Frequently Asked Questions
General Practitioner: A general practitioner, often abbreviated as GP, is a doctor who provides general healthcare services to people of all ages. They're sometimes called family doctors or primary care physicians. GPs are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of common illnesses, manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and offer preventive care like health screenings and skin checks. They are often the first point of contact when you have a health concern, and they can refer you to specialists if needed.
Integrative Doctor: An integrative doctor, on the other hand, combines conventional medicine with other types of treatment and holistic practices. Integrative medicine aims to treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—instead of just focusing on a specific illness or symptom. Alongside standard medical practices, integrative doctors may also provide nutritional advice, and recommend dietary and lifestyle changes. Their goal is to provide a broader approach to healing.
Example: Let's say you have a common cold. A general practitioner might recommend rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms. If it's a bacterial infection, they may prescribe antibiotics.
An integrative doctor might suggest similar conventional treatments but may also offer additional suggestions, such as avoiding mucus producing foods and drinks and methods to promote sleep and relaxation. They may discuss ways to boost your immune system through diet or stress management techniques.
If you would like to book an appointment with our Integrative Doctors, we have a couple of options to suit your needs.
- 30-Minute appointment: This is ideal if you have a single health issue that you'd like to discuss. It provides enough time for the doctor to evaluate your symptoms, suggest treatment, and answer any questions you might have.
- 60-Minute appointment: If you have a complex health condition or multiple health issues to discuss, we recommend booking a longer appointment. This gives the doctor more time to understand the full scope of your concerns and ensure you get the attention you need.
If you are unsure which appointment would suit your needs, call our reception team on 8689 3823. They will guide you toward the best option.
We are happy to help with any clarifications or follow-up questions related to your recent appointment. If you have a simple question or need further explanation about what was discussed, feel free to ask.
However, if you're raising a new issue or concern, or if you'd like to discuss something that wasn't covered during your appointment, we recommend scheduling a 15 min consult with your doctor. This ensures we give you the time and attention needed to address your concerns thoroughly.
We're committed to providing you with the best care, and having an appointment helps us do that.
At MINT CLINIC, we understand that receiving blood test results is just one piece of your health puzzle. While these results provide valuable insights, they don’t tell the whole story. It's crucial to review your results with a GP to gain a comprehensive understanding of your health.
A GP can interpret your results in the context of your overall well-being, discussing not only what the numbers mean but also how lifestyle and nutrition may be influencing your health. They can explore a range of options to help you feel your best, including dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and additional diagnostic tests if needed.
Moreover, your GP can identify when a referral to a specialist is necessary, ensuring you receive targeted and expert care. This holistic approach is key to addressing any health issues effectively and supporting your long-term wellness.
Yes! Not only are you welcome to move between healthcare professionals, it may also be appropriate given your circumstances. An integrative medicine patient may elect to see a MINT General Practitioner for routine medical administration including scripts, referrals and pathology / radiology requests.
All patient information is securely stored on our medical software and accessible by all MINT healthcare professionals. This ensures safety and seamless continuity of care.
All repeat prescriptions require a consult with your treating doctor. This ensures:
- Safety: Medications can have side effects or interact with other drugs. Your doctor needs to make sure that the medicine you're taking continues to be safe for you, especially if you've started other medications or have had changes in your health.
- Relevance: Your health might change over time. What was right for you a year ago might not be the best choice now. By having a consult, your doctor can check whether the medication is still the best treatment for your current condition.
- Dosage and Frequency: Sometimes the dosage or frequency of a medication needs to be adjusted. During a consult, your doctor can make sure you're taking the right amount and not more or less than you need.
- Opportunity for Discussion: A consult gives you a chance to talk about any concerns or side effects you're experiencing. It also allows your doctor to update you on any new treatments or medical guidelines that might be relevant to you.
Appointment length
If you require a repeat prescription only, please book a consult with one of our General Practitioners or Doctor-On-Call.
Medical Certificates & Travel Letters
Our Doctor-On-Call, Dr Ariel, can complete travel letters and medical certificates. Fee: $50
Your treating doctor can also issue travel letters and medical certificates during their practice days. Fee: $50
Prescriptions
Prescription Renewal - Our Doctor-On-Call or your treating doctor can reissue your prescription. Fee: $50
New Prescriptions - Most prescriptions are available from our Doctor-On-Call. Fee: $50
Medical Reports
Medical reports require greater time. For a fee quote, please speak to our reception team.
It's important that pathology results are interpreted by your doctor as they need to be considered in the context of all information available. A test result can be flagged as 'abnormal' but be perfectly OK for you in your present situation.
When you receive and understand your pathology report, you and your doctor are better placed to make important health decisions. For this reason, it is important that all pathology results are discussed with your treating doctor prior to release. Following review of your results, your doctor will provide you with a copy.
Results cannot be released to another healthcare professional prior to your review appointment. Please ask your healthcare professional to contact the pathology company.
The answer is 'no' unless an arrangement is made with your treating doctor.
You should fast for a period of at least 8 to 12 hours prior to your blood test. Fasting is usually done overnight with the collection in the morning although it is possible to fast during the day. Ensure you fast for at least 8 hours and no longer than 15 hours prior to your pathology collection later in the day.
Before you have your first infusion, we need to ensure that IV Therapy the right treatment for you. This involves seeing on of our doctors, who will conduct a thorough health check.
Our doctor will review your medical history, any current medications, and any allergies or conditions that could affect the safety of the infusion. They might also request some pathology tests to obtain a clear picture of your health. This ensures the infusion is not only safe for you but also tailored to meet your specific needs.
By seeing a doctor first, we can identify any potential risks and ensure that you are receiving the most appropriate and effective treatment. It's all about keeping you safe and providing the best care possible. After your visit, and if our doctor determines that IV is appropriate, you can proceed with the infusion.
If you have any questions or need help booking your doctor's appointment, we're here to assist you.
Yes! Our doctors prescribe medication for ADHD, providing the following treatment guidelines:
- Holistic care for ADHD
- Dietary support
- Nutrient support
- Lifestyle measures that proven to help ADHD patients
- Repeat medication prescriptions once a patient has been prescribed medications by their Psychiatrist
Our doctors do not:
- Provide a new diagnosis of ADHD
- Start patients on medication. Medication must be initially prescribed by a Psychiatrist.
Doctors that prescribe Ritalin for ADHD
- Dr Shami Barathan
- Dr Viv Chai
- Dr Cristina Cooper
- Dr Manasi Deshpande
- Dr Sheetal Karande
Yes! Our doctors prescribe Rifaximin (Antibiotics) for SIBO.
Doctors that prescribe Rifaximin
- Dr Shami Barathan
- Dr Cristina Cooper
Dr Shami Barathan has an interest in the Carnivore Diet.
Doctors with an interest in Low Carb diets
- Dr Shami Barathan
- Dr Cristina Cooper
- Dr Manasi Deshpande
- Dr Sheetal Karande
Doctors that treat Chronic Fatigue & Fibromylagia
- Dr Shami Barathan
- Dr Cristina Cooper
Yes! Our doctors prescribe bio-identical hormones.
Doctors that prescribe bio-identical hormones
- Dr Shami Barathan
- Dr Cristina Cooper
- Dr Manasi Deshpande
- Dr Sheetal Karande
Yes! Our doctors treat Pyrrole Disorder.
Doctors that treat Pyrrole Disorder
- Dr Cristina Cooper
Doctors that treat female hormonal disorders
- Dr Shami Barathan
- Dr Cristina Cooper
- Dr Viv Chai
- Dr Manasi Deshpande
- Dr Sheetal Karande