FAQs

How can we help you?

About Alternaleaf

Consultation Bookings

Patient Platform

Insurance & Benefits

My Medication & Prescriptions

Plant Based Medicine

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About Alternaleaf

Do I need to pay for follow-up consultations?

Yes, you’ll need to pay for each follow-up consultation but there are no hidden fees. Each follow-up consultation with an Alternaleaf doctor costs $49, no matter what your care journey looks like.

Is Alternaleaf qualified to offer plant-based medicine services

Yes, Alternaleaf is New Zealand and Australia’s largest plant-based medicine clinic with 200+ qualified medical practitioners supporting a variety of patients.

Alternaleaf doctors are registered practitioners with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

Can I access Alternaleaf if I live outside of major cities

Of course. Alternaleaf is a fully remote plant-based medicine clinic. You can get telehealth care from the comfort of your couch, anytime it suits you, New Zealand-wide.

How can Alternaleaf help me?

We are a leading online plant-based medical clinic in New Zealand, connecting you with highly qualified clinicians with specialist training in treatments for chronic conditions including but not limited to chronic back pain, anxiety, insomnia, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, epilepsy, mental disorders, spasticity from multiple sclerosis and much more.

Our experienced clinicians will assess your suitability for plant-based medicines and our Patient Support Team is there to make sure you experience a safe, compassionate and high-quality service.

Is Alternaleaf an approved medical clinic?

Yes, Alternaleaf is New Zealand and Australia’s largest plant-based medicine clinic with 200+ qualified medical practitioners supporting a variety of patients.Alternaleaf doctors are registered practitioners with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

Why choose Alternaleaf?

Bringing world-class expertise in plant-based medicine to New Zealand. Our highly experienced doctors and clinical team are dedicated to providing personalised treatments that suit your unique needs.

With Alternaleaf, you can easily book consultations, meet with specialist doctors, receive tailored prescriptions, and have your medications delivered straight to your nearest pharmacy.

We offer transparent and competitive pricing, and our doctors can recommend a wide range of brands and formulations to create a treatment plan tailored specifically for you. Our team is committed to delivering empathetic, judgment-free, and individualised care every step of the way.

We’re here to help you feel your best so you can get back to doing the things you love. Take the first step toward achieving the results you deserve today.

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Consultation bookings

Do I need a referral to book in for a consultation?

No referral is required to see an Alternaleaf doctor. Before we invite you to book your first consultation with us, you'll need to complete our 30-second pre-screening form to help inform us of your eligibility for plant-based medicine.

How quickly can I book a consultation?

We pride ourselves on providing care when you need it. You can book as quickly as a same-day consultation.

Can I reschedule my Alternaleaf consultation booking?

Sure thing. You can reschedule your appointment free of charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled time.

If it’s less than 24 hours before your appointment, you’ll need to cancel and book a new one. You can reschedule or cancel your booking by clicking the link in your confirmation email.

You can also manage follow-up appointments on the Alternaleaf Patient Portal. If you need help, please reach out to our Patient Care Team at [email protected]

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How do I cancel my consultation booking?

Cancelling is easy. Simply click cancel in your original booking confirmation email.

If you can’t find your email, reach out to our Patient Care team at [email protected] and they’ll help you out.

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I had to cancel my consultation. How do I rebook?

If you’re already an Alternaleaf patient, you can rebook your consultation on the Patient Portal.

If you’re not a patient yet, we kindly ask you to book through one of our emails or from our home page alternaleaf.co.nz

What’s included as part of my ongoing patient support?

As an Alternaleaf patient, you’ll get access to our round the clock support services from our Patient Care Team. If you have any questions while you’re with us, you can access support through your patient portal account or email [email protected].

Of course, if you have any questions for your doctor you’ll be able to book follow-up telehealth appointments throughout your care journey.

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When is payment for the consultation taken?

You’ll only pay for your doctor’s consultation after you pass the pre-screening and we’ve booked you in. No payment is taken ahead of the screening stage and you are not obliged to proceed to a doctor’s consultation even if you pass the pre-screening.

