If you have been researching alternative natural therapies, it helps to understand how they are regulated in Australia. They are not available over the counter, and access requires assessment and a prescription from a qualified medical practitioner working within the TGA framework.
This article explains that framework, who can prescribe, and what an assessment involves. It is general information about the pathway, not a recommendation to seek treatment. Every piece of information on this page is aligned with our website and current Australian regulatory frameworks.
Quick Answer: Alternative natural therapies in Australia require a prescription from an Authorised Prescriber: a registered medical practitioner who has been approved by the TGA. At One Health Cairns, Authorised Prescribers are available for in-person and telehealth consultations. No referral is needed, but bring your medical history, condition diagnosis, and previous treatment records.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. The regulatory framework described reflects information from the One Health Clinics website and the TGA at the time of publication. Regulatory requirements are subject to change. Always consult a qualified Authorised Prescriber for advice specific to your situation. For current regulatory information, visit tga.gov.au.
The Regulatory Framework — How Alternative Natural Therapies Are Prescribed in Australia
Alternative natural therapies in Australia are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They are not available over the counter and cannot be self-prescribed. Access requires a consultation with and prescription from a qualified medical practitioner who operates within the TGA’s regulatory framework.
We consistently mention within our resources that some of our doctors are Authorised Prescribers who can assess and support eligible patients seeking alternative natural treatment options. These practitioners are approved under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), ensuring that all prescriptions are provided safely, appropriately, and in line with current medical guidelines.
What Is an Authorised Prescriber?
An Authorised Prescriber is a medical practitioner who has been specifically approved by the TGA to prescribe alternative natural therapies to eligible patients. We at One Health Cairns have:
- The appropriate training and clinical expertise in the relevant area
- The ability to assess a patient’s clinical needs and suitability for treatment
- The ability to monitor and review treatment outcomes over time
Not every GP is an Authorised Prescriber. At One Health Cairns, the Alternative Therapies clinic has a team of Authorised Prescribers alongside General Practitioners who conduct assessments. When you book at the Alternative Therapies clinic, your consultation will be with a practitioner who holds the relevant qualifications to assess and, where appropriate, prescribe.
Note: Source: “To become an Authorised Prescriber, a medical practitioner must have appropriate training and expertise, be able to assess a patient’s clinical needs, and be able to monitor and review treatment outcomes.” — One Health Clinics ANT service page.
TGA Evidence Requirements
The TGA requires that there is some clinical or preclinical evidence supporting the use of alternative natural therapies for a patient’s specific condition before a prescription can be issued. This is why your medical history and supporting documentation are important at your first consultation. Your prescriber uses this information to make a safe and informed assessment and to satisfy the TGA’s evidentiary requirements.
| What the TGA Requires | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| Clinical or preclinical evidence for your specific condition | You need a diagnosed condition, not just symptoms: bring supporting documentation |
| Individual clinical assessment by an Authorised Prescriber | A real consultation is required: no online self-assessment or automatic prescription |
| Ongoing monitoring and review of treatment outcomes | Follow-up appointments are a regulatory requirement, not optional |
| Prescription issued within regulatory guidelines | Your prescriber determines the product, dosage, and form: not the patient |
| Accurate medical history provided | Withholding information about medications or conditions is both unsafe and affects your eligibility assessment |
Disclaimer: TGA evidence and prescribing requirements described in this article reflect the Authorised Prescriber framework as referenced on the One Health Clinics website and TGA guidance documents at the time of publication. Requirements may be updated by the TGA. Your Authorised Prescriber is responsible for ensuring all prescribing decisions comply with current TGA regulations. This article does not constitute a complete or legally definitive account of the regulatory framework.
Step-by-Step: How to Access Alternative Natural Therapies in Australia
The following steps reflect the process at One Health Clinics Cairns, drawn directly from the information on the live ANT service page.
Step 1: Gather your medical documentation. Before booking, collect the documents listed on the One Health Clinics ANT service page: a current health summary from your usual GP, a referral or letter confirming your diagnosed condition, details of previous treatments that have been ineffective or caused side effects, and a current medication list. The more complete your documentation, the more informed your prescriber’s assessment can be.
Step 2: Book your initial consultation. Call (07) 4249 3005 or use the online booking link below. Choose between an in-person appointment at the Manoora clinic, or a telehealth consultation (phone or video) available Australia-wide. No referral from another doctor is required to book. For current consultation fees, see the fees section.
Book onlineStep 3: Attend your consultation. Your Authorised Prescriber will conduct a thorough clinical assessment. They will review your medical history, your diagnosis, your previous treatments and their outcomes, your current medications, and any other relevant health information. This is not a formality: it is a genuine clinical evaluation that determines whether you are suitable for treatment.
