FAQs

How can we help you?

About Alternaleaf

Consultation Bookings

Eligibility

Patient Platform

Legalities & Confidentiality

Insurance & Benefits

My Medication & Prescriptions

Shipping & Dispensing

Concession Program

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About Alternaleaf

Is Alternaleaf a real medical clinic?

Alternaleaf is an Australian medical clinic with an exclusive focus on plant medicine. Our clinic connects patients with qualified nurses and Ahpra-registered doctors who are experienced with and able to prescribe plant medicine products for a wide variety of conditions.

Why choose Alternaleaf?

As Australia's most trusted plant medicine clinic, Alternaleaf provides empathetic and comprehensive end-to-end medical care. Our experienced, independent doctors and nurses are all plant medicine specialists who can help you find the right treatment for your individual needs.

Your low-cost consultation happens in the comfort of your own home and (if eligible) your medicine will be delivered to your door in a discreet box. The Alternaleaf patient portal makes it easy to reorder your medicine and you and your doctor can schedule regular check-ins to make sure your treatment plan is providing the relief you're looking for.

Can I access Alternaleaf even if I live remotely?

Yes – Alternaleaf is an entirely online medical clinic and all our appointments are done via telehealth, meaning your consultation with our nurses and doctors happens in the comfort of your own home. And if you're eligible for plant medicine, your medication will be delivered to your door, wherever you are.

How can Alternaleaf help someone like me?

Alternaleaf provides care to more than 100,000 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.

Consultation bookings

How much does a consult cost?

Our initial consults cost $79. This includes a 20-minute appointment with a nurse and a 10-minute appointment with an Alternaleaf doctor. You won't be charged if your doctor decides that plant medicine isn't right for you.

Follow-up consultations cost $59 and let your doctor assess your treatment and renew any prescriptions that may be required.

What is Alternaleaf's cancellation policy?

We understand you may not always be able to make the consultation that you booked. If you do need to cancel, please give the clinic as much notice as possible so that we can see other patients.

The consultation fee may still be charged if you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment.

Can I reschedule my consult?

Yes – you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your appointment.

What should I expect from an Alternaleaf consult?

Once you've completed your 30-second pre-screening form, you'll be invited to book an appointment with an Alternaleaf nurse.

During this 20 minute appointment, you'll be asked questions about your medical history, current symptoms and history with plant medicine.

You'll also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the treatment. You'll then set up an appointment with an Alternaleaf doctor. Your doctor will review the notes from the nurse consult and if they think you could benefit from plant medicine, they'll recommend a treatment plan and issue a prescription.

For more detail on the process at a plant medicine clinic, check out our dedicated article.

How quickly can I book a consult?

Availability varies based on demand, but typically you can book an appointment with an Alternaleaf nurse within 24-48 hours.

Are Alternaleaf consults telehealth or face-to-face?

As a fully online plant medicine clinic, all Alternaleaf consults are done via telehealth, at a time convenient to you.

Do I need a referral?

You don't need a referral to see an Alternaleaf doctor. Simply complete the 30-second pre-screening form to check if you might be eligible for plant medicine and then book an appointment.

How do I cancel my consultation?

If you need to cancel your consultation, you can easily do so by clicking the 'Cancel' option in your confirmation email. You can also get in touch with our Patient Care Team by emailing info@alternaleaf.com.au or calling 1800 864 878.

How do I rebook a consultation if I had to cancel?

To rebook your appointment, contact our Patient Care Team by emailing info@alternaleaf.com.au or calling 1800 864 878. They will be happy to help find a time that works for you.

Why do I need a follow-up consult?

Follow-up consults let your doctor check in on your progress and make sure that your treatment plan is having the desired effect. You'll be able to ask any questions you may have and can discuss changes you might want to make to your prescription, as well as request reissues.

Is there a minimum age for a consult?

You must be 18 years or older to book a consultation. Under TGA guidelines, patients under 18 can only access plant medicine under the guidance of a specialist. If you are seeking plant medicine treatment for your child, we recommend you speak to your regular GP.

Eligibility

Am I eligible for plant medicine?

To be eligible for plant medicine, you must:

Have a condition that has lasted for 3+ months
Have tried other treatments which didn't fully improve your condition or produced unwanted side effects
Not be pregnant or have a history of psychosis

Plant medicine has been prescribed for more than 130 chronic conditions. Complete our complimentary pre-screening questionnaire to see if you might be suitable.

Can I still access plant medicine if I’ve used it recreationally?

Yes, you can. Your doctor will take into account any previous experience you may have with plant medicine when working out your treatment plan.

Do I have to pay for my consult if I’m not eligible?

No – you won't be charged if your doctor decides that plant medicine isn't right for you.

How can I access plant medicine?

Plant medicine is a prescription only medication, so it needs to be prescribed by a GP or specialist doctor. The TGA considers plant medicine an "alternative" treatment, which means that in order to be eligible you must have a condition that has lasted for 3+ months which either hasn't responded to conventional treatment or caused unwanted side effects.

Patient Platform

How do I get an Alternaleaf patient account?

If your Alternaleaf doctor issues a prescription in your appointment, you'll be sent an email inviting you to activate your Alternaleaf account. From the patient portal you'll be able to see your prescription and order medication.

What is the Alternaleaf Patient Portal?

The Alternaleaf Portal is a personalised patient platform for Alternaleaf patients that allows you to order medication, book follow-up appointments and check the status of your prescriptions.

