What services do your members provide?
Our members practice as Naturopaths and accordingly are trained in the naturopathic modalities of Nutrition, Herbs, Homoeopathics and Remedial [hands on] therapies like massage. Practitioners often specialize in one modality so we suggest you discuss the services offered by your local CMA member at the time of booking your appointment.
Can I claim on my health fund?
Yes, all full members of the CMA qualify with major health funds who intern extend generous rebates to their members. [see current health fund list]
Are your members qualified?
Yes. All members of the CMA must meet strict minimum entry requirements based on both educational qualifications and experience. Members are recognised by The Australian Taxation Office [ATO] for GST exemption as health care professionals and over 40 health funds throughout the country for Naturopathic provider status.
Are your members covered by professional indemnity insurance?
Yes. The CMA insist all practicing members carrying Professional Indemnity Insurance to protect them and their patients.
Where can I learn and become qualified as a Naturopath?
You will find an extensive list of naturopathic colleges under ‘Naturopaths’ in your local Yellow Pages.You will need to contact several colleges before you find one that suits your needs.
However, you should choose a college that:
- is a government accredited – Registered Training Organisation [RTO]
- will recognise your prior learning [if applicable]
- has a good standing within the profession
- offers you the flexibility you require e.g. distance education for example
- reasonable pricing structure
Advice on colleges can be obtained by contacting our Federal Administration Office on 1800 11 77 66 or by e-mail.
Are Naturopaths registered ?
No. Private associations like ourselves currently self -regulate the profession
Can anyone practice as a Naturopath?
Unfortunately yes. In the current non registered environment there is no government law to stop anyone, qualified or NOT, from practicing Naturopathy to an unsuspecting public. This is why the CMA is fighting for full government peer group registration throughout Australia.
Will my health fund pay for my remedies as well?
Not usually. There are some funds that do extend a rebate on medications but you should follow this up with your health fund.
If I do have a problem with a CMA member what can I do?
You may contact our Federal Administration Office on 1800 11 77 66 or by e-mail at any time for advice. Patients can also make formal complaints against our members. This must be in the form of a Statutory Declaration which will go before the Federal Executive for thorough investigation. [see complaint procedures]. Please be assured that we regard matters of unethical conduct by any member as a very serious breach of their duty to both the patient and the profession and any member found guilty of such an offence would be subject to disciplinary action.
How much do your members charge?
This is difficult to answer as members are entitled to charge what they consider to be a professional fee. In the absence of government registration there is no way we can seek to regulate this. We therefore suggest patients ask about the practitioners fee schedule at the time of making their first consultation. Please note: our association would be interested to hear of any member considered to have an excessive fee structure.
Do I have to take the medication recommended at a consultation?
No, there is no obligation to take medications recommended by the practitioner during a consultation.
Can I return medications if I am unhappy with them?
Practitioners are not obliged to extend refunds on returned medications [used or unopened] . Under health regulations they cannot be recycled and represent a total loss to the practitioner. This is NOT the case for medications which are found to be of non merchantable quality. If there is a manufacturing fault with the medication the practitioner is obliged to return the product to the manufacture who should compensate the practitioner or patient directly. However, having said this, it is not uncommon for a practitioner in the best interest of his or her patient to assist them in some positive way to overcome such problems.
