Consent & Clinic Policies

Naturopathic care may include:

• Dietary and nutritional advice
• Herbal medicine recommendations
• Nutritional supplementation
• Lifestyle counselling
• Education regarding health behaviours
• Functional or integrative approaches to wellbeing

By proceeding with naturopathic care at The Caring Naturopath, I understand and acknowledge that:

• Naturopathic care is intended to support health and wellbeing and is not a substitute for emergency medical care, diagnosis or treatment provided by other qualified healthcare practitioners where required.
• I may ask questions, seek clarification and discuss any concerns regarding my care and recommendations during consultation.
• Recommendations are based on information I provide during consultation.
• It is my responsibility to provide accurate and complete information regarding my health history, medications, supplements and allergies and notify the practitioner of any changes.
• Complete and accurate information supports safe and effective care; however, I may choose not to answer certain questions.
• I may decline any recommendation.
• Health outcomes vary between individuals and no specific outcome or result can be guaranteed.
• Herbal medicines and supplements may have potential risks, side effects or interactions with medications and existing health conditions.
• My practitioner may recommend referral to another healthcare provider where clinically appropriate.
• I may withdraw my consent and discontinue naturopathic care at any time.

We may collect:

• Contact details
• Medical history
• Medication and supplement information
• Consultation notes
• Clinical observations

Information may be disclosed:

• With your written consent
• Where required by law
• To reduce serious risk to health or safety

• Appointment cancellations require at least 24 hours' notice.
• Late cancellations may incur a fee of 50%.
• Missed appointments without notice may incur the full consultation fee.
• Repeated cancellations may require full prepayment for future appointments.
• Emergencies will be considered individually.

• Consultation fees are payable in advance at the time of booking to secure your appointment.
• Payment must be received prior to the scheduled consultation time. Appointments are not considered confirmed until payment has been received.
• Supplement, herbal medicine and practitioner product purchases are separate from consultation fees and are payable at the time of purchase.
• Consultation fees cover the practitioner's time, clinical assessment, recommendations provided during the consultation and post-consultation case analysis. Fees are not contingent upon health outcomes.
• Refunds for consultations are not available once the consultation service has been provided.
• Where a cancellation is made within the required notice period, fees may be transferred towards a future appointment.
• Late cancellations and missed appointments may forfeit the prepaid consultation fee, in accordance with the Cancellation, Rescheduling and Non-Attendance Policy.

I understand that:

• Telehealth consultations have limitations compared with in-person assessment.
• Technology disruptions may occasionally occur.
• I am responsible for attending from a private location.

• Communication outside of scheduled consultations is intended for brief administrative matters and clarification of existing recommendations only.
• Where a response requires significant clinical time or assessment, review of health history, interpretation of results, changes to treatment plans or consideration of new symptoms, the practitioner may recommend booking an appointment to ensure adequate time and appropriate clinical care is provided.
• The practitioner will respond to communications during clinic hours where possible. Response times may vary depending on practitioner availability.
• Practitioner responses are not intended for urgent concerns.
• Medical emergencies require immediate emergency services or medical attention.

I agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Follow recommendations at my discretion
• Notify the clinic of medication changes
• Raise concerns promptly
• Attend appointments on time

I acknowledge that:

• Naturopathic care outcomes vary between individuals.
• Recommendations are educational and supportive in nature.
• I remain responsible for healthcare decisions.
• I have had the opportunity to ask questions before proceeding.

I understand:

• Any testing recommended is optional.
• Costs will be explained in advance.
• Results do not guarantee diagnosis.