Do I still need to see my regular GP?

Yes. We work alongside your GP. Functional and integrative medicine is complementary — we don't replace your primary care relationship.

My results keep coming back normal. Can you actually help?

Yes. Standard blood tests typically look for overt disease. We run broader panels — reverse T3, fasting insulin, inflammatory markers, microbiome analysis, provoked urine testing for heavy metals — that pick up patterns standard testing misses.

Will I need a lot of testing?

It depends on your case. Your first appointment includes a thorough history. Testing is ordered based on what we find — never a panel-for-the-sake-of-a-panel approach.

How long until I feel better?

Complex chronic illness takes time to unpack. Most patients notice measurable shifts within 8-12 weeks of starting their individualised plan, with deeper changes over 6-12 months.

Where is Mojo Klinik located?

Suite 11, 40 Yeo Street, Neutral Bay NSW 2089, Sydney, Australia.

What are the clinic hours?

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Bookings are by appointment only.

Is parking available?

Yes. There is 2-hour free parking on Yeo Street and surrounding streets, plus public transport options including the Neutral Bay ferry wharf a 5-minute walk away.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes. Telehealth follow-ups are available Australia-wide. The first appointment is strongly recommended in-person at our Neutral Bay clinic.

What kinds of conditions do you treat?

Chronic, complex, multi-system, often unexplained conditions — including hormonal, digestive, metabolic, fatigue, immune and toxicity-related presentations. We do not provide acute or emergency care.

Do you treat cancer, Alzheimer's or dementia?

No. We do not advertise treatment for cancer, Alzheimer's, dementia or serious neurodegenerative conditions per TGA prohibited representations.

How do I know which condition page to start with?

Most patients begin with the Mojo New Patient Appointment (one hour) which covers the full clinical picture. From there we identify which condition-specific testing is needed.

Can I see both doctors?

Yes. Many patients see both Dr Mackey and Dr Varipatis — typically Dr Mackey for hormonal, digestive and metabolic presentations and Dr Varipatis for environmental, heavy metal and chronic infection work.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where bacteria that normally live in the large intestine overgrow in the small intestine, causing bloating, gas, abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.

How is SIBO diagnosed?

We use a lactulose or glucose breath test that measures hydrogen and methane gas over 2-3 hours. This identifies bacterial overgrowth and the dominant gas pattern (hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant, or hydrogen sulfide).

Is IBS the same as SIBO?

No, but they overlap. IBS is a functional diagnosis of digestive symptoms without identifiable disease. SIBO is one identifiable cause of IBS-like symptoms. Many IBS patients have underlying SIBO, but not all.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment duration depends on the case. A typical SIBO protocol involves 2-4 weeks of antimicrobial therapy followed by gut repair and prevention of recurrence. Underlying motility and digestive function must also be addressed.

Yes, SIBO has a moderate recurrence rate. We focus on identifying and treating the underlying causes (motility, structural issues, MMC function, diet) to reduce recurrence risk.

Do I need to stop my medications before testing?

Some medications (particularly antibiotics and probiotics) need to be stopped before breath testing. Your practitioner will advise specific preparation instructions at booking.

Will Medicare or private health insurance cover this?

The Mojo New Patient Appointment carries a Medicare rebate. Breath testing is privately billed. Private health fund rebates depend on your policy — check with your insurer.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, typically lasting 4-10 years. Hormone levels fluctuate, causing symptoms that often begin years before periods stop.

At what age does perimenopause start?

Most women begin perimenopause in their mid-40s, but it can start earlier. Symptoms before age 40 may indicate primary ovarian insufficiency and warrant investigation.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (formerly HRT) replaces the hormones that decline during perimenopause and menopause. Modern body-identical MHT is far safer than older synthetic versions.

Current evidence shows body-identical MHT is safe for most women when started within 10 years of menopause onset. Individual risk assessment is essential — your family history, personal history and current symptoms all inform the decision.

What is DUTCH testing?

DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) measures hormones and their metabolites over 24 hours, giving a fuller picture than a single blood draw. It's particularly useful for perimenopause where hormone levels fluctuate.

Do I need blood tests or urine tests?

Both. We typically run a full blood panel (thyroid, sex hormones, metabolic markers, vitamins) plus DUTCH for detailed hormone metabolite analysis. The combination gives the clearest clinical picture.

