Frequently asked questions

There are many frequently asked questions about Telehealth, Nurse Practitioner services and weight loss techniques that come up. Below Elle has answered the most common questions.

If you don’t find the answer to your question below please contact Elle through the contact page.

Primary Health Care Questions

I haven’t used Telehealth before, how does it work?

Telehealth can be a telephone appointment or a video appointment, it is the patient’s choice. Patients choose a preferred set appointment time, the same as a patient would with a face to face clinic. The telephone call will come from a private number at the time of appointment. The link for the video will be sent via the provided email address.

What is the difference between a Nurse and a Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner can only use that title if they have completed a Master of Nurse Practitioner, been approved as a Nurse Practitioner and endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Australia has had Nurse Practitioners for over 21 years.

Nurse Practitioners can order pathology, ultrasounds and x-rays, they can action referrals, provide patient rebates to Medicare, and access PBS. Nurses are amazing and have a key role in primary health care, but they do not have a provider number, so are not able to order pathology, diagnostic testing or provide prescriptions.

I need a prescription renewed, can you help with this?

As a Nurse Practitioner, Elle can renew most prescriptions.

Can you provide medical certificates required by my work?

Medical Certificates are offered at a small fee with a Medicare rebate. Our pricing can be found on the Contact page.

Please note: Nurse Practitioners are not able to provide Centrelink Medical Certificates, Workcover Certificates or Fit-to-Drive Certificates.

What primary health services can you offer?

Elle offers most primary health care services.

However, patients who are seeking drugs of dependence need to book with their usual lead General Practitioner, as this is not supported at this clinic.

What services can’t you provide as a Nurse Practitioner?

As a Nurse Practitioner I cannot provide Care Plans, Mental Health Plans, MRI or CT Scan referrals. You will need to see your General Practitioner for access to these services.

Weight Loss Questions

I have tried every diet available, how is your weight loss treatment different?

I have a personalised approach and is mindful that one-size does not fit all. I do not offer a diet – they are short term and they do not work. Diets lead to yo-yo dieting and weight gain. I offer a lifestyle approach, together we will focus on nutrition, movement, hormones, behavioural modification, sustainable lifestyle changes, and organise regular check-ins. The focus will be on overall health instead of the number on the scales, prioritising health and wellbeing. I follow an individual approach with flexibility, variety and regard to current research.

What is mindful eating?

Mindful eating is the practice of taking time to enjoy your nutrition, focusing on the experience of nutrition when eating and drinking. Mindfulness involves your thoughts, feeling, sensations and the appearance, smell, texture and taste of your food. Being present in the moment and mindful of satiety cues – when you are full. Pausing in our busy lives to enjoy nutrition, enjoy a positive experience with nutrition and move away from this ‘bad’ or ‘good’ food, as this does not exist. Mindful eating improves digestion and promotes a positive relationship with food.

What is functional nutrition?

Functional nutrition is an approach to nutrition that focuses on supporting the optimal function of the body, and its systems through personalised dietary and lifestyle interventions. It involves losing at the interplay between food, nutrients, and biochemical processes in the body to address health issues and promote overall wellness.

What factors do you take into consideration for weight loss?

There are many factors I take into consideration to develop a personalised weight loss plan for each patient. These include nutrition, movement, metabolism, hormonal factors, genetics, epigenetics, imprinted, early life events, abnormal dietary constituents, unhealthy muscle, sleep deprivation, stress, disrupted circadian rhythms, weight gain inducing medications, medical conditions, environmental, lifestyle, and psychological factors.

Midwifery Questions

I have gestational diabetes, can you help?

Yes, I have many years of caring for pregnant women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or GDM. No referral is required to have a consultation for GDM. In the consultation we will discuss lifestyle approach to managing a healthy pregnancy with GDM.

Can you provide a nutrition plan for my pregnancy journey?

Often women who have had a history of GDM, will organise a nutrition consultation with me to focus on a nutrition and movement plan early in their pregnancy. We map out together the woman’s preference, aiming for a healthy pregnancy journey, being mindful of any specific health conditions.

I am trying to fall pregnant, can you advise on the available pathways?

Yes, during a pre-pregnancy consultation we will discuss the relevant pathology and appropriate screening, determining which are required for your individual case. We will discuss a nutritional and supplement plan. A movement plan is also discussed, current guidelines recommend all women continue to be active pre pregnancy.

Can you help with contraception and family planning?

I have many years experience in women’s health and am frequently asked questions about contraception. I can advise on all contraception options and understand the importance of contraception accessibility. While working in the Northern Territory I became the first Nurse IUD inserter. At the time training was only available to NPs – but I was very persistent and was granted access to the training.

When discussing contraception options we will cover topics such as, ease of use, side effects, benefits, cost reversibility and LARC long-acting. I have a good knowledge of the screening tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and available treatments.

Click here to make a Telehealth appointment with Elle

Elle Care

Elle Care is a client lead clinic offering holistic primary health care via Telehealth appointments.

Our aim is to help women with diabetes, nutrition, pregnancy, contraception, weight loss and metabolic issues.

Who is Elle?

Eleanor Crighton is a Nurse Practitioner and Endorsed Midwife, with over 30 years experience in women’s health, diabetes, gestational diabetes, child health and primary health care.

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Contact

Please note: All bookings are made through the online booking system. Please only call or email if there is an issue with your booking.

Phone: 0461 532 999
Fax: 03 7047 9904
Email: admin@ellecare.net.au

Referrals are to be sent via email and not to fax.

Appointment Times

Elle Crighton is available for Telehealth appointments on the following days:

Monday: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Wednesday: 4:40 pm – 7:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Venus Bay Clinic Appointments

Monday: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Tuesday: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Telehealth Bookings

Bookings can be made by clicking on the button below. Please note all appointments are offered via Telehealth, telephone or video call is available.

Venus Bay Clinic Bookings

Bookings can be made Online or via Telephone

Check Booking link for added availability Monday and Tuesday Mornings

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