top of page

We're here to answer your questions
-
How does Alternaleaf help someone like me?Alternaleaf provides care to tens of thousands of Australians from all walks of life. Some patients have extensive experience using plant medicine, while many are exploring it for the first time. Some have a passion for holistic wellbeing and others are trying to find relief from the symptoms of old age. As Australia's leading plant medicine clinic, we connect you with qualified doctors who are highly experienced in plant medicine and treating people with chronic conditions. Our expert doctors and nurses will assess your suitability for plant medicine and our Patient Care Team is there to make sure you are supported, every step of the way. Complete our complimentary 30 second pre-screening to see if you could benefit.
-
Why would I choose Alternaleaf?We are leading the way in plant medicine care. Our doctors and registered nurses are highly experienced in treating chronic conditions, ensuring you get the right treatment for your individual needs. We provide judgement-free, empathetic and individualised care so you feel comfortable and supported at every step. Consultations are done from the comfort of your home, we deliver to your door, our pricing is transparent and competitive, and your doctor can discuss a wide variety of brands and formulations so your treatment plan is tailored to you. We care about helping you feel better so you can return to doing what you love.
-
Is Alternaleaf a real medical clinic?Alternaleaf is an Australian-based medical clinic. Our clinical staff is made up of Ahpra-registered GPs and Registered Nurses, and we are proud to be a certified Healthcare Merchant with LegitScript, the world’s leading digital compliance certification body.
-
Do I need a referral?No, you do not need a referral from your regular GP. Alternaleaf doctors are practising GPs with extensive experience prescribing plant-based medicine.
-
Are the consultations via telehealth or face to face?All appointments are conducted via a telehealth video/phone call so they can be done from the comfort of your couch and from anywhere in Australia.
-
Can I claim my consultation through Medicare?Currently, Alternaleaf consultations cannot be claimed through Medicare.
-
How quickly can I book a consultation?It takes less than 5 minutes to complete our online process, and get an instant booking with one of our doctors. Please note that in order to confirm the appointment you have scheduled, you need to complete our online Pre-Consult, in order to hold your spot.
-
How much does an Alternaleaf consultation cost?Your initial consultation with an Alternaleaf doctor costs $79. Your consultation includes a 20-minute pre-assessment with a registered nurse and a 10-minute appointment with a qualified GP. During these sessions, the clinical team will ask you about your medical history and condition and (if eligible) develop a personalised treatment and prescription plan. Follow-up appointments cost $59 and are required when your prescription expires or you run out of refills on your current prescription. It's recommended that you schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor around 8 weeks after you begin treatment so that you have an opportunity to discuss your progress and make any adjustments to your treatment plan that may be needed.
-
What is Alternaleaf’s cancellation policy?We understand you may change your mind or things come up that clash with your consultation appointment. In the case of cancellation, please give the clinic as much notice as possible. The consultation fee may still be charged if you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment.
-
Can I reschedule my consultation?Yes. You can reschedule up to 24 hours before your appointment.
-
How do I cancel my consultation?You can easily cancel your consultation appointment by clicking the ‘cancel’ option in your original confirmation email. If you are having trouble locating this, please contact our Patient Experience Team by emailing info@alternaleaf.com.au or calling 1800 864 878 and they will cancel your appointment for you.
-
How do I rebook a doctor's consultation if I have had to cancel?To rebook your doctor's appointment, please contact our Patient Experience Team by emailing info@alternaleaf.com.au or calling 1800 864 878. They will be happy to assist in finding a time that works for you.
-
What brand and formulation will I be prescribed?Alternaleaf doctors will prescribe the brand and formulation that will be most beneficial to you. Your doctor has access to a wide range of formulations and formats, and will derive a treatment plan based on your medical history and personal situation.
-
Do I have to pay for my consultation if I am not eligible?We offer a complimentary and obligation-free screening to identify if you may be suitable for plant-based medicine, however, suitability must be confirmed by a healthcare practitioner. This will usually happen during your pre-assessment and if you aren't suitable you won’t be charged. There may be occasions where refunds are not provided for doctor’s consultations e.g. incorrect information provided etc.
-
How do I book a follow-up consultation?Follow-up consultations can be booked via Circuit. We'll send you an email reminder when it's time for your follow-up consultation, although you are welcome to book at any time. You can also book by emailing info@alternaleaf.com.au or calling 1800 864 878. If you’re new to Alternaleaf, please start a consultation booking by first completing our complimentary eligibility screening here.
-
I live in a remote location, can I still access Alternaleaf?Yes, Alternaleaf services are available Australia-wide.
-
Is there any age minimum for consultations?You must be 18 years or older to book a consultation. The TGA requires patients under 18 years old to have specialist involvement, which we currently do not offer. If you are seeking treatment for your child, we recommend you speak to your regular GP as a first step.
-
Is my information confidential?Like all medical clinics, we treat patient privacy with the utmost seriousness. Your information is kept on secure databases and your data will only ever be shared with pharmacies and suppliers as required by law and in order to provide you with your medication. Please note that your healthcare provider will have access to your medical history via real-time prescription monitoring. This is a government-mandated system designed to track the prescribing of Schedule 8 substances so that patients aren’t being overprescribed opioids or other drugs of dependence. You can find more information here.
-
What is the patient portal?Our online patient portal lets you manage your plant medicine prescriptions, refill your medications, book follow-up consultations and more.
-
How do I get a patient portal account?You will be sent an account activation email from Montu when you become a patient. If you’re an existing patient and don’t have a patient portal account, please contact Montu at circuit@montu.com.au or call 1800 844 920.
-
What is a plant medicine patient card and how do I get one?Alternaleaf patients are eligible for a patient card that verifies they have been approved to use plant medicine by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Our contact details are listed on the back of the card should we need to be contacted to confirm your treatment plan. The card is for informational purposes only. Cards are automatically sent to new patients.
-
Does Alternaleaf offer concession discounts?Yes, the Alternaleaf Concession Program is available to all holders of a Commonwealth-issued Health Card, Veterans Card or Seniors Health & Pensioner Concession Card. As a member of the program, you'll receive 10% off all consultation costs and prescribed medicines, as well as access to a concession product range that costs 44% less than comparable plant medicine products (as of June 2023).
-
How do I get a concession discount if I'm not a patient yet?During your consultation, the nurse will ask if you have any relevant concessions. If you have a Commonwealth-issued Health Card, Veterans Card or Seniors Health & Pensioner Concession Card, the nurse will enter your details into the system and your concession discount will be automatically applied.
-
How do I get a concession discount if I'm already a patient?If you're already a patient and want to join the Alternaleaf Concession Program, contact the Patient Care Team by emailing info@alternaleaf.com.au or calling 1800 864 878.
-
What type of concession cards do you accept?The Alternaleaf Concession Program is available to all holders of a Commonwealth-issued Health Card, Veterans Card or Seniors Health & Pensioner Concession Card.
-
What if my concession card expires?If your card expires, your membership of the Alternaleaf Concession Program will lapse and you'll lose access to your consultation and medication discounts. You'll need to submit your new card details by emailing info@alternaleaf.com.au. Existing prescriptions for concession brands will remain active until consumed or the prescription expires.
-
Am I eligible for plant medicine?Plant-based medicine has been prescribed for over 30 chronic conditions. If you have trialled a conventional medicine without success, you could evaluate plant-based medicine as an option with your doctor. We have developed a pre-screening questionnaire for you to find out if plant medicine might be suitable for you. Ultimately, your doctor will determine whether plant medicine alone or in conjunction with other therapies is a clinically appropriate option.
-
How much does plant medicine cost?Due to TGA regulations, we cannot disclose the price of individual medications. However, our doctors and pharmacy partners are committed to providing our patients with affordable and accessible plant medicine. You can find more detail on the specific costs of plant medicine on our Knowledge Hub.
-
What forms does plant medicine come in?In Australia, plant medicine is currently prescribed in two primary forms: as a dried flower and as an oil or concentrate. Dried flower is consumed using a vaporiser, while oils come in a variety of forms, including oral oils, vape cartridges, capsules, creams, lozenges and more. You can find more information on our Knowledge Hub.