Legalities & Confidentiality

Can I drive while being treated with plant medicine?

Driving with any amount of plant medicine in your system is illegal in all states, except for Tasmania. In Tasmania, you are allowed to drive after using plant medicine as long as you're not impaired and have a valid prescription.

Plant medicine can be detected in your system for days or weeks after use, so make sure to talk to your doctor if you're concerned. You can find more information in our dedicated Cannaverse article.

Is plant medicine legal?

Plant medicine has been legally available to prescribe in every state in Australia since 2016. You are entitled to use prescribed plant medicine in the same way as any other prescribed medication.

Doctors can prescribe plant medicine for any condition that has lasted for longer than 3 months, as long as the patient has tried other treatments and they either didn't fully resolve the issue or caused unwanted side effects. So far, Australian doctors have issued more than 1 million prescriptions for over 140 different conditions.

However, there are some circumstances where using plant medicine is prohibited or may lead to issues. For more information, check out our Cannaverse articles on driving and plant medicine, plant medicine in the workplace and the rules around travel.

Am I allowed to use plant medicine at work?

It depends on your workplace. While in theory you should be able to use your plant medicine like any other prescribed medicine, certain workplaces have rules regarding its use. Before beginning treatment, it's important to ensure your workplace doesn't expressly prohibit using plant medicine, as you won't have any recourse if you're sanctioned for violating the rules.

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.

Insurance & Benefits

Do you offer benefits to concession card holders?

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).

Can I claim my consult through Medicare?

Currently, Alternaleaf consultations cannot be claimed through Medicare.

Does health insurance cover plant medicine?

Most private health insurers cover some or all of the costs of plant medicine prescriptions. However, some of the largest health insurers in Australia still don’t offer coverage for plant medicine, so you need to make sure your insurer offers coverage before making a claim. For more information, check out our dedicated Cannaverse article.

Does the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme cover plant medicine?

At present, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) only covers plant medicine for the management of seizures caused by the rare childhood epilepsy conditions Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

Note that some private health insurers also offer coverage for non-PBS medications.

What is a plant medicine patient card and how do I get one?

A plant medicine patient card is a physical card that you can keep in your wallet that shows that you are a plant medicine patient.

If your Alternaleaf doctor prescribes you plant medicine, you'll be automatically sent an Alternaleaf plant medicine card to your home address.

My Medication & Prescriptions

How long does my prescription last?

Prescriptions typically last 6 months and will have a certain number of repeats attached to them. If there are still any repeats left when your prescription expires, you'll be unable to use them.

How do I get a repeat prescription?

If you have used up all the repeats on a prescription and need it to be re-issued, book a follow-up appointment with your doctor using your Alternaleaf Portal.

When and how do I order refill medication?

If your doctor issues a prescription for plant medicine, it will come with a certain number of "repeats" – basically, the number of times you can order your medication. You can order this medication (known as a refill) using your Alternaleaf Portal.

Can I make changes to my prescription?

As with all prescribed medication, the only way to make changes to a prescription is by talking to your doctor. You can book a follow-up appointment to discuss your prescription using your Alternaleaf Portal.

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 Cannaverse.

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 plant medicine use.

During your consult, your doctor will (if required) discuss what vaporiser will best suit your treatment plan.

How much does treatment with plant medicine cost?

In line with TGA regulations, we cannot disclose the specific price of individual medications. Keep in mind each patient’s treatment plan is unique to suit their needs.

Most flower products cost between $12–$18 per gram and typically come in 10g containers. If you're eligible for the Alternaleaf Concession Program, flower in the concession range is $8.50 per gram. Plant medicine oils cost between $3-$7 per ml and typically come in 30ml bottles.
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All products dispensed by our partner pharmacies are quality tested and certified. Our doctors work hard to ensure patients are only offered the highest quality medicine at the best possible price point.

You can find more detail on the costs of plant medicine on Cannaverse.

What brand and formulation will I be prescribed?

If they think you could benefit from plant medicine, your Alternaleaf doctor will create a personalised treatment plan based on your medical history, condition and previous experience with plant medicine.

Which pharmacies does Alternaleaf work with?

When an Alternaleaf doctor prescribes you plant medicine, the prescription is processed and dispensed by a local pharmacy who will then send the medication to you via Express Post. All our partner pharmacies are Australian and offer a wide range of Australia's most trusted plant medicine brands.

What is a plant medicine Authorised Prescriber?

In Australia, any doctor is legally allowed to prescribe plant medicine. However, in Australia the majority of prescriptions are issued by Authorised Prescribers (APs). These are doctors that have applied to the TGA for special dispensation to prescribe plant medicine to patients in specific circumstances. APs are able to issue prescriptions without making individual applications, reducing the administrative burden and resulting in faster medicine delivery. All of Alternaleaf's doctors are Authorised Prescribers.

Shipping & Dispensing

Do you ship Australia-wide?

Yes, we ship to anywhere in Australia.

How much does medication shipping cost?

All Alternaleaf patient orders are dispatched via Express Post and come with a flat $15 pharmacy dispensing and shipping fee.

Can I track my order?

Yes, Australia Post will send you a tracking number via email when your medication has been dispensed by the pharmacy.

How long will it take for my medication to arrive?

We send all medication via Express Post to ensure it arrives as quickly as possible. The exact timeframe can vary depending on pharmacy dispensing times, TGA approvals and location.

Concession Program

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.

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 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.

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.

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.