Consultations
Nicotine prescriptions
It is a legal requirement to have a prescription if you are using nicotine e-liquid for vaping for quitting smoking. I am available to assess whether nicotine e-liquid is appropriate for you by video consultation.
From 1 October 2021, the Australian Border Force will be intercepting imported nicotine e-liquids and penalties will apply if you do not have a prescription. The fine will be up to $222,000. Prescriptions are valid for 12 months. See here for more information on the changes.
You can also purchase nicotine e-liquid from participating Australian pharmacies with a prescription from a TGA ‘Authorised Prescriber’ of nicotine. I am an Authorised Prescriber of nicotine.
If you are an existing vaper
- Download and complete this form: nicotine prescription questionnaire
- Email it to mendel@bigpond.net.au
Indicate when you are available and if you are happy with Zoom or if you prefer WhatsApp or Facetime. I will ring or email you to confirm an appointment time.
Consultation fees
| Description | Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out-of-pocket |
| Standard fee | $90.00 | $39.10 | $50.90 |
| Pension or health care card | $70.00 | $39.10 | $30.90 |
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 | 90.00 | 38.75 | 51.25 |
| Consultations 20-40 min |
36 | 160.00 | 75.05 | 84.95 |
| Initial assessment 40-60 min |
44 | 240.00 | 110.50 | 129.50 |
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.