Step 4: Receive your assessment outcome. Not all patients will be offered a prescription at their first appointment. If your prescriber determines that alternative natural therapies are appropriate for your situation, they will discuss the recommended product, dosage, and form, along with any risks and the cost. If your prescriber determines that treatment is not appropriate, they will explain why and discuss alternative options. There is no obligation to proceed.
Step 5: Ongoing monitoring and follow-up. If treatment is prescribed, ongoing clinical oversight is required. For patients in the Cairns, Mossman, Innisfail, Mareeba, and Tablelands regions, at least one in-clinic appointment every six months is required. Follow-up telehealth appointments are available between these visits.
Important: Treatment is not guaranteed at your first appointment. The One Health Clinics website states this explicitly: ‘Please note that treatment is not guaranteed at your first appointment. Providing your medical history and supporting documents helps our authorised prescribers make a safe and informed assessment.’
Disclaimer: The process described above reflects the standard consultation pathway at One Health Clinics Cairns as described on the clinic’s website. Individual consultations may vary based on patient circumstances, prescriber assessment, and current regulatory requirements. Treatment is not guaranteed at any stage of the process. Your prescriber will explain their clinical reasoning clearly, and there is no obligation to proceed at any point.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
The One Health Clinics ANT service page specifies four categories of documentation to bring to your initial consultation. These are not suggestions: they are the information your Authorised Prescriber needs to conduct a thorough and informed assessment.
| What to Bring | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| A current health summary from your usual GP | Gives your prescriber a complete picture of your health background, current conditions, and relevant history |
| A referral or letter confirming your diagnosed condition | The TGA requires evidence of a diagnosed condition: not just symptoms. A letter or referral from your treating doctor confirms the diagnosis and its severity |
| Details of previous treatments that have been ineffective or caused side effects | Demonstrates that conventional approaches have been adequately trialled, which is clinically and regulatorily relevant to the assessment |
| A current medication list | Essential for identifying potential interactions and assessing safety. Include all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements |
If you do not have all of these documents, do not delay booking. Contact the clinic on (07) 4249 3005 to discuss what you have available. Your prescriber will work with the information provided and advise if additional documentation is needed before a prescription can be issued.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, speak to an Authorised Prescriber who is registered with AHPRA before booking.
Telehealth vs In-Person — How to Access Consultations at One Health Cairns
One Health Cairns offers both in-person consultations at the Manoora clinic and telehealth consultations available to patients anywhere in Australia. The process is the same: an Authorised Prescriber conducts a thorough clinical assessment and determines eligibility. The format differs.
| In-Person (Manoora, Cairns) | Telehealth (Australia-wide) |
|---|---|
| Face-to-face with your Authorised Prescriber | Phone or video consultation from anywhere in Australia |
| Appointments during clinic opening hours | Initial consultation fees apply — see the fees section |
| In-person consultation fees apply — see the fees section | Follow-up consultation fees apply — see the fees section |
| Free on-site parking, full wheelchair access | Secure video link sent to your phone or email |
| Some prescribers speak French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese | Same prescribers available for telehealth where listed |
| Regional patients: in-clinic visit required every six months | Telehealth available between in-clinic visits for regional patients |
For patients in the Cairns, Mossman, Innisfail, Mareeba, and Tablelands regions, at least one in-clinic appointment every six months is required under the current clinic policy. Telehealth appointments remain available between these visits.
Related reading: Telehealth Alternative Natural Therapies — Consult From Anywhere in Australia
Costs and What to Expect After Your Consultation
Consultation Fees
Consultation fees for the One Health Cairns Alternative Therapies clinic, including in-person and telehealth rates, per-practitioner fees, and any applicable Medicare rebates, are maintained on the clinic fees section. Please confirm the current fees there or with the clinic before booking.
Note: Medicare provides a partial rebate for in-clinic follow-up appointments where the patient has attended a face-to-face in-clinic appointment within the past 12 months. The initial in-clinic consultation and all telehealth consultations do not attract a Medicare rebate unless this condition is met.
Disclaimer: Consultation fees and Medicare rebate information referenced in this article are drawn from the One Health Clinics website at the time of publication and are subject to change. Please confirm current fees directly with the clinic before your appointment. Medicare rebate eligibility depends on individual circumstances and attendance history. This article does not constitute financial or Medicare advice.
Product Costs
The cost of alternative natural therapies varies depending on the prescribed product and dosage. Your doctor will discuss all options, risks, and pricing with you during your consultation. Product costs are separate from consultation fees. Your prescriber will outline the specific product cost during your consultation before you commit to proceeding.
