What is Integrative Health?

Integrative health is a model of medical care that combines conventional Western medical treatment with evidence-based complementary treatments (or previously known as “alternative” approaches), to address the physical, emotional, and environmental factors influencing health.

It often combines elements overlooked in traditional Western medicine, including elements of Eastern medicine and philosophy, Naturopathy, Nutrition, and Lifestyle factors, and emphasises the whole person- mind, body, and spirit connecting - to support healing through personalised, collaborative, and preventive care.

Integrative doctors have undergone specialised education programs or training that gives them the knowledge to combine multiple treatment modalities into one holistic model of care, so you are supported as a person and not just a set of lab results.

Do you offer Medicare rebates?

No, all consultations through Probodika are privately billed and not eligible for Medicare rebates. This allows greater flexibility in appointment length, scope, and approach- without the restrictions of standard Medicare item numbers. It also ensures that care can be tailored to your individual needs, integrating both conventional and holistic approaches.

What this means for medication costs:

Patients still receive normal PBS subsidy for prescriptions if they are eligible and provide their Medicare card details, unless the medication is non-PBS (as is often the case with many herbal or natural therapies) in which case the patient covers the full cost under a private prescription; Some private health funds will cover the costs of some natural therapies, so make sure you check with your health fund provider before purchasing to see if the medication has any subsidy or ability to claim reimbursements.

What about pathology tests and imaging:

Blood tests and imaging referrals are provided just like at any GP clinic. You’ll still receive standard Medicare and PBS rebates for most investigations- there are some specialised pathology and imaging tests not covered under Medicare and if you elect to proceed to these you can discuss expected costs with the doctor at the time of ordering.

Do I have to do specialised tests and investigations to be a patient?

Not at all. Specialised or functional tests are never required to become a patient or continue care.
At Probodika, testing is used only when clinically relevant and always discussed with you first. Most investigations, such as standard blood tests and imaging, are ordered through Medicare-recognised pathology and radiology providers and are often bulk billed.

If advanced testing is suggested - for example, nutritional, hormonal, or microbiome assessments - this will always be optional, clearly explained, and chosen together based on your goals, symptoms, and budget.

Our focus is on practical, evidence-based care, not unnecessary testing. Every step is collaborative and guided by what genuinely supports your wellbeing.

Why can I only book an info session?

To provide the safest and most personalised care, all new clients begin with an Information Session before booking other appointment types.

This first step allows us to understand your health goals, background, and expectations before any treatment begins. It also gives you the opportunity to learn how the practice works and decide if it’s the right fit for you.

After the session, you’ll be guided through the next steps.

This process ensures that your care is safe, informed, and collaborative - grounded in a full understanding of your history and needs, rather than a one-off appointment.

What is included in the consult cost?

Your consultation fee covers the time, attention, and clinical care provided by the doctor during and after your appointment. This includes:

• A comprehensive review of your history, concerns, and goals;

• Preparation and documentation before and after your consult;

• Coordination of care- including prescriptions, referrals, and test requests;

• Secure record-keeping and communication through your patient portal; and

• Follow-up messaging or brief clarifications related to the same issue.

There are no hidden costs - only additional fees payable to your pathology or imaging provider if you choose optional specialised testing.

At Probodika, the focus is on providing thorough, unhurried, and individualised care, rather than short, transactional consultations.

What if I go overtime in my appointment?

Your appointment is booked for a specific duration to ensure each patient receives unhurried and focused care. If your session runs beyond the scheduled time, an additional fee of $25 per 5 minutes will apply to cover the doctor’s time.

You’ll always be notified if you are approaching overtime. At that point, in discussion with the doctor, you can choose to:

• Continue the session, if time allows and no other patient is booked immediately after- and be billed for extra time, or

• End the session on time and arrange a follow-up appointment if more discussion is needed.

This policy helps keep appointments on schedule with fairness to others, while ensuring you always have the option to continue care when required.

What if I have a question I don’t see here?

Please feel free to contact us anytime using the Contact Us tab or form and we will endeavour to get back to you within 24- 48 hours. You can also email us: clinic@probodika.com.au