You do not need a GP referral at the time of booking, but one is recommended before your appointment.

Patients can book directly with Naia Health without a referral. However, a valid GP referral is required to receive Medicare rebates. Many patients book first and arrange their referral before attending. You can attend without a referral, but Medicare rebates will not apply.

• You can book online any time via our Book Appointment page.

• If you prefer, you’re welcome to call us on (02) 3815 8214 and our team will be happy to help.

If you have questions before booking, you’re welcome to call our team on (02) 3815 8214 or email support@naiahealth.com.au.

You may also find answers to common questions on this page, or proceed directly to booking via our Book Appointment page.

Yes. You can choose your preferred specialist when booking online via our Book Appointment page, or let us know when you call us on (02) 3815 8214. If you’re unsure who is best suited to your condition, our team is happy to help guide you.

Naia Health brings together independent specialist rheumatologists with expertise across a wide range of musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. Current focus areas include:

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid, psoriatic, and other inflammatory arthritis

• Gout and recurrent joint swelling

• Persistent joint pain, stiffness, or loss of mobility

• Other autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms fall within these areas, our team