AT A GLANCE:

Our ELIA Lifestyle Medicine Centre is a medical industry game changer. Our centre will provide evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine consultations, programs and interventions which address the root causes of chronic disease.

We offer individual Lifestyle Medicine consultations, as well as our 12-week clinical programs. Our first program is a lifestyle journey that helps patients stay on track to achieve their goals, optimise their weight and prevent, manage or remit Type 2 Diabetes. We help patients transform their health and wellness through the 12-week lifestyle change journey, including in-person appointments, group education sessions, and online support through the new Diabetes Lifestyle Plan. 

Our program is a wholistic program that supports and coaches patients through the four pillars of nutrition, movement, mindset and connectedness. Our role is to partner with GPs and specialists to help extend their excellent care, using the power of lifestyle medicine,  in a space that they may not have the resources to do themselves.

WHAT IS LIFESTYLE MEDICINE?

Lifestyle Medicine is the therapeutic use of evidence-based lifestyle interventions that treat and prevent diseases by addressing the underlying causes of lifestyle disease rather than the symptoms. It is compatible with medicines and surgical intervention, but if used intensively, may prevent, or reduce their need.

Lifestyle Medicine models of care are currently used in the USA (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Loma Linda University Hospital) and the UK, although they are relatively new in Australia.

Key features of Lifestyle Medicine:

• Emphasis on promoting behavioural change that allows the body to heal itself.

• Focus on evidence-based optimal nutrition, stress and sleep management, and exercise prescriptions.

• Patients are active partners in their own care.

• Professionals educate, guide and support patients to make behaviour changes.

• Medications are used as an adjunct to therapeutic lifestyle changes.

• Patients’ home, community, social and work environments are assessed as contributing factors.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Who are the clinical programs for?

Adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes who are motivated and willing to change.

Who is on the team?

Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician Dr Andrea Matthews is leading an interdisciplinary team of doctors and allied health staff including a dietician, registered nurse, health coach and exercise physiologist.

How much does it cost?

The Diabetes 12-week Clinical Program costs $1,990. Please check here for any special offers.

SAH post-admission patients (prior 12 months), pensioners and HCC holders are eligible to receive a 10% discount (only when purchasing a full-price program)

Estimated Medicare or private health fund rebate is up to ⅓, depending on the level of coverage and the patient’s prior use of the GP Management Plan and associated referrals.

Individual appointments:

- Lifestyle Medicine Physician

- Allied health: Exercise Physiologist, Dietitian

- Health and Wellness Coaching

- Cooking classes

See Services page for details.

Does my patient need a referral?

Desirable but not essential. All referrals will receive written feedback for continuing management.

What role does the GP Management Plan play?

Including the clinic on your GP Management Plan (GPMP) and associated individual and group allied health referrals will enable patients to access Medicare rebates.

Are there any discounts or rebates available?

Discount fees are available to HCC & DVA gold card holders, pensioners and patients admitted to Sydney Adventist Hospital within the last 12 months. Terms & Conditions apply.

Medicare and Private Health Insurance rebates may apply. Health fund rebates are available for individual, or group allied health sessions, depending on the patient’s level of coverage. Please check with your Insurer.

Lifestyle Medicine Physician: The Medicare rebate is only accessible if you have had a previous face-to-face appointment in the past 12 months. Dietitian: no restriction, health care rebates available. Health and Wellness Coach: no restriction. Exercise Physiologist: on a case-by-case basis.

Rescheduling & Cancellation Policy

You may reschedule or cancel your appointment without charge anytime up to 24 hours before your appointment. Same-day cancellations will be charged 50% of the scheduled service price. If you do not attend your scheduled appointment without giving us any notice, you will be charged full price for the scheduled service.

Telehealth

Telehealth allows you to consult your specialist or health professional remotely when a physical examination is not required. It is available for all our clinicians from the first consultation. Appointments are conducted via Health-Direct which is a secure online video platform, alternatively, a telephone appointment is also available.

Telehealth is available from anywhere. Medicare rebates will not be available for patients who are located outside Australia at the time of the appointment. If we have clinical concerns that require further treatment, then we will refer you to a local practitioner.