Question 1

What is the process for an Integrative Medicine Appointment?

Accepted Answer

For new patients seeking consultation with our Integrative GPs, the following process is in place:

Initial Integrative Enquiry call: 
New patients are required to book an Initial Enquiry Call with Leah, our Health Coach. This call provides an overview of how Foundations Clinic works and explores the most appropriate options for becoming a patient. It is a 15 minute, mandatory, complimentary appointment for all new patients to assess if the clinic is right for you.

Pre-Consultation Questionnaire and Consent Form
Prior to your initial consultation, new patients will receive a comprehensive questionnaire and consent form to complete. 
This typically takes 10–15 minutes and provides valuable background information for Leah and out GPs, allowing them to better understand your health history and tailor your care appropriately.

Initial Integrative Medicine Background Appointment (Health Coach):
Your first appointment will be with our Health Coach, Leah, who will take a comprehensive overview of your medical history, current symptoms, stress levels, circadian health and overall wellbeing. 
This session includes a detailed review of your lifestyle, including nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management and helps clarify your health goals while establishing a strong foundation for care at Foundations Clinic. 
Following this appointment, you will receive a blood pathology request form, which we recommend completing as soon as possible.

Initial Appointment with Integrative GP: 
During this appointment, your Integrative GP will review and interpret your test results, assess any changes in your health since your session with Leah and address any questions or concerns. A comprehensive, personalised treatment plan will be developed and emailed to you following the appointment, which may include further dietary and lifestyle guidance, as well as supplements or medications where appropriate. Following this appointment, your Integrative doctor will recommend a Foundations Pathway Program to follow over the next four months, with the level of support tailored to the complexity of your case.

Question 2

What does the Foundations Pathway Look Like?

Question 3

What is Functional/Integrative Medicine?

Accepted Answer

Functional and integrative medicine are patient-centered approaches to healthcare that focus on holistic well-being and identifying root causes of illness. Functional medicine emphasises personalised care, systems biology, and nutrition, often incorporating alternative therapies. Integrative medicine combines conventional and complementary treatments, prioritising evidence-based care, a collaborative healthcare team, and patient preferences. Both approaches aim to improve overall health and well-being.

Question 4

How often will I need to visit you?

Accepted Answer

You will begin with an appointment with Leah, followed by a consultation with our Integrative Practitioner, after which you will be enrolled in our four-month Foundations Pathway Program. 
The frequency of visits during this time will depend on the complexity of your case, your need for support, and your progress. 
Ongoing follow-up appointments are tailored to your results and goals and may range from annual health reviews to three- or six-monthly reviews. In some cases, where specific conditions or treatments are being addressed, more frequent appointments may be recommended. You are always welcome to book additional appointments if you would like support with anything specific.

Question 5

What testing do you do?

Accepted Answer

As part of our pathway programs, all patients commence with a comprehensive baseline assessment. This typically includes an extensive blood test panel designed to assess key markers of metabolic health, nutritional status, inflammation, and overall wellbeing. Additional pathology may be recommended based on your individual health history, symptoms, and goals, such as hormone testing or other targeted investigations.

Where appropriate, your practitioner may also recommend specialised functional testing through reputable laboratories. Depending on your clinical presentation, this may include advanced stool testing, urinary organic acid testing, urinary hormone (DUTCH) testing, breath testing, hair tissue mineral analysis, or other investigations that help provide a more complete picture of your health.

We also offer a range of in-clinic assessments to support your health journey, including the OligoScan and InBody Body Composition Assessment. These tools provide additional insights into areas such as mineral balance, body composition, muscle mass, hydration status, and overall health trends, helping us tailor recommendations to your individual needs.

Question 6

Are there any extra fees regarding testing?

Accepted Answer

Medicare-Covered Blood Testing: 
As part of your assessment, your practitioner may recommend blood tests to help build a comprehensive understanding of your health.
Many standard pathology tests are covered by Medicare for eligible patients and can be completed at no cost. However, some specialised blood tests are not covered under Medicare and may incur an out-of-pocket expense. Where applicable, your practitioner will discuss these costs with you before testing is arranged.

Out-of-pocket costs for non-Medicare-funded blood tests typically range from approximately $50 to $400, depending on the investigations required.

Functional Testing: 
In some cases, additional functional testing may be recommended to provide further insights into your health. These tests are performed through private laboratories and are not covered by Medicare.
Examples may include advanced stool testing, DNA testing, urinary hormone (DUTCH) testing, organic acid testing, SIBO breath testing and hair tissue mineral analysis.
Testing costs vary depending on the investigation selected, with most tests ranging from approximately $100 to $500+.

Consultation fees apply for the interpretation and review of results.
Functional testing is always optional and recommendations are tailored to your individual circumstances, healthcare goals and budget. For appointments to go through testing and reports a fee will incur.

In-Clinic Assessments: 
We also offer a range of optional in-clinic assessments that can provide additional insights into your health:
• OligoScan – $150
• InBody Body Composition Assessment– $45

These assessments may be recommended as part of your personalised care plan where clinically appropriate.

Question 7

What do you treat?

Accepted Answer

At Foundations Clinic, the team treat a broad spectrum of health issues, including, but not limited to, fatigue, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, gut problems, skin conditions, joint pains, preventative health measures, wellness optimisation and heart disease. 
However, we do not specifically specialise in vector-borne diseases or cancer treatment.

Question 8

Do you treat children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our providers are more than happy to see patients of all ages and has experience in optimising diet and lifestyle for children.

Question 9

How is Foundations Clinic different to a regular General Practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Foundations Clinic is not a traditional general practice. While our medical practitioners are qualified GPs, our clinic is designed around structured, integrative care pathways rather than routine or episodic healthcare.

Our focus is on understanding the bigger picture of your health and supporting long-term improvements through personalised medical care, health coaching, education, and lifestyle-based interventions. We take the time to explore the factors that may be influencing your health, including nutrition, sleep, stress, environment, movement, and nervous system regulation.

Because of this model, we do not typically provide routine GP services such as acute appointments, injury management, dressings, vaccinations, cervical screening, repeat prescriptions for routine conditions, or urgent same-day care.

We encourage all patients to maintain a relationship with a regular GP for their ongoing primary healthcare needs. This allows you to access timely care for acute concerns while working with the Foundations Clinic team on your broader health goals.

By combining the support of your regular GP with our structured, whole-person approach, you benefit from both day-to-day medical care and a dedicated team focused on helping you build the foundations for long-term health and wellbeing.

Appointment Process and Questions