Accessing alternative natural therapies used to mean finding a clinic close to where you live, taking time away from work, and navigating a system that was not always easy to reach. Telehealth has changed that. At One Health Clinics, Authorised Prescribers are available for phone and video consultations from anywhere in Australia, meaning patients in regional Queensland, remote communities, interstate, or simply those who cannot easily get to a clinic can now access the same quality of integrative care without leaving home.
This article explains how telehealth alternative natural therapy consultations work at One Health, who they are suitable for, what the process involves, how much they cost, and what happens after your initial consultation. Every detail on this page is drawn directly from confirmed information on the One Health Clinics website.
Quick Answer: One Health offers telehealth alternative natural therapy consultations for eligible patients anywhere in Australia, by phone or video. No referral is required, and Authorised Prescribers are available nationally. You can book online or by phone, and for current consultation fees, see the fees section.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Telehealth alternative natural therapy consultations are subject to individual clinical assessment by an Authorised Prescriber. Eligibility and treatment suitability cannot be determined from this article. For current regulatory information on alternative natural therapies in Australia, visit tga.gov.au.
How Telehealth Alternative Natural Therapy Consultations Work
At One Health Clinics, we describe telehealth as ‘secure telehealth appointments for convenient care from home or while travelling.’ For alternative natural therapy consultations specifically, telehealth means you connect with an Authorised Prescriber, a TGA-approved medical practitioner, by phone or video call at your scheduled appointment time. The consultation is a real clinical assessment, not a formality. Your prescriber will review your medical history, your diagnosis, your previous treatments, and your current medications before making any determination about suitability.
The telehealth process at One Health mirrors the in-person process in every clinical respect. The difference is the format: you attend from wherever you are, rather than coming into the clinic. Prescriptions, if issued, are sent electronically. Follow-up appointments can also be arranged via telehealth where clinically appropriate.
Phone vs Video Consultation — Which Is Right for You?
| Phone Consultation | Video Consultation |
|---|---|
| Audio only: no setup or app required | Audio and video: allows visual assessment if needed |
| Works on any mobile or landline | Works on smartphone, tablet, or computer with camera |
| Simpler for patients in low-connectivity areas | Preferred when the prescriber wants to observe the patient |
| Suitable for most history-based assessments | May be preferred for initial consultations with new prescribers |
| No link or login needed | Secure link sent to your phone or email before the appointment |
Either format is available at One Health. When booking online, you can note your preference. If your internet connection is unreliable, a phone consultation is equally valid for the assessment process.
Who Can Access Telehealth Alternative Natural Therapy Consultations?
Telehealth alternative natural therapy consultations at One Health are available to eligible patients anywhere in Australia. There are no geographic restrictions on who can book a telehealth initial consultation. The eligibility criteria for treatment itself, the clinical assessment, diagnosed condition, and documentation requirements, are the same whether you attend in person or via telehealth.
Who Telehealth Is Particularly Well Suited For
- Patients in regional or remote Queensland, including those in areas surrounding Cairns such as Mossman, Innisfail, Mareeba, and the Tablelands, as well as more remote communities across Far North Queensland.
- Interstate patients: patients anywhere in Australia can access a One Health telehealth consultation without travelling to Queensland.
- Patients with mobility limitations: for patients for whom getting to a clinic is physically difficult, telehealth removes that barrier entirely.
- Working adults and carers: fitting a clinic appointment around work, childcare, or care responsibilities is easier when you do not need to travel.
- Patients managing chronic conditions: many follow-up appointments for ongoing management can be conducted via telehealth, reducing the number of clinic visits required.
- New patients who want to assess their suitability first: an initial telehealth consultation is an accessible way to have a proper clinical conversation about whether alternative natural therapies are appropriate before committing to an in-person visit.
