Q: How much do the doctors charge?
A: All patients are assessed, managed and monitored by an independent weight loss clinician. They charge no sign on fee or lump sum fee. You are welcome to discontinue at any time if you feel the program offered to you by your doctor is not right for you.
FACE-TO-FACE CONSULTATIONS
Fees a are consultation time based.
Medicare rebates apply for all face-to-face consults for patients with Medicare cards.
The full fee needs to be paid to your doctor on the day, The Medicare rebate can be claimed and Medicare will usually deposit the funds into your account within 2-3 days.
TELE-MEDICINE CONSULTS (Phone and Video)
This is a consultation with your Doctor however, you actually stay at home and they manage your weight by use of a video-call. The system is simple, secure and easy to access.
Patients who qualify will be able to claim a Medicare rebate for teleconsults under the following condition –
If they have seen the doctor Face to face at our clinic in the last 12 months.
Please note the telehealth fees are the same as the onsite fees as above if you qualify for a medicare rebate.
Tele Health consultations are available to all patients unable to come to our clinics in Victoria. No Medicare rebate applies to these consultations and the full out of pocket fee applies.
Q: Can the doctor help if I live remotely or interstate?
A: The doctors are happy to look after patients from all around Australia through via phone or video based consultations. These are actually very popular. Their whole program can be delivered via video and phone consultations with email and online support. Prescriptions can be faxed to to your local chemist when medications are indicated.
Q: Can I claim through Medicare?
A: All the doctors are independent and registered for Medicare, a rebate is claimable for the consultations. This can be directly claimed at the clinic and can be paid back to your account on the day. We use Tyro automated Medicare claims for your convenience. -Prepayment by phone is required if you don’t qualify for a Medicare rebate.
Q: Do you look after children, pregnant women or the older adult?
A: The doctors do not look after children. They can help all overweight patients from the age of 18 and above. Their programs are not suitable for pregnant women but they can assist you if you have weight related fertility issues or have PCOD.
Q: Do I need a referral from my GP.
A: No, The doctors are independent consulting GP’s working in various locations in Victoria. The doctor may, with your consent, write to your GP explaining the program and provide ongoing updates as to your progress.
Although all doctors are also experienced independent GP’s of many years, they will refer you back to your GP for any unrelated medical issues as continuity of care is an important part of your health care and your GP will remain your primary doctor.
Q: Can the doctors advise me about Bariatric Surgery?
A: Yes, the doctors can provide independent information about the surgical options, as well as referral and follow up care.
Q: What does the program involve?
A: The Doctors use protocols developed at Austin Hospital Research Centre – Victoria. Their programs are evidence based with your safety of the highest priority.
See Here
Q: Do the doctors prescribe weight loss medications?
A: The doctors will discuss the use of medications, any safety concerns and costs in great detail.
Q: What is the Evidence for the program?
A: See Here
Q: How long does the program last?
A: It depends on your weight targets. The doctors generally see weight loss rates of around 4-5kg per month in their medically supervised weight loss program.
Q: Do the doctors Provide Recipes and Meal Plans?
A: Yes. they provide plenty of meal ideas, snack options and recipes. See here for a small sample.
