance’.
Are consultations covered by private health insurance or Medicare?
Madeleine is registered with all major private health funds. However, the government rescinded rebates for naturopathic medicine consultations in April 2019 and currently health funds are unable to provide rebates to their members. We are optimistic that this will change in the future and will keep you informed. Medicare does not cover complementary medicine.
Will I need to take herbs and nutritional supplements?
Herbal medicine and nutritional supplements can be a component of a naturopathic and nutritional treatment plan. Madeleine may recommend these, if indicated (e.g. due to dietary deficiencies), and if they are appropriate in helping you to achieve your health goals.
What if I am taking pharmaceutical medications?
Some herbs and nutrients can interact with pharmaceutical medications so it is important that you inform Madeleine of any medications that you are taking. Madeleine will always take into consideration possible interactions before prescribing. Some medications can contribute towards nutritional deficiencies, so this is also something that will be taken into consideration when devising your treatment plan. Madeleine will not advise you to stop taking any of your prescription medication. If you wish to do this, please consult with your General Practitioner or medical specialist, as appropriate.