PLEASE READ IMPORTANT INFORMATION PRIOR TO MAKING AN APPOINTMENT

I provide a specialised service in lifestyle and psychological medicine, which is complementary to, and not a replacement for, the care by your regular GP. It is strongly recommended for optimal health outcomes that all patients have an ongoing regular GP. The name of your regular GP will be needed on booking your initial appointment.

As I am a specialist GP, a mental health care plan and/or referral is welcomed but not required for Medicare rebates. Please include with your referral, your health goals, past medical history, medications, allergies and relevant test results.  

BILLING

Due to the nature of my in-depth consultations, I am unable to provide bulk-billing for my services. However, if you are doing therapy or needing multiple visits with me, please be aware of the Medicare Safety Net. Once you reach the threshold, you will receive 80% of the out of pocket fee back from Medicare.

Please register for the Medicare Safety Net online at: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-register-for-medicare-safety-nets?context=22001

Create Mind-Body Health uses Tyro ePay for billing your consultation. At the end of your consult, you will be sent a link to Tyro ePay via SMS or email. You will be able to log into a secure payment platform to pay by debit or credit card. Your Medicare rebate will be deposited into the bank account you have registered with Medicare through your myGov account. For more information about how you can set this up, go to: Claim your Medicare benefit through myGov | myGov

CANCELLATION POLICY

No shows without explanation will need to pay the balance of the full fee prior to any further appointments being made in future. Last minute cancellations with less than 24 hrs notice may incur a cancellation fee. You will be sent an appointment confirmation via SMS, 2 days prior to your scheduled appointment. If you do not receive this message in error, please note you are still responsible for attending your appointment or cancelling with at least >24 hrs notice. If you need to cancel your appointment, please send an email to admin@createmindbodyhealth.com.au.

PRIVACY POLICY

At Create Mind-Body Health we are committed to protecting your privacy as a patient. We respect the privacy and confidentiality of your health information and adhere to the Australian Privacy Laws. Please read a copy of our privacy policy including our email policy here.

Create Mind-Body Health uses the AI Program Heidi Health for improving the quality of documentation of your medical consultations and allowing more time for focused attention on your health issues. If you do not wish for Heidi Health to be used in your consultation, please indicate you do not consent on your new patient registration form.

COVID SAFETY

Please notify us if you have any of the following symptoms even if mild and feeling well:

UNWELL OR FATIGUED

FEVERS

BLOCKED NOSE, EARS OR SINUSES

RUNNY NOSE

LOSS OF TASTE

SORE THROAT

COUGH

HEADACHE

VOMITING OR DIARRHOEA

Please ring to advise us as soon as possible and a telehealth consultation can be arranged. If you are too unwell for a consultation, we can reschedule you as soon as you are feeling better. Thank you for considering the safety of our staff and other patients.

From time to time, due to increased local cases of COVID 19, you may be asked to wear a mask in the clinic. If you do not wish to wear a mask, a telehealth consultation can be arranged. 

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS INFORMATION

THIS SERVICE DOES NOT PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS OR EMERGENCY CARE

If you need emergency care or care outside of consulting hours:

RING 000 for ambulance and/or police

Emergency Department Wollongong Hospital

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Local Urgent Care Centre

Contact your regular GP

Free Helplines

LifeLine 131 114

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Mens Help Line 1300 789978

Domestic Violence Line 1800 737 732

Safe Steps (women's domestic violence) 1800 015 188

Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Open Arms (serving military personnel, veterans and their families) 1800 011 046

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia 1300 726 306 www.panda.org.au

SERVICE LIMITATIONS

MEDICATIONS/SCRIPTS

I do not do prescriptions for your regular medications nor prescribe ADHD, benzodiazepines or opioid pain medications. You will need to make an appointment with your regular GP. On occasion, I may make suggestions for new medications or changes to your current medication. With your consent, I can communicate with your regular GP so you can follow up with them.

I may prescribe new medications for anxiety and depression, weight loss, smoking and alcohol cessation, menopause and other sexual and reproductive health concerns only. 

REPORTS/MEDICAL CERTIFICATES

I do not provide medical reports or medical certificates at patient’s request, for external parties such as employers, Centrelink, insurance companies, NDIS, WorkCover or legal matters. Please discuss with your regular GP.

With your consent, I can discuss your care with health practitioners in your treating team such as your regular GP, psychiatrist, psychologist or allied health practitioner with the aim to optimise your health goals with coordinated care. I welcome being invited as part of your team under your GP Chronic Disease Management Plan prepared by your regular GP.

It is our recommendation that your regular GP is kept informed to ensure continuity of care, however, it is completely at your discretion. You will be asked if you can sign a form to either consent or to refuse to consent for your regular GP to be updated as part of your new patient registration.

DIAGNOSIS FOR ASD or ADHD

Please note, I do not provide formal assessments for an ASD or ADHD diagnosis (child or adult). I can help patients to manage and improve their symptoms and the quality of their lives through lifestyle interventions and psychological support. If you require a formal diagnosis and/or prefer ADHD medication alone to manage your symptoms, you will be better suited to see another mental health practitioner who provides this service. Please see your regular GP for a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist who specialises in this area.

MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS AND SEVERE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER

Unfortunately, I cannot provide care for all patients with mental health concerns due to the limitations of my service.

I do not have the capacity to provide mental health services for child mental health disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or work-related PTSD under WorkCover. These patients would be recommended to see a psychiatrist and/or a clinical psychologist who specialises in these areas. Please see your regular GP for a referral to the appropriate practitioner/s. If your mental health condition is stable and your medication is being managed by your psychiatrist, I would welcome a referral to be involved in your care for lifestyle medicine intervention.

I do not have the capacity to provide services to patients with a severe substance use disorder or high risk of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is recommended you to be referred to the local Alcohol and Drug Service which will better support your needs. Please see your regular GP to arrange this referral or you can self-refer to Drug & Alcohol Service | Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD).