FAQs
what do i need to do before my first appointment?
Before your first appointment:
complete the New Patient Form that gets emailed to you
send back any blood test results that you have had taken in the past 3-6 months.
If you can, start to think about any and all of the symptoms you experience either daily, or cyclically, or recurrently in any way.
do i need to get any blood tests done before coming to my appointment?
No, just bring the results of any you already have (from the last 6 or so months). After your first consultation, I may give you a referral for blood tests to have done before your next appointment.
DO I NEED to pay for blood tests?
It depends which ones you need done. Some of them you can get done through your GP, and these should be covered by Medicare. Some patients will require further testing that may incur a fee - we will discuss this if it relates to you.
can i book if i live outside melbourne?
Yes, absolutely. Telehealth consults are available for any patients unable to make it into clinic. Both interstate and international patients can book (remember to consider the time difference when you do!). Medicines can be posted, or, if you live near a dispensary, you may be able to take a script from me to have it filled there.
how do i get my prescription?
Following your initial consultation, I will sign you up to the online dispensary. You will receive an email to confirm your account and then you will be able to access your prescription. You simply select the items you wish to purchase, pay for them and they will be sent directly to you.
can i get a repeat of my prescription?
Most of the time you will be able to get a repeat for another month’s supply. If we need to review your case before I can issue a repeat then I will let you know at the time. When I enter your prescription into the online dispensary, I make a note of how many repeats you can get, so you will also know by taking a look at your account.
how long until i see results?
This depends on what’s being treated and how long you have had the condition. Acute infections, for example, respond very well to treatment and you can notice improvements within a day or 2. If your condition is chronic and has different ‘layers’ to its origins, then it may take several months or longer. Some treatments take longer to have an effect, while others can work quite quickly. Hormonal conditions need to be assessed over several cycles, however you can get reductions in symptoms within the first cycle… so, unfortunately, there’s not really one answer!
do i have to take herbs/ vitamins/ supplements if i don’t want to?
Absolutely not. We can discuss what you’re willing and able to do and I will work around this. Diet and lifestyle changes can also be very powerful and are not to be underestimated. Changes may take a little longer, but not necessarily.
ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE ME CHANGE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE WAY I EAT AND LIVE?!
Of course not! We will work together to ensure the best treatment based on what you’re capable of doing. Sometimes we don’t feel capable of making many (or any) diet and lifestyle changes and need some help in the form of a tablet or herb mix. Often, though, diet and lifestyle changes are necessary to ensure long term health - but we can make these as you feel capable of implementing them.
What if i have an adverse reaction to something i’ve taken?
If you suspect you have had an adverse reaction to something I have prescribed you, and you require immediate medical advice, please seek advice and/or treatment as you would normally, either through your GP or at the emergency department of a hospital.
For minor adverse reactions that don’t require medical assistance, contact me here: naturopathjessliston@gmail.com
You can report the adverse event to the TGA here: https://aems.tga.gov.au/
Please note that it is quite rare to have an adverse reaction and is not something you should worry about when taking your herbs or supplements.
CAN I CONTACT YOU BETWEEN APPOINTMENTS IF I HAVE A QUESTION?
Yes, you can email me at naturopathjessliston@gmail.com if you have a quick question for me and I will do my best to respond within 48 hours. Please bear in mind that if I receive a lot of emails from patients you may not get a reply quickly. As much as possible, please try to keep your questions for your time in consultation with me. There is also the option of a brief consult, please see my Services page.