Frequently asked questions about integrative oncology

Q: What is Integrative Oncology?

Integrative Oncology is the integration between Evidence Based Complementary Medicine (Naturopathy) with your conventional Oncology treatments. Our highly specialised and experienced practitioners provide you with knowledge and empowerment about your condition, and aim to reduce the side effects of your medical treatments and support the efficacy of those treatments. At MIOG, we offer only those therapies that have been shown to be beneficial in Integrative Oncology Care.

Q: What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a form of Evidence Based Complementary Medicine employing a wide range of natural treatments including Western Herbal Medicine, Nutritional Medicine, and diet and lifestyle interventions. Naturopathic practice is based on supporting the body's inherent healing abilities and treating the person as a whole, rather than just focusing on symptoms or disease conditions.

In Oncology Care, our goals include reducing the side effects of your medical treatments, enhancing the effects of chemotherapy and other treatments, reducing risk of recurrence, and supporting you.

Q: Where can I find a Medical Information Release Form?

Click here to download.

Q: What is Hyperthermia Treatment?

Hyperthermia (HT) is a method used to treat tumours by increasing the temperature of the cells in a carefully controlled environment and using a specific protocol. The treatment can be applied in combination with other verified cancer treatments using several different procedures.

Click here to visit our Hypthermia Treatment page to learn more.

Q: What are some additional services that you offer?

Psychology consultations
Oncology Massage, Remedial Massage, Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Acupuncture (coming soon)
Workshops, meditation and support groups
Hyperthermia (coming soon)

Click here to learn more about the range of services we offer.

Q: What is Oncology Massage?

Oncology Massage is a gentle therapeutic touch massage that provides relaxation and improves symptom management for people with cancer. It can reduce the side effects of conventional treatment and improve quality of life. It is a non-invasive, complementary treatment.

Click here to learn more about oncology massages.

Q: How can Acupuncture ease cancer symptoms?

Research has shown that acupuncture may be beneficial to:

Help control pain
Relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
Improve xerostomia (dry mouth sensation) caused by radiotherapy
Help improve neuropathy, the pain and numbness in the limbs caused by nerve damage during cancer treatment
Relieve fatigue, hot flushes, anxiety, depression, constipation and diarrhoea
Can soften tissue and relieve pain from scarring and surgery
Enhance a patients sense of well-being and relaxation

Click here to learn more about how acupuncture can complement your cancer treatments.

Q: Where do I get recommended supplements?

If appropriate, our Naturopaths will prescribe some high-quality nutrients and herbal 'practitioner only' preparations. We have an in-house dispensary, which stocks all of the supplements that you may require.

Q: What can I do to support my loved one on their oncology journey?

Having a diagnosis of cancer is one of the most shocking and stressful realities that a person can face. Initially it is a shock which can last until the treatment is over, and for a long time afterwards: it's a long process with many emotional ups and downs.

Having a friend or loved one with the diagnosis is a shock as well carers can feel helpless, fearful and frustrated.

Your loved one may need acute physical help for at least three months during/after initial surgery/chemotherapy/radiotherapy, and for up to one year or more (depending on the situation), therefore a slow and consistent support stream is most helpful.

Click here to read our blog post with some additional helpful hints of what to do and what not to do.

Q: How do I book an appointment?

MIOG is accepting bookings from new patients. You are welcome to give us a call at 1800 MIOGCLINIC.

Alternatively, to help us understand your current situation, we ask new patients to complete the Online New Patient Request Form.

Our friendly reception staff will then be in touch to make a booking for your first consultation.

Returning patients can use our convenient booking system to book an appointment online or call the clinic on 1800 MIOGCLINIC.

Q: What should I expect at my appointment?

Click here to learn more about our process.

Q: What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring all of your recent blood tests, imaging reports and details about your current and past treatment. Please also bring a list of all current medications and supplements that you are taking.

Q: How is this clinic different from other clinics?

We are a group of highly experienced practitioners, and we focus solely on supporting patients with cancer in order to provide the most contemporary comprehensive integrative care.

Q: What is your cancellation/confirmation policy?

In order to respect each other's time, we ask that you please make all efforts to confirm your appointment with us.

If you need to cancel a one hour appointment we ask that you provide 48-hours' notice. If we have not heard from you, we will give you a courtesy call.

In the event of a late cancellation i.e. cancelling on the day of you scheduled appointment or failing to attend, you will be charged a cancellation fee of 100% of the appointment time.

Q: Are your consultations eligible for a Medicare rebate?

Our services are not covered by Medicare, however if you have Private Health Care, they may provide you with some rebates on the consultation fee.

Q: Will my Private Health Insurance cover any of the cost?

Depending on your Insurance Provider and your level of extras cover, you may be eligible for some cover. We here unfortunately are not able to assess how much you may get back, the best way to find out is to give your Provider a call.