Frequently Asked Questions
CAN I CLAIM THROUGH MY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Yes the majority of major health insurance companies provide a rebate for both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you have private health insurance you may be able to claim a portion or percentage of your treatments. This is always dictated by what type of cover you have and which insurance company you’re with. It is important to check with your private health insurance company to check whether you are eligible for a rebate.
DO YOU HAVE A HICAPS FACILITY?
We have a hicaps facility onsite so that you can automatically claim on the spot and we also issue receipts with provider numbers if your private health insurance does not support the hicaps system.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?
Please notify the clinic if you are unable to attend your appointment. This will allow another client to be slotted into that appointment time.
Failure to notify or attend an appointment, without 24 hours notice or good reason, may incur a cancellation fee of $50.
HOW MANY ACUPUNCTURE SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
How many session is always dictated by how long you’ve had the condition, what type of symptoms you’ve developed and so on and so forth which is why we do a full consultation to begin with to come up with an accurate treatment plan for your specific concern. In general it is recommended that you would start with 5-10 sessions to start feeling a result but it varies from patient to patient.
DO YOU USE ANIMAL PRODUCTS IN CHINESE MEDICINE?
Animals and insects represent only a very small percentage of the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica and plant based herbal alternatives can be easily substituted. Before prescribing any products we will discuss with patients about any dietary or ethical restraints they have. We are also conscious that some muslim, jewish and buddhist clients may also have a restriction on certain animal based products and that some patients may suffer with food sensitivities or allergies such as a gluten intolerance.
Sunbury Chinese Medicine Clinic only uses the best quality herbs available and does not supply nor support trade in any endangered species.
HOW MANY PEMF SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
The number and frequency of treatments depends on several factors. These include the duration and severity of your current disorder. Most people feel better or notice an improvement in their condition between 1-5 sessions however we do recommend 10 sessions to completely understand how your body will respond to PAPIMI therapy. Generally the more chronic the problem, the longer it will take to get results.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM USING THE PEMF DEVICE?
Generally after the first consultation one can feel slightly groggy and tired if they haven’t drank enough water. The PEMF device detoxifies the cells and headaches can occur if the body becomes too dehydrated. This is why we recommend patients drink at least 1.5 L of water after their first PEMF session. The treatment is pleasant, painless and non-invasive and no side effects have ever been recorded since its introduction in 1988.
HOW LONG DOES A PEMF SESSION TAKE?
The initial consultation takes between 45 mins to an hour. Subsequent visits usually take between 20mins-30mins depending on the nature of your condition.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO COME IN FOR A PEMF SESSION?
The standard protocol is to have sessions every other day for the first two weeks then have bi-weekly sessions for the consecutive two weeks. Your protocol will be set by Dr. Jessica Ong depending on the duration and severity of your illness.
DO YOU RECOMMEND ANY CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS IN THE EASTERN SUBURBS?
If you are looking for a Chinese Medicine practitioner in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne we recommend Dr Sharlane Aldover at AcuHealth Therapies.