Can I take MHT if I've had breast cancer?

This requires careful specialist input. Non-hormonal options are usually preferred. Decisions are made in consultation with your oncology team.

What is heavy metal toxicity?

Accumulation of toxic metals (mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, aluminium) in body tissues beyond levels the body can safely excrete. Sources include dental amalgams, contaminated fish, occupational exposure, old plumbing and some traditional medicines.

How do you test for heavy metal burden?

We use provoked urine testing — a chelating agent is administered to mobilise stored metals, then urine is collected over 6 hours. This reveals what's actually stored in tissues, not just recent exposure. Blood tests only show recent exposure.

Is chelation therapy safe?

When medically supervised, chelation is safe and well-tolerated. The Heavy Metal Initial Appointment assesses kidney function, mineral status and overall suitability before any chelation is undertaken. Treatment is individualised.

Do I need to see a specific doctor?

Both Dr Mackey and Dr Varipatis offer Heavy Metal Initial Appointments. For chelation therapy specifically, both doctors prescribe — Dr Varipatis has the longer clinical history with chelation, Dr Mackey integrates it with broader hormonal and metabolic work.

Will my insurance cover this?

The Heavy Metal Initial Appointment does not carry a Medicare rebate. Private health fund coverage depends on your policy. Itemised receipts are provided for you to submit.

How long does treatment take?

A typical chelation programme runs 6-12 months depending on the metal burden identified. Repeat provoked urine testing guides treatment duration.

What's the difference between you and a naturopath?

Dr Mackey and Dr Varipatis are AHPRA-registered medical doctors. Provoked urine testing, chelation therapy and pharmaceutical prescribing are medical acts not available to naturopaths. Your treatment is medically supervised throughout.

Clinically termed 'increased intestinal permeability' — the gut lining becomes more porous than it should, allowing partially digested food particles, bacterial fragments and toxins to enter the bloodstream, driving systemic inflammation.

What causes bloating?

Common drivers: SIBO, food intolerances (FODMAP sensitivity, histamine, lactose), microbiome imbalance, low stomach acid, sluggish motility, and increased intestinal permeability.

How do you diagnose it?

We use a combination of detailed symptom analysis, breath testing (SIBO), stool microbiome analysis, intestinal permeability markers (zonulin, lactulose/mannitol test), and food intolerance panels where indicated.

Is bloating always related to food?

Not always. Bloating can also be driven by HPA axis dysfunction, hormonal fluctuations, stress, structural issues, and microbiome imbalance independent of specific foods.

How long does treatment take?

Most patients see significant improvement within 8-12 weeks. Full gut repair typically takes 6-12 months depending on the underlying cause and how long the issue has been present.

Should I do an elimination diet?

Elimination diets can help identify triggers short-term, but they're not a long-term solution. We use targeted testing where possible to identify specific drivers, then individualise dietary advice.

Sometimes, but not always. The wrong probiotic for your specific microbiome imbalance can worsen symptoms. We test first, then prescribe specific strains based on your results.

Can stress cause bloating?

Yes. Chronic stress alters gut motility, microbiome composition, digestive enzyme secretion, and intestinal permeability. We address the stress component alongside the physical drivers.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, gradually reducing its function. It's the most common cause of hypothyroidism in Australia.

Why is my TSH 'normal' but I still have symptoms?

Standard TSH testing misses many thyroid issues. We test the full panel — TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG). Patterns of suboptimal T3 conversion, elevated reverse T3, or positive antibodies explain persistent symptoms.

Do you prescribe thyroid medication?

Yes. As AHPRA-registered medical doctors, we prescribe all forms of thyroid medication including T4 (Oroxine), T3 (Cytomel/Tertroxin), and combination T4/T3 therapy. Decisions are based on the full panel and your symptoms.

What's reverse T3 and why does it matter?

Reverse T3 is an inactive form of T3 that blocks thyroid receptors. Elevated reverse T3 (from chronic stress, calorie restriction, illness, or low iron) causes hypothyroid symptoms even when TSH and free T4 look 'normal'.

How long until I feel better on thyroid treatment?

Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 4-8 weeks of starting treatment, with full stabilisation over 3-6 months. Repeat testing at 6-8 weeks guides dose adjustment.

Will my GP continue to manage my thyroid?