Disclaimer: Eligibility for alternative natural therapy treatment is determined by an Authorised Prescriber at the time of consultation based on your individual clinical history, diagnosed condition, current medications, and previous treatments. Booking a telehealth consultation does not guarantee a prescription. The clinical assessment process for telehealth consultations is identical to that for in-person consultations.
Note: For patients residing within the Cairns, Mossman, Innisfail, Mareeba, and Tablelands regions, at least one in-clinic appointment at the One Health Cairns Alternative Therapies clinic is required every six months. Telehealth appointments remain available between these in-person visits. Early repeat requests for patients in these areas also require an in-clinic appointment, with a consultation fee applying (see the fees section). For patients living remotely or out of state, early repeat requests can be facilitated via telehealth with the same consultation fee.
Step-by-Step: How to Book and Attend a Telehealth Consultation
Step 1: Book your telehealth consultation online or by phone. Use the online booking portal, or call the clinic on (07) 4249 3005. Select the Cairns Alternative Therapies clinic and choose ‘Telehealth’ as your appointment type. Select your preferred prescriber and an available time. No referral is required to book.
Book onlineStep 2: Prepare your documentation before the appointment. The same documentation required for an in-person consultation is needed for telehealth: 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. Have these ready to discuss or share during the call.
Step 3: Receive your confirmation and video link. After booking, you will receive a confirmation with your appointment details. For video consultations, a secure link is included. Keep this accessible on your phone or computer. For phone consultations, your prescriber will call you at the scheduled time on the number attached to your booking.
Step 4: Find a private space before your appointment time. Your consultation is a medical appointment. Find somewhere quiet and private where you can speak freely and without interruption. Have your documentation ready and your Medicare card number available if needed for your records.
Step 5: Attend your consultation. Your prescriber will call or connect via the video link at your scheduled appointment time. The consultation runs as a thorough clinical assessment: your medical history, your diagnosis, your previous treatments, and your current medications. Your prescriber will then assess your suitability and, if treatment is appropriate, discuss the recommended options, costs, and next steps.
Step 6: Receive your prescription or next steps electronically. If a prescription is issued, it is sent electronically: no paper, no clinic visit required to collect paperwork. If your prescriber determines that treatment is not appropriate or that further information is needed, they will explain clearly and advise on the right next step. Follow-up telehealth appointments can be arranged where clinically appropriate.
Disclaimer: The consultation process described above reflects the standard telehealth pathway at One Health Clinics as described on the clinic’s website. Individual consultations may vary based on patient circumstances, prescriber assessment, and regulatory requirements at the time. Treatment is not guaranteed at any stage. Prescriptions, if issued, are subject to ongoing monitoring requirements under the TGA Authorised Prescriber framework. Follow-up appointments are required, not optional.
Telehealth Fees at One Health Cairns Alternative Therapies Clinic
Telehealth consultation fees for the One Health Cairns Alternative Therapies clinic, including initial and follow-up rates and per-practitioner fees, are maintained on the clinic fees section. Please confirm the current fees there or with the clinic before booking.
Note: Medicare does not provide a rebate for telehealth alternative therapy consultations unless the patient has attended a face-to-face in-clinic appointment within the past 12 months. Initial telehealth consultations and standard telehealth follow-ups do not attract a Medicare rebate under the current arrangement. All fees are guided by current Medicare guidelines and billed in accordance with professional attendance criteria.
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 booking. Medicare rebate eligibility depends on individual circumstances and attendance history. Product costs, if treatment is prescribed, are separate from consultation fees and will be discussed during your consultation. This article does not constitute financial or Medicare advice.
Product costs, if treatment is prescribed, are separate from consultation fees. Your prescriber will outline all costs during your consultation before you commit to proceeding.
Telehealth Prescribers Available at One Health Cairns
Alternative therapy telehealth consultations at One Health Cairns are delivered by a team of Authorised Prescribers and General Practitioners offering national telehealth. All are Australian-registered medical practitioners. The current team, and each practitioner’s telehealth availability, is listed on the clinic team section.
