FAQ's

NIIM Ltd

Is NIIM a not-for-profit organisation?
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Yes, the National Institute of Integrative Medicine Ltd is a DGR (deductible gift recipient) endorsed Not-For-Profit organisation. Proceeds from NIIM Clinic appointments are donated to NIIM Ltd to help fund ongoing research and public education in integrative medicine.

Who is NIIM governed by?
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NIIM is governed by a Board of Directors and managed by a Chief Executive Officer.

NIIM Clinic FAQs

Referral, Making an appointment and patient registration
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Are you accepting new patients?

Yes, we welcome new patients to book in at NIIM. Occasionally some of our doctors have full books and pause taking any new patients for a while. However, due to the size of our team, there is usually another excellent doctor or health practitioner who can help you with your health condition.

If a doctor isn’t taking new patients, what are my options?
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Our medical administration team is here to assist you in finding the right practitioner for your specific health concerns. Each of our practitioners has unique areas of special interest, ensuring they are highly skilled and qualified to provide expert support for those conditions. You can also explore our practitioners and their areas of special interest here

Are telehealth appointments available?
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Yes, we welcome new patients to book in at NIIM. Occasionally some of our doctors have full books and pause taking any new patients for a while. However, due to the size of our team, there is usually another excellent doctor or health practitioner who can help you with your health condition.

How long are initial appointments with NIIM practitioners?
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An initial consultation with one of our Integrative General Practitioners is usually 45 to 60 minutes.
These longer consultations are important to delve into your medical history and your current health concerns, thoroughly identify and address the underlying causes of your health issues and start to implement a personalised care plan.
Learn more about what to expect at your initial appointment here

Fees, payments and private health insurance

How much are the consultation fees?
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The fees are different for each doctor and practitioner. They vary depending on the service provided to you on the day and the length of the consultation time. Fees are reviewed periodically. If it has been more than 12 months since your last consultation, please check with the Reception team for up-to-date fees and pricing by filling in the enquiry form on our Contact Us

Does NIIM Clinic offer bulk-billing consultations?
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No, the Clinic is not a bulk-billing practice. Our practitioners dedicate more time to each patient, offering longer consultations to thoroughly understand your health condition. Our Integrative GPs and Allied Health professionals have specialised training and expertise in specific clinical areas. We take a holistic approach, conducting comprehensive assessments to identify the root causes of health concerns rather than providing quick fixes.
Initial appointments are typically one hour, allowing us to focus on delivering personalised, high-quality, and long-term solutions. While we don’t bulk-bill, Medicare rebates are available for most services.

When do I have to pay for my consultation?
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NIIM Clinic is a private clinic, and we require full payment of your account on the day of your appointment. Payments may be made via EFTPOS, Credit Card or via Direct Debit. Cash is no longer accepted at the Clinic.

Can I claim Medicare rebate on my doctor’s appointment?
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Medicare rebates are applicable in most cases.

Can I claim Medicare on my allied health appointment?
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Medicare rebates may be applicable in some cases.

Can I claim Medicare on my mental health appointment?
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Yes, Medicare rebates are applicable for patients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan

Do you process the Medicare rebate on my behalf?
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Yes we do, after your appointment.

Are the consultation fees and services covered by my private health insurance?
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Private health insurance may cover some services provided at the NIIM clinic. The services and extent to which they are covered will depend on your type of cover and policy. Please check with your health fund to be sure of exactly what you are covered for.

Where is the income from NIIM clinic appointments directed to?
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Proceeds from NIIM Clinic appointments are donated to NIIM Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to ongoing research and public education in integrative medicine.

Attending your appointment

How do I get to NIIM?
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By car: Time-limited parking is available in surrounding streets. Paid parking is available at Epworth Hawthorn directly across the road. There is limited all-day parking available at the rear of NIIM, accessible via the driveway on the right-hand side of the building. There is also a disabled ramp and a lift to Level 2.
By train: Hawthorn Station is located 140 metres from NIIM or a 2 min walk.
By tram: Tram 75 runs directly past NIIM with a stop at St. James Park or Hawthorn Station.