We work alongside your GP. Once stable, we can transition thyroid monitoring back to your GP with a clear management plan. Many GPs prefer this collaborative approach for complex thyroid cases.

How do you test hormones?

We use a combination of blood tests (for thyroid, sex hormones, metabolic markers) and DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) for detailed hormone metabolite analysis. The combination reveals patterns a single blood draw misses.

Do I need to test on a specific day of my cycle?

Yes for blood tests — typically day 21 for progesterone, day 2-3 for baseline hormones. DUTCH can be done any day and is more forgiving.

Can hormones cause weight gain?

Hormonal drivers of weight gain include thyroid dysfunction, cortisol dysregulation, insulin resistance, oestrogen dominance, and perimenopausal changes. We test for these before any weight management advice.

What about testosterone in women?

Testosterone in women is essential for energy, libido, muscle mass and motivation. We test and address both deficiency and excess (PCOS-related).

Privacy Policy | Mojo Klinik

Mojo Klinik / Legal / Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy.

How Mojo Klinik collects, uses, stores, discloses and protects your personal and health information. Written in plain language. Bound by the Australian Privacy Principles and Australian medical privacy law.

EFFECTIVE

[to be inserted on publication]

LAST UPDATED

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APPLIES TO

This policy applies to patients of the practice, visitors to mojoklinik.com.au, and anyone who interacts with us by email, telephone, online booking, or telehealth.

ON THIS PAGE

About this policy
Legal framework
Information we collect
How we collect information
Purposes for which we use information
Disclosure of information
My Health Record
Storage and security of information
Retention and destruction of records
Website cookies and analytics
Your rights
Privacy complaints
Changes to this policy
Contact

QUESTIONS?

Reception · Mojo Klinik
reception@mojoklinik.com

01 About this policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Mojo Klinik collects, uses, stores, discloses and protects your personal information and health information. It applies to patients of the practice, visitors to our website at mojoklinik.com.au, and anyone who interacts with us by email, telephone, online booking or telehealth.

Mojo Klinik is a medical practice located at Suite 11, 40 Yeo Street, Neutral Bay NSW 2089. In this policy, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Mojo Klinik. The terms “you” and “your” refer to the individual whose information is being collected or held.

Mojo Klinik’s registered medical practitioners are also bound by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration standards and the Medical Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct, which include patient confidentiality obligations that apply in addition to this policy.

02 Legal framework

Mojo Klinik handles personal and health information in accordance with:

The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
The Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and the Health Privacy Principles, in respect of health information held in New South Wales.
The My Health Records Act 2012 (Cth) where applicable to the use of the My Health Record system.
The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) and the AHPRA registration standards applying to Mojo Klinik’s registered medical practitioners.
The Notifiable Data Breaches scheme under Part IIIC of the Privacy Act 1988.

03 Information we collect

We collect only the information reasonably necessary for the function we are performing. The categories of information we may collect include:

Personal information — your name, date of birth, residential address, contact telephone number, email address, Medicare number, private health insurance details where applicable, emergency contact and next of kin, and identification documents where required.
Health information — your medical history, current symptoms, current medications, allergies, family medical history, lifestyle information, pathology and imaging results, treatment notes, correspondence with other health practitioners, and information you provide during consultations or in intake forms.
Payment information — in-clinic payments are processed through Tyro. Online deposits and card capture associated with online booking are processed through Stripe. Mojo Klinik does not store full credit card numbers on its own systems.
Website and booking information — when you use our website or our online booking platform, we may collect your IP address, browser type, the pages you visit, the time and duration of your visit, and information you submit through web forms or the booking platform.

04 How we collect information

We collect information in the following ways:

Directly from you, when you book an appointment, complete an intake form, attend a consultation, send us an email, or contact reception.
From other health practitioners, where a referral or correspondence is received, or where we request information from a previous treating practitioner with your consent.
From pathology and imaging providers, when results are returned for tests ordered by your Mojo Klinik doctor.
From Services Australia and the Department of Health, when Medicare claims are processed on your behalf or rebate information is verified.
Through our website and online booking platform, where information is submitted by you or generated by your interaction with the site.

