informed consent & acknowledgement

Applies to: GI-MAP, DUTCH, HTMA, OMX, SIBO Breath Testing and any other consultation or testing services provided by Perth Health Collective

By proceeding with consultation services or functional testing, you acknowledge and consent to the following:

1. scope of practise & professional role

Perth Health Collective practitioners are degree qualified clinical nutritionists. We operate within the scope of nutritional, integrative, and complementary medicine — we are not medical doctors, and our services do not constitute the practice of medicine.

Our consultations and testing services are designed to:

  • Identify nutritional, functional, and lifestyle contributors to your health concerns
  • Support your body’s natural function through evidence-informed dietary, supplement, and lifestyle strategies
  • Complement (not replace) the care provided by your GP or specialist

If at any point we identify concerns that require medical assessment or acute management, we will refer you to the appropriate practitioner. We encourage you to maintain an open relationship with your GP and to inform them of any supplements or protocols recommended by our practitioners.

2. nature of functional testing

Functional tests are used to assess biochemical, hormonal, gastrointestinal, and metabolic markers to support a personalised, integrative approach to health care. This may include but is not limited to:

  • GI-MAP: A DNA-based stool test assessing microbial balance, digestive function, and inflammation.
  • DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones): Evaluates sex and adrenal hormone metabolites.
  • HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis): Assesses mineral status and heavy metal exposure through hair sampling.
  • OMX (Organic Metabolomics Test): Assesses organic acids related to detoxification, energy production, neurotransmitters, and nutrient status.
  • SIBO Breath Testing: Measures hydrogen and methane gases in response to sugar substrates, used to assess small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

These tests are different from standard pathology ordered by medical practitioners and are intended to complement holistic and nutritional care.

2(a). interpretation of results

Functional testing is not diagnostic in isolation and all test results must be interpreted in context with your clinical presentation, case history, and practitioner assessment. Test results will not be released without interpretation from your practitioner. Many findings are markers of trends, imbalances, or subclinical dysfunction rather than disease. Practitioner interpretation is essential to translate results into safe, relevant, and realistic health strategies.

2(b). limitations & Clinical relevance

Functional testing provides insight, not definitive diagnosis, and test results may differ from standard pathology due to differing methodology and reference ranges. These differences are expected and reflect the unique nature of each testing method. Some findings (e.g. non-pathogenic microbes, mild hormonal variation, or borderline markers) may not require active treatment.

Results are used to guide lifestyle, nutritional, and supplement-based recommendations focused on long-term support, not acute medical management.

3. health outcomes & individual variability

Health outcomes are individual and cannot be guaranteed. While our practitioners are committed to delivering evidence-informed, clinically sound care, a range of factors influence your experience and results, including but not limited to:

  • The complexity and chronicity of your health presentation
  • Coexisting medical conditions or medications
  • Genetic and physiological individuality
  • Stress, sleep, and environmental factors outside the clinical setting
  • The degree to which recommendations are implemented (see Section 5)

Our goal is to support meaningful, sustainable improvements in your health. However, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes, timelines, or results. Any progress milestones or expectations discussed during your consultation are clinical targets — not contractual commitments

4. Client engagement & treatment compliance

The effectiveness of any nutritional or integrative health plan is significantly influenced by your level of engagement with the recommendations provided. Your practitioner will develop a protocol tailored to your individual needs, capacity, and circumstances — however, the degree to which outcomes are achieved is directly related to your consistency in implementing dietary, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations.

You are encouraged to:

  • Communicate openly with your practitioner about any barriers to implementation
  • Attend scheduled follow-up appointments so your protocol can be reviewed and adjusted appropriately
  • Inform your practitioner of any changes to medications, supplements, or your health status
  • Raise any concerns about your plan rather than discontinuing recommendations without discussion

Perth Health Collective is a collaborative practice. The best outcomes are achieved when both practitioner and client are active participants in the care process.

5. privacy & confidentiality

Your personal and health information is collected for the purpose of providing care and is handled in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and applicable health privacy legislation. Your information will not be shared with third parties without your consent, except where required by law or where referral to another healthcare provider is clinically necessary.

Functional test results, consultation notes, and health records are stored securely. You have the right to request access to your records at any time by contacting the practice. Refer to Perth Health Collective Privacy Policy for more information.

6. right to withdraw or discontinue care

You have the right to withdraw from care at any time without obligation to provide a reason. If you choose to discontinue treatment, we respectfully ask that you notify the practice so that appropriate clinical notes can be made and, where relevant, so that we may offer guidance on safely transitioning off any supplement protocols.

Prepaid Consultation Packages

Perth Health Collective offers consultation packages as a bundle of prepaid appointments. By purchasing a package, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • Packages are non-refundable. If you choose to withdraw from care or do not wish to complete your remaining prepaid consultations, no refund will be issued for unused sessions.
  • Packages cannot be transferred. Unused sessions cannot be transferred to another service, applied as credit toward supplements or products, or transferred to another person.
  • Packages are personal to the purchasing client and are valid only for the individual named at the time of purchase.

We encourage you to discuss any concerns about your care plan or capacity to continue before making a package purchase, so that we can ensure it is the right fit for your circumstances.

Perth Health Collective also reserves the right to decline or discontinue services where it is clinically or professionally appropriate to do so, with appropriate notice and referral guidance provided where possible.

7. communication & response time

Our practitioners are available during scheduled consultation times. General enquiries submitted via email or the client portal will be responded to within 2–3 business days. Clinical questions requiring practitioner input outside of scheduled appointments may be directed to reception, who will advise whether a follow-up consultation is required.

In the event of a medical emergency, please contact emergency services (000) or present to your nearest emergency department. Perth Health Collective does not provide emergency medical care.

8. Refund policy

Consultations

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur a cancellation fee. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions and Refund Policy for full details. Consultation fees are non-refundable once the appointment has been attended.

Functional Testing

Once any functional test has been processed by the relevant laboratory, no refunds can be issued. This applies regardless of:

  • Whether findings align with other medical testing
  • Whether recommendations are implemented
  • Perceived accuracy or clarity of results

As with any form of laboratory testing, the value lies in the interpretation, clinical support and education provided – not solely in the test report.

Your payment covers the cost of laboratory analysis, practitioner interpretation, and support — not a guarantee of outcome.

9. informed consent

By proceeding with a consultation or functional test, you confirm that you:

  • Have read and understood this Informed Consent Policy in full
  • Understand the scope of practice of Perth Health Collective practitioners and that services provided are complementary to, not a replacement for, medical care
  • Acknowledge that health outcomes vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed
  • Understand that the effectiveness of your care plan is significantly influenced by your engagement with and implementation of recommendations
  • Consent to the collection, storage, and use of your personal health information for the purpose of providing care, in accordance with our Privacy Policy
  • Are aware that functional test results require professional interpretation and are not diagnostic in isolation
  • Understand the refund policy as outlined in Section 8

We are committed to evidence-informed, client-centred care. These policies exist to ensure transparency, protect your wellbeing, and support a collaborative and effective therapeutic relationship.

For any questions or concerns regarding our informed consent policy, please contact us at:

Perth Health Collective
Email: hello@perthhealthcollective.com.au
Phone: 08 6374 6400

NOTE: This policy is subject to change without prior notice. Please review this policy regularly for any updates.