How much does a consultation cost?

Your initial consultation at Alternaleaf costs $79. This includes your initial appointment with a doctor. You’ll only be charged after your consultation.

Follow-up consultations where your doctor reviews your progress costs $49.

Why might I need a follow-up consultation?

Our clinic provides ongoing personalised care and follow-up consultations are an important part. Your doctor can check your progress and make any necessary changes. If you're eligible for our services, your doctor will recommend when to return for a follow-up.

What happens during an Alternaleaf consultation?

After completing the pre-screening form, you’ll book your initial 20-minute doctor consultation. The doctor will listen to your concerns, review your medical history, assess your current symptoms, and discuss your experience with plant-based medicine healthcare. You can ask any questions you have during the consultation, ensuring your circumstances are fully understood. Afterwards, you’ll discuss your personalised care journey and explore potential treatment options that suit your needs.

What are the ongoing costs for healthcare services at Alternaleaf?

Everybody’s healthcare journey is a little different. So the ongoing costs differ as well, depending on your doctor’s recommendations.

When you need to speak with your doctor, follow-up consultations cost $49. Your doctor will recommend when you should return for a follow-up.

If you ever need to speak to our Patient Care team over the phone or email — that’s free.

What is Alternaleaf's cancellation policy?

We need at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Any less than that and you may be charged. This supports better access for all patients.

Can I speak with a clinic staff member for free?

For sure. We understand that sometimes you’ve got a quick question to ask between your consults. So we’ve got an experienced clinic team on hand to help you at no extra cost. Simply email [email protected] or call 0800 005 571.

Is there a minimum age for a consultation?

Yes, at the moment our clinic is for adults. So, you have to be at least 18 years old to see an Alternaleaf practitioner.

Are Alternaleaf consults telehealth or face-to-face?

Alternaleaf is a remote plant-based medicine clinic. You can book online consultations from the comfort and privacy of your own couch.

Will I be refunded for my consult if I’m not eligible?

If your doctor determines alternative medicine treatment is not right for you, rest assured that you'll receive an automated refund of any consultation fee to your original form of payment.

Patient Platform

How do I get an Alternaleaf patient account?

It's a personalised patient platform designed with you in mind. You can book appointments with your doctor and manage your care journey, stress-free.

What is the Alternaleaf Patient Portal?

It's a personalised patient platform designed with you in mind. You can book appointments with your doctor and manage your care journey, stress-free.

Insurance & Benefits

Does health insurance cover plant-based medicine?

It’s best to get in contact with your health insurer to check before making a claim. Some private health insurers cover some or all of the costs — but some major insurers still don’t cover plant-based medicine at this stage.

My Medication & Prescriptions

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 Alternaleaf's patient portal.

Which pharmacies does Alternaleaf work with?

When an Alternaleaf doctor prescribes you alternative medicine, you can be confident knowing that the prescription is processed and dispensed by a local pharmacy. Our New Zealand-based partner pharmacies provide a comprehensive range of reputable plant-based medicine brands.

Plant Based Medicine

What are the potential benefits of plant-based medicine in New Zealand?

At Alternaleaf, we offer New Zealanders a personalised and supportive approach to healthcare, providing simple access to plant-based care options that can lead to an improved quality of life. Our treatments complement conventional approaches by managing symptoms and side effects through tailored treatment plans using high-quality plant-based medicine products. We give New Zealanders simple, straightforward access to care options to enhance overall wellbeing and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Who might benefit from plant-based medicine?

Plant-based medicine can be prescribed for over 140 medical conditions with various products such as flower, oils, and topicals. Individuals who haven't found relief with conventional treatments for stress, pain, lack of sleep or other issues may benefit from plant-based medicine.

How can we help you?

What is your date of birth?

Do you have a medical condition that has lasted for longer than one (1) month?

Have you previously attempted to treat this condition?

Are you currently pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive?

Do you have a history of psychosis, or have you ever been diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar type 1 or 2?

Thank you!

Based on the information provided, you are not currently eligible to book a consultation with an Alternaleaf doctor.