Ongoing Monitoring
If treatment is prescribed, your care does not end at the initial consultation. Ongoing clinical oversight is a regulatory requirement under the TGA Authorised Prescriber framework. At One Health Cairns, this involves scheduled follow-up appointments to assess how you are responding, make any adjustments to your treatment plan, and ensure your care remains safe and appropriate.
One Health Cairns Prescribers Available for Alternative Therapy Consultations
Alternative therapy consultations at One Health Cairns are conducted by a team of Authorised Prescribers and General Practitioners, some available for in-person appointments and others for national telehealth. The current team, and each practitioner’s availability, is listed on the clinic team section.
Some prescribers at One Health Cairns speak languages other than English, including fluent French, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese. Please let the reception team know your language preference when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions — Getting a Prescription for Alternative Natural Therapies in Australia
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Can any doctor prescribe alternative natural therapies in Australia?
No. Alternative natural therapies must be prescribed by an Authorised Prescriber, a medical practitioner who has been specifically approved by the TGA. Not all GPs hold this designation. At One Health Cairns, the Alternative Therapies clinic has a team of Authorised Prescribers available for both in-person and telehealth consultations.
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Do I need a referral from my GP to book a consultation?
No referral is required. You can book directly at One Health Cairns for an alternative natural therapy consultation by calling (07) 4249 3005 or using the online booking portal. However, you should bring a current health summary from your usual GP and documentation of your diagnosed condition to the appointment.
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What if I do not have a confirmed diagnosis?
A diagnosed condition is required for the TGA assessment process. If you have symptoms but no formal diagnosis, the most practical first step is to see a GP, either at the One Health Cairns GP clinic or your own GP, to obtain a diagnosis and relevant documentation before booking an alternative therapy consultation.
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Will I definitely get a prescription at my first appointment?
No. Treatment is not guaranteed at your first appointment. Your Authorised Prescriber will conduct a full clinical assessment and determine eligibility based on your medical history, diagnosis, previous treatments, and current medications. If treatment is not appropriate, your prescriber will explain why and discuss your options.
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How long does a consultation take?
Initial consultations are 20 minutes for most prescribers at the Alternative Therapies clinic. Consultations with Dr Nicolas Giummarra are 30 minutes. Bring your documentation ready and be prepared to discuss your medical history clearly and completely to make the most of the time available.
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Is there an age requirement for alternative natural therapy consultations?
Yes. Alternative natural therapies are generally not suitable for patients under 18 years of age.
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Can I access treatment if I drive a commercial vehicle or operate heavy machinery?
Commercial and heavy vehicle operators, and machinery operators, are generally not suitable for alternative natural therapies. This is due to the potential for impairment. Coal and MMQ workers are also listed as generally not suitable. If you are in one of these categories, disclose this fully at your consultation. Non-impairing products may be assessed separately.
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What happens if my prescriber changes or is unavailable?
You are welcome to book with your preferred prescriber for ongoing care. If they are unavailable, your medical records are securely shared within the clinic to ensure continuity and consistency of care. Your treatment plan follows you within the practice.
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Are there ongoing requirements once treatment is prescribed?
Yes. Ongoing monitoring and follow-up appointments are required under the TGA Authorised Prescriber framework. For patients in the Cairns, Mossman, Innisfail, Mareeba, and Tablelands regions, at least one in-clinic appointment every six months is required. Telehealth is available between these visits.
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How do I find out more about the TGA's framework for alternative natural therapies?
The One Health Clinics ANT service page directs patients to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website for further information about the regulatory framework. This is the authoritative source for information about how alternative natural therapies are regulated in Australia.
Disclaimer: Alternative natural therapy prescriptions are issued at the sole clinical discretion of the Authorised Prescriber, in accordance with TGA regulatory requirements. No prescription is guaranteed at any stage of the consultation process. The decision to prescribe is based on individual clinical assessment and cannot be predetermined. Providing complete and accurate medical history documentation improves the quality of the assessment but does not guarantee a prescription outcome.
Book an Alternative Natural Therapy Consultation at One Health Cairns
If you have a diagnosed condition that has not responded adequately to conventional treatment and you want to explore whether alternative natural therapies are appropriate for your situation, the next step is a consultation with an Authorised Prescriber at One Health Cairns.
Bring your medical history, your diagnosis documentation, and your medication list. Come with questions. Your prescriber will conduct a thorough, honest assessment and explain clearly what options are available to you.
- Phone: call (07) 4249 3005
- Online: use the booking link below
- In-person: One Health Clinics, Shop 17B, 159-161 Pease St Manoora QLD 4870
- Telehealth: available Australia-wide — see the fees section for pricing
- No referral required
Current opening hours for the Cairns alternative therapies clinic are listed below.
| Mon - Fri: | 8:00am - 4:00pm |
|---|---|
| Sat: | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Sun: | Closed |