You are welcome to request a preferred prescriber when booking. If your preferred prescriber is unavailable, your medical records are securely shared within the clinic to ensure continuity and consistency of care. Some prescribers speak languages other than English, including fluent French, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese: please let reception know your preference when booking.
What Telehealth Can and Cannot Handle for Alternative Therapy
Telehealth is appropriate for most alternative natural therapy consultations, including initial assessments and follow-ups. There are some situations, however, where an in-person visit is required or strongly preferred. All telehealth prescribing is conducted in accordance with TGA regulatory requirements.
| Generally Suitable for Telehealth | Requires an In-Person Visit |
|---|---|
| Initial eligibility assessment for new patients | Patients in the Cairns region requiring their six-monthly in-clinic visit |
| Follow-up consultations for stable, established patients | Requests to increase a prescribed dosage |
| Medication reviews and treatment plan adjustments | Early repeat requests for Cairns, Mossman, Innisfail, Mareeba, and Tablelands patients |
| Mental health and wellbeing consultations | Situations where the prescriber requires physical assessment |
| Chronic pain management check-ins | Patients who have never had a face-to-face visit and whose prescriber considers one necessary |
| Reviewing treatment response and side effects | Initial ADHD assessments (separate service: in-person at the Cairns clinic) |
If you are unsure whether your situation is suitable for telehealth, call the clinic on (07) 4249 3005 before booking. The reception team can advise which appointment type is appropriate for your circumstances.
Telehealth for Specific Presentations — How One Health Supports You Remotely
Mental Health via Telehealth
Conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, and sleep disruption are among the most common reasons patients seek alternative natural therapy consultations. Telehealth is particularly well suited to mental health presentations because many patients find it easier to discuss sensitive health concerns from the privacy of their own home.
Related reading: Holistic Approach to Mental Health — Integrative Care at One Health
Chronic Pain via Telehealth
For patients managing ongoing or persistent pain, telehealth allows a consultation without the physical effort of travelling to a clinic, which can itself be a barrier when pain is severe.
Related reading: Alternative Therapies for Chronic Pain — What Options Are Available?
Women’s Health via Telehealth
Telehealth consultations are also available for women’s health matters, allowing patients to access care without needing to attend in person for every appointment.
Telehealth vs In-Person — A Practical Comparison
| Telehealth Consultation | In-Person Consultation (Manoora, Cairns) |
|---|---|
| From anywhere in Australia: phone or video | One Health Clinics, Shop 17B, 159-161 Pease St Manoora QLD 4870 |
| Initial consultation fees apply — see the fees section | Initial consultation fees apply — see the fees section |
| No travel required | Free on-site parking, full wheelchair access |
| Flexible online scheduling | Appointments during clinic opening hours |
| No Medicare rebate for initial or standard telehealth consultations | Medicare partial rebate on follow-ups (subject to the 12-month in-clinic condition) |
| Regional patients: in-clinic visit required every six months | Available to all patients regardless of location |
| Dosage increases must be done in-clinic | Full scope of prescription decisions available |
| Prescriptions issued electronically after the call | Prescriptions issued during or immediately after the appointment |
For most patients, the most practical approach is to start with a telehealth initial consultation to assess suitability, then transition to in-person visits as required by your treatment plan and the regional attendance requirements if you are in the Cairns area.
Frequently Asked Questions — Telehealth Alternative Natural Therapies
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Can I access alternative natural therapies via telehealth if I am not in Queensland?
Yes. One Health telehealth consultations for alternative natural therapies are available to patients anywhere in Australia. There are no geographic restrictions on who can access a telehealth consultation. The regional in-clinic requirement (once every six months) only applies to patients residing in the Cairns, Mossman, Innisfail, Mareeba, and Tablelands regions.
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How much does a telehealth alternative therapy consultation cost?
The initial and follow-up telehealth consultation fees, including consultations with Dr Nicolas Giummarra, are listed on the alternative therapies clinic fees section. Product costs, if treatment is prescribed, are separate and will be discussed during your consultation.