05 Purposes for which we use information

We collect, hold and use your information for the following purposes:

Providing medical care, including consultations, diagnosis, prescribing, referrals, and ongoing management of your health.
Communicating with you about appointments, results, recalls, and other matters related to your care.
Processing payments, Medicare claims, and private health insurance claims where applicable.
Communicating with other health practitioners involved in your care, with your consent.
Meeting our legal, regulatory and professional obligations, including those imposed by AHPRA, the Medical Board of Australia, and Australian state and federal health authorities.
Internal quality assurance and clinical audit, where information is deidentified where reasonably practicable.
Responding to your enquiries and requests.

WHAT WE WILL NOT DO

We do not sell your personal or health information to any third party. We do not use your health information for marketing purposes.

06 Disclosure of information

We do not disclose your personal or health information to third parties except in the following circumstances:

With your consent, including the standard consent associated with providing a referral, requesting communication with another practitioner, or uploading information to your My Health Record.
For pathology and imaging, where your doctor refers you for tests, your information is disclosed to the laboratory or imaging provider you choose to attend.
For Medicare claiming, where claims are submitted through Services Australia for processing.
Where required or authorised by law, including in response to subpoenas, court orders, mandatory reporting obligations (including suspected child abuse, communicable disease notifications, and fitness-to-drive notifications) and formal requests from AHPRA, the Medical Board of Australia, or other regulatory bodies.
In a medical emergency, where disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to your life, health or safety, or that of another person.

07 My Health Record

Mojo Klinik does not upload information to your My Health Record without your explicit request and consent. If you would like information from a consultation, a pathology result or a discharge summary added to your My Health Record, please tell your doctor during the appointment. You can also set access controls on your My Health Record, or opt out entirely, by visiting myhealthrecord.gov.au.

08 Storage and security of information

Your personal and health information is held on a secure on-site server at our Neutral Bay premises, in line with Australian medical records storage requirements. Access to records is restricted to authorised practice staff who require access to perform their role.

Our medical practice management system is Best Practice. Cosmetic services use Fresha. Online medical bookings are managed through our inhouse booking platform. Telehealth consultations are conducted via Zoom. Each of these systems operates under its own privacy and security arrangements, which we have reviewed for suitability.

We take reasonable steps to protect your information against loss, unauthorised access, use, modification, disclosure and misuse. These steps include physical security at our premises, password and access controls, screen-locked workstations, secure disposal of obsolete records, and regular review of system access.

ON THE LIMITS OF SECURITY

No system can be guaranteed completely secure. In the event of an eligible data breach, we will notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in accordance with the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.

09 Retention and destruction of records

We retain medical records for at least the minimum periods required by Australian law:

ON THE LIMITS OF SECURITY

10 Website cookies and analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enable the website to function correctly and to allow us to understand how visitors use the site. Cookies are small files placed on your device by your browser. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, although doing so may affect the functionality of the website.

We may use analytics tools, including Google Analytics, to collect aggregated and de-identified information about how the website is used. This information is used to improve the website.

11 Your rights

Under the Australian Privacy Principles, you have the right to:

Access your information. You may request a copy of the personal and health information we hold about you. We will respond within 30 days. An administrative fee may apply for the transfer of records (see Terms and Conditions).
Correct your information. If you believe information we hold about you is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading, you may ask us to correct it.
Withdraw consent. Where we are handling information on the basis of your consent, you may withdraw that consent at any time. This may affect our ability to continue providing care.
Make a complaint. See the Privacy complaints section below.

HOW TO EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS

To make a request, please contact reception@mojoklinik.com. We may need
to verify your identity before releasing information.

12 Privacy complaints

If you have a privacy concern, please contact Mojo Klinik in the first instance so that we may address it. Privacy enquiries can be directed to reception@mojoklinik.com or by telephone to 02 9133 8500. Privacy enquiries are handled by reception in liaison with the practice principal.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at oaic.gov.au or by telephone to 1300 363 992.

For complaints concerning the conduct of a registered medical practitioner, you may also contact the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) at ahpra.gov.au, or in New South Wales, the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) at hccc.nsw.gov.au.

13 Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practice or in the law. The current version is published at mojoklinik.com.au/privacy-policy. The effective date at the top of this page indicates the date on which the policy was last updated.

14 Contact

Mojo Klinik

Suite 11, 40 Yeo Street, Neutral Bay NSW 2089

Telephone: 02 9133 8500

Email: reception@mojoklinik.com

Document version 1.0 (draft). Material changes will be communicated to existing patients by email before they take effect.