Is the building accessible by wheelchair?
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Yes there is a ramp at the front of the building and a lift that takes you to the clinic on Level 2.

What do I need to bring to the appointment?
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Bring your Medicare Card, any previous pathology reports and/or test results (if not previously emailed or faxed through). If you have relevant health and medical reports from any external medical appointments that you would like your doctor to review and consider, please send them by mail, fax or email prior to the appointment.

What is your cancellation policy for clinic appointments?
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Appointments can be rescheduled or cancelled with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice otherwise a cancellation fee will be incurred. A 50% fee will apply when less than 48 hours notice is given to reschedule or cancel an appointment, or if you do not attend your appointment.

Contacting your Doctor – enquiries, test results, prescriptions

I have some questions for my doctor? Can I speak with them?
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Please feel free to send us an email at [email protected]. If you require medical advice, please speak with our reception staff to arrange an appointment to speak to a doctor.
In case of emergency, please do one of the following:

  • Call 000
  • Go to your nearest emergency department or nearest hospital, or
  • Go to your nearest Priority Primary Care Centre: Priority Primary Care Centres – Better Health Channel, or
  • Contact Doctor Doctor on 13 26 60 Bulk Billed After Hours Doctors in Melbourne | DoctorDoctor

How can I obtain my test results?
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Your doctor may refer you to have a blood, urine, stool sample test or other test. In most circumstances, they will advise you to book a follow-up appointment to review the results personally. This ensures a safe approach and allows us to maintain a high standard of medical care.

Will I require medication?
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If the doctor has prescribed a new medication or altered your regular dosage, they may organise a follow-up appointment to review. It’s important to attend this appointment within the recommended timeframe. Depending on the type of medication, you may need a review appointment with your doctor before a repeat prescription can be provided.

What if I need a repeat script for my medication?
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If your doctor has said they can provide a repeat prescription without an appointment, please contact us well before your prescription is due to run out, as some of our doctors are only at the clinic one or two days per week. Please contact the clinic via email on [email protected].
Fees for script preparation may also apply. If your script is required more urgently, we may recommend you see your regular GP. All repeat script requests without an appointment will incur a fee. The scripts are given at the discretion of the doctor following a review of patient notes.

Privacy Policy

Collection of your information
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Your medical and family history is needed to provide accurate diagnosis, treatment and to ensure quality health care. We consider patient health information as confidential and will only collect this information with your consent. Privacy policy

Use and disclosure of your information
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Comprehensive care often requires full knowledge of patient health information by other health professionals involved in your treatment. For this reason, with your permission, health information may be shared with other health professionals. It is our usual practice to write to your referring doctor (where applicable after the consultation).
Limited information about patients is provided to Medicare and private health funds (billing and rebate purposes only). We may be legally bound to disclose information, e.g. mandatory reporting of some infectious diseases.

Access to your information
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You have the right to access your health information. You may wish to view the information or ask for a copy of a part or of the whole record. A small fee may be charged for this service. There may be times when we are unable to provide access, for example, if the privacy of others is affected. You will be advised in this case.
If you find information held is not accurate or complete, you are entitled to have that information corrected.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

What are your terms and conditions for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
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  1. We do not refund for change of mind, if you found it cheaper elsewhere, or if you simply don’t like the treatment.
  2. Payment is required to be made upfront.
  3. Each course of treatment is valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.
  4. Treatments are not transferable to other individuals or patients.
  5. We require at least 48 hours notice to be given for any appointment date change or cancellation.
  6. If you change or cancel your appointment within 48 hours of your appointment date, we reserve the right to apply a cancellation fee of 50% of the treatment cost.
  7. If you do not attend a booked appointment, the full cost of treatment will be forfeited.
    There is no refund for unused sessions unless there is a medical reason that the treatment is to be discontinued (Medical certificate required). We do not refund for change of mind.
  8. See your regular GP as to your medical suitability for HBOT. Our clinical team will review feedback from your GP and advise if there are any contraindications that prevent you from receiving the treatment. Once our team have reviewed you will be contacted to make a booking. Payment for the course of treatment is required at the time of booking.
  9. There is no refund for a partially used session.
  10. A request for a refund by you must be made in writing and sent to [email protected] for our consideration. The clinic may decide, upon review of your written request, whether a refund is approved.
  11. In order for us to provide you an appropriate service, it is fundamental that you provide all information requested in consent forms or advise us of any factors that may affect your treatment.
  12. Appointments must be confirmed by you/the patient when requested to do so. Appointments that are not confirmed will be cancelled.

Integrative Health Check

How long is the appointment?
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The NIIM Integrative Health Check takes approximately 5 hours. You will see all four practitioners on the same day. Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. You will be welcomed by the Integrative Health Check Coordinator.

Do I need to bring food with me?
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Refreshments and healthy snacks are provided for your convenience during your time in the clinic.

Where do I go on the day?
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The Integrative Health Check is located at the NIIM Clinic, 11-23 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Melbourne. When you arrive, please go to level 2 reception and the Integrative Health Check Coordinator will meet you.

Do I need to fast for the blood test?
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Yes, you are required to fast for approx. 12 hours overnight before your blood test. Drinking water before the blood test is recommended. If you have any questions around this, please contact your Integrative Health Check Coordinator.

What will happen if there are abnormalities in my test results?
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Should abnormalities be identified during your visit, our doctor will give you advice and refer you back to your local GP or specialist as required.

Who will have access to my test results?
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Your health information is kept confidential and is only shared with your GP or other Specialist with your consent.

What do I do if I am taking medication?
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Please continue to take prescribed medications.

Does Medicare offer rebates for the Integrative Health Check?
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Unfortunately, Medicare rebates are not available.

Does Private Health Insurance cover any costs of the Integrative Health Check?
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Some insurers offer limited coverage depending on the level of extras you have. If you have ‘health screening’ as an extra, you may be entitled to claim a portion of the costs. It is recommended to check this with your insurer.

What is your cancellation / rescheduling policy?
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We request that all cancellations and rescheduling of appointments be communicated to our Integrative Health Check Coordinator at the earliest instance by calling (03) 9912 9558. Appointments can only be rescheduled up to 7 days prior to your scheduled appointment.
A refund may be provided for cancellations up to 14 days before your scheduled appointment (excluding any undertaken test costs). Cancellations within 14 days of your scheduled appointment will result in the loss of the deposit.

What are the Terms & Conditions for the Integrative Health Check?
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The NIIM Integrative Health Check is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of your overall health status, and thereby assist you in making and attaining your personal health goals. As such, it is not designed to replace your normal medical or health care; it merely serves as a screening program.
All testing is optional.
During the program, our GP may recommend further tests not included in the standard program, or rechecking of abnormal test results. These tests are not covered by the cost of screening; however, it may be possible to bulk-bill the costs incurred in some instances. Please discuss any concerns with our GP. Alternatively, you may choose to have such additional tests arranged following discussion with your own healthcare practitioner.
Upon completion of the program, we strongly encourage you to discuss your results with your usual healthcare practitioner, specifically any abnormal tests or other findings

IV Therapy

Do I need a referral to have an IV infusion?
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Yes, you must obtain a GP referral for an IV infusion either from your own GP or a NIIM GP.

What other paperwork is needed?
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Your GP must complete the IV order form which you can bring to your appointment.

What do I need to bring for an iron infusion?
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You must bring the script for the iron, or bring the iron product with you. For patients having curcumin, quercetin or aclasta, you need to source the product and bring it to the appointment.

What is your cancellation policy for IV therapy appointments?
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Appointments can be rescheduled or cancelled with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. A 50% fee will apply when less than 48 hours’ notice is given to reschedule or cancel an appointment, or if you do not attend your appointment.

What are the post-treatment instructions?
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We recommend you rest after your IV infusion as you may feel tired. You should drink plenty of fluids, avoid heavy lifting for the rest of the day and monitor for any side effects such as a headache of mild dizziness. If symptoms worsen, contact your GP or call 000.

Events

How can I find out about upcoming NIIM events?
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Subscribe to our Friends-of-NIIM monthly eNews and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with all our events, seminars and activities.

Can I purchase tickets to a Public Education Seminar on the night/when I arrive?
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No, tickets must be pre-purchased online prior to the event.