-
What are the laws around plant medicine?Plant medicine has been legal in Australia with a doctor’s prescription since 2016. You are entitled to use prescribed plant medicine in the same way as any other prescribed medication. However, there are some circumstances where using plant medicine is prohibited or may lead to issues. For more information, check out our Knowledge Hub articles on driving and plant medicine, plant medicine in the workplace and rules around travel.
-
How can I access plant medicine?Plant medicine prescriptions must be prescribed by a qualified doctor and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). alternaleaf works with qualified doctors who are experienced plant medicine prescribers. We work with Authorised Prescribers who can, in many cases, streamline your access to plant medicine if you’re eligible. Take our complimentary 30-second pre-screening now to check if you're eligible.
-
What is a plant medicine Authorised Prescriber?Authorised Prescribers are medical practitioners who can supply plant medicine to specified patients without notifying the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) each time they prescribe the plant product. alternaleaf works with Authorised Prescribers who can, where appropriate, streamline access to appropriate treatments.
-
Can I drive while being treated with plant medicine?Currently, it is illegal to drive with THC in your system in Australia. We recommend that you do not drive if being treated with a medication containing THC. Your doctor will take your personal requirements into account when developing your treatment plan.
-
I have used recreational plant previously, can I still access medical plant products?Yes, you can. If you are eligible, our doctors will provide you with an objective treatment recommendation.
-
What vaporiser should I use?There are many vaporisers, or vape batteries, available in Australia. The type of vaporiser you need will depend on the type of product you are prescribed. The Mighty Medic, Mighty+ Medic and Volcano vaporiser are TGA approved and used to vaporise dried flower. Pre-filled vape cartridges require a vape battery suitable for cannabis use. During your consult, your doctor will (if required) discuss what vaporiser will best suit your treatment plan.
-
Is plant medicine covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme?Plant medicine is not currently covered by the PBS.
-
Does private health insurance cover plant medicine?Most private health insurers cover some or all of the costs of medical cannabis prescriptions. However, some of the largest health insurers in Australia still don’t offer coverage for medical cannabis, so you need to make sure your insurer offers coverage before making a claim. For more information, check out our dedicated Knowledge Hub article. Currently, Alternaleaf consultations cannot be claimed through Medicare.
-
How do I get access to the concession product range?If you're registered as a concession patient, you can ask your Alternaleaf doctor about the concession product range at your next appointment.
-
Do concession plant medicine products have a 10% discount as well?The concession product range has already been significantly discounted (44% less than comparable products) to make it more accessible. The 10% discount applies to all products and consultations that haven’t already been discounted.
-
How much does medication shipping cost?Express shipping for all treatment deliveries is at a flat rate of $15 Australia-wide.
-
How long does it take to receive my medication?We ship via express post to ensure our patients receive their medicine as quickly as possible. It is usually shipped within a few days after your doctor’s consultation. Delivery times vary and will depend on invoice payment, TGA approval and postage times.
-
Can I track my order?Yes, Australia Post will send you a tracking number via email when your medication has been dispatched by the pharmacy.
-
Do you ship Australia-wide, including remote locations?Yes, we ship to anywhere in Australia.
-
When and how do I order refill medication?We recommend you arrange a refill when you have around 10 days of medication remaining, however, delivery times may vary so please ensure you leave adequate time. You can order your refills online through Circuit – our online portal where you can manage your plant-based prescriptions. If you don’t have a Circuit account, please contact Montu at orders@montu.com.au or call 1800 844 920.
-
Can I make changes to my prescription?Our doctors are happy to discuss adjustments to your medication based on what is clinically appropriate for your specific condition. If you’re an existing patient and would like to speak to your doctor about adjustment, please book a follow-up consultation via your Circuit account, or by emailing info@alternaleaf.com.au or calling 1800 864 878.
-
How do I get a repeat prescription?If you have run out of repeat prescriptions, please book a follow-up consultation via your Circuit account, or by emailing info@alternaleaf.com.au or calling 1800 864 878.
-
Which pharmacies does Alternaleaf work with?Alternaleaf partners with local independent Australian pharmacies to fill and supply your prescriptions.
bottom of page