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Do I need a referral to book a telehealth consultation?
No referral is required. You can book directly using the online booking portal or by calling the clinic on (07) 4249 3005. Bring your medical history and diagnosis documentation to the appointment to ensure your prescriber can complete a thorough assessment.
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What do I need for a video consultation?
A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. You will receive a secure link in your booking confirmation. Click the link at your appointment time to join the call. No app download is required for most platforms. For phone consultations, your prescriber will call you directly at the scheduled time.
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Can I get a prescription via telehealth?
If your Authorised Prescriber determines that alternative natural therapies are clinically appropriate for your situation, a prescription can be issued during or after your telehealth consultation. Prescriptions are sent electronically. Not all patients will receive a prescription at their first consultation: suitability is determined by clinical assessment, not automatically.
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Does Medicare cover telehealth alternative therapy consultations?
Medicare does not provide a rebate for telehealth alternative therapy consultations unless the patient has attended a face-to-face in-clinic appointment within the past 12 months. Initial telehealth consultations and standard follow-ups do not attract a Medicare rebate under this arrangement.
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I am in the Cairns region. Do I still need to come into the clinic even if I prefer telehealth?
Yes. For patients residing 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 is available between these visits.
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What if my internet drops out during a video consultation?
If the video connection fails, your prescriber will typically attempt to call you on the mobile number attached to your booking. Ensure your contact number on your booking is current before your appointment. If the call cannot be completed, contact the clinic on (07) 4249 3005 to reschedule.
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Can I transfer from telehealth to in-person care without starting the process again?
Yes. Your medical records are held within the One Health Cairns clinic and can be accessed by any prescriber in the practice. If you transition from telehealth to in-person care, or vice versa, your treatment history and care plan follow you within the practice. You do not need to start your clinical assessment from scratch.
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I have been seeing a different telehealth alternative therapy provider. Can I transfer to One Health?
Yes. Contact the clinic on (07) 4249 3005 to discuss your situation before booking. Having your existing treatment history, current prescription details, and medical documentation ready will help your new prescriber conduct the most thorough assessment possible. You will need to attend an initial consultation at One Health, as your prescriber must conduct their own clinical assessment before prescribing.
Disclaimer: A prescription via telehealth is issued at the sole clinical discretion of the Authorised Prescriber, in accordance with TGA regulatory requirements. Suitability cannot be assumed from the conditions list or from information in this article. Your prescriber will make an individual clinical assessment and will explain their reasoning clearly if treatment is not recommended. There is no obligation to proceed at any point in the consultation process.
Disclaimer: Transferring to One Health from another alternative therapy provider requires a new initial consultation. Your One Health Authorised Prescriber must conduct their own independent clinical assessment before prescribing. Previous prescriptions from other providers do not automatically transfer and do not constitute a guarantee of treatment at One Health. Bring full documentation of your existing treatment history, including current prescription details and dosage, to your initial consultation.
Book a Telehealth Alternative Natural Therapy Consultation
Whether you are in Cairns, regional Queensland, or anywhere else in Australia, a telehealth consultation with an Authorised Prescriber at One Health is accessible and straightforward: an affordable way to find out whether alternative natural therapies are right for your situation.
No referral needed. No waiting room. Book online or call to speak with a team member who can help you find the right prescriber and appointment time.
- Online: use the booking link below
- Phone: call the clinic on (07) 4249 3005
- Initial telehealth consultation: see the fees section for pricing
- No referral required
- Available Australia-wide
Related reading
- Alternative Natural Therapies Cairns — Hub Page
- Alternative Natural Therapies in Australia: How the Authorised Prescriber Pathway Works
- Holistic Approach to Mental Health — Integrative Care at One Health
- Alternative Therapies for Chronic Pain — What Options Are Available?
- Alternative Natural Therapies — How It Works Nationally