Consultations
Nicotine prescriptions
It is a legal requirement in Australia to have a prescription to import or use nicotine e-liquid for vaping for quitting smoking. I am available to assess whether nicotine e-liquid is appropriate for you by video consultation.
What you need to do
If you are a currently using nicotine e-liquid or want to start vaping:
- Download and complete this form: nicotine prescription questionnaire
- Email it to mendel@bigpond.net.au
Indicate when you are available and if you prefer Zoom, WhatsApp, Facetime or Skype. I will email you to confirm an appointment time.
With a prescription, you can legally purchase nicotine e-liquid in two ways:
- From an online overseas retailer. Order your e-liquid online and upload your prescription to the retailer so it can be enclosed with your delivery. There is a fine of up to $222,000 for attempting to import nicotine without a prescription.
- You can also purchase nicotine e-liquid from participating Australian chemist shops or online pharmacies with a prescription from a TGA ‘Authorised Prescriber’ of nicotine. I am an Authorised Prescriber of nicotine.
See here for more information on the current regulations.
For established vapers with stable use, the prescription usually covers up to 12 months supply. Shorter periods may apply for new vapers or when changes are made as an earlier review with me may be needed. Prescriptions are valid for a maximum of 12 months.
Consultation fees
New consultation fees apply from 19 April 2022. This is the first increase since 2020.
| Description | Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out-of-pocket |
| Initial consultation | $135.00 | $75.75 | $59.25 |
| Follow up consultations | $95.00 | $39.10 | $55.90 |
| Pension or health care card holders | |||
| Initial consultation | $115.00 | $75.75 | $39.25 |
| Follow up consultations | $75.00 | $39.10 | $35.90 |
Initial appointments are 20-30 minutes. Follow up appointments are about 15-minutes. Longer appointments are charged at a higher rates and have higher Medicare rebates. Fees are payable on the day by credit card. Please let me know if you are having financial difficulties. You will be sent a receipt for claiming a rebate from Medicare.
If you are a current smoker who wants to discuss quitting generally, including vaping, I can see you by Zoom or in person if you are in Sydney. Please see below for more information
Appointments to quit smoking
I am available for consultations in-person to help smokers quit. This involves a full assessment and developing a personalised plan for your needs. Treatment is based on evidence-based medical advice, medication or vaping nicotine where appropriate and ongoing support as long as you need it.
Here is more information about the strategies I use to help you quit (I wrote this for the ATHRA website)
- Preparing to quit
- Managing your smoking triggers
- Managing the roadblocks to quitting such as stress, weight gain and withdrawal
- Medication for cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Managing quit day
- Strategies for after quitting
You do not need a referral to see me, but a letter from your doctor with details of your health and medications is helpful.
The first consultation is 45-60 minutes, the second usually 30 minutes and subsequent appointments are usually 15 minutes. To make a booking online, fill out the form above. Otherwise you can ring me on 0415 976 783 or send an email to mendel@bigpond.net.au. Please download and complete this assessment form and email it to me before your appointment.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact me as soon as possible so the time can be allocated to someone else.
Consultation fees
Consultation fees are rebatable from Medicare.
Fees are payable at the time of consultation by credit card or EFT. You will be given a receipt for making your claim on Medicare.
| Description | Item | Private Fee | Medicare Rebate | Private fee gap |
| Standard | 23 | 95.00 | 38.75 | 56.25 |
| Consultations 20-40 min |
36 | 165.00 | 75.05 | 89.95 |
| Initial assessment 40-60 min |
44 | 245.00 | 110.50 | 134.50 |
Privacy
Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Ordinarily, we will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.