Frequently Asked Questions
Integrative Medicine combines conventional western medicine (as taught in medical schools) with evidence-based complementary medicine and therapies. It involves a wholistic approach, encompassing all aspects of health – including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Practically, integrative doctors may have their own interests which informs their practice. e.g. nutritional medicine, traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture.
Alternative medicine is a term sometimes given for anything that differs from conventional, western medicine, as most people know it- i.e it is alternative to the common approach. For example, Chinese or Ayurvedic medicine would be considered alternative but in fact are highly researched and practiced medicinal systems with much evidence to support, not to mention thousands of years of use!
The difference in terms also relates to the name of the institution. For example, in the U.S, the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) is one of the main bodies training Doctors and other health professionals. In Australia, ACNEM (Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine) is the main organization that arranges education and training for practitioners. The methods and emphasis on teachings differ, but generally involves identifying and balancing the underlying root causes of illness. We have to see what’s causing the fire and address that – not just blow out the smoke!
Note – Medicare regulations: patient needs to have been seen face to face, in clinic once in 12 months, to be then able to claim rebates for telehealth.
You are advised to have a local GP that you can see at short notice and for standard general practice issues – e.g. acute illness, PAP smears, contraception, standard post-operative care /wound checks.
Please book online using the “book appointment” tab on this website.
Following this, you will have access to the patient portal /mobile app from where all bookings can be made/rescheduled/cancelled.
PLEASE NOTE –
Face to face appointments – Wednesdays only.
Telehealth appointments – other days
If you are a new patient, there will be no medicare rebate. This will apply once you have visited in person and then available for 12 months afterwards.
If you are an existing patient and have been seen face to face at the Surry Hills clinic, you are eligible for medicare rebate for 12 months from the time of the clinic visit.
NOTE – Due to medicolegal reasons, we do not see patients from the U.S.
Phone appointment- Dr Amy will call you; it will show as “no caller id”.
Please note – Dr Amy usually runs on time with her appointments – however, can occasionally run late. Please allow up to 15 minutes extra in case she is running late and take this into account in your personal/work schedule.
You do not need to bring anything to the appointment.
If you have any relevant documents that you would like to share – e.g. results, letters – please upload onto the patient portal.
Optional – feel free to bring a notepad/pen or device so you can take notes during the consult if you wish. Recordings are not permitted.
Some tests advised may be private – this will be discussed with you and whether you wish to proceed.
e.g RT3, urine iodine – are private tests and the lab will bill you directly.
There are also medicare regulations on which and how often doctors can test certain items. e.g. Vitamin D can be tested once in a year subject to specific criteria; but if it is required again, it is not covered under medicare but can be requested privately.
If other health practitioners have advised you to have certain tests, it is under the discretion of the Dr to decide whether this is warranted to be done under Medicare. If not, they can be requested privately. Ultimately, the Doctor requesting the test is medico legally responsible – a doctor cannot request tests merely based on patient or other practitioner suggestions.
Some examples of functional tests and their approximate costs (direct payment to laboratory):
Gut microbiome – $400-550
DUTCH hormone test -$400
Adrenal profile – $300
SIBO tests- $200 – $470
Organic acids test – $400
Heavy metals – $150
DNA testing – $400
In practice, a collaborative approach is optimal and we find that results are better when working as part of a “team”. For example, diet guidelines will be given as appropriate, but many patients find it beneficial to see a nutritionist/naturopath for a whole hour, to discuss diet/recipes in more detail, as well as have ongoing support.
It can be used for simple requests such as medication requests and referral letters as well as private forms and email advice.
It is designed to be both time and cost efficient – as you do not need to wait or book in for a consult and the request can usually be fulfilled within 24h (although please allow up to 3 days during busier periods) and also will not be lost amidst several emails.
If for any reason your request cannot be fulfilled, the fees (minus transaction fee) will be returned.
- Technical issue
- Dr Gajjar is on leave – and the link has temporarily been deactivated.
For further assistance, email at admin@dramygajjar.com. If Dr Gajjar is on leave, the request can be fulfilled upon return or you can see your local GP.
However, as a lifelong vegetarian, Dr Gajjar can support people who wish to continue or pursue a plant based diet, whether this be due to health, ethical, animal welfare or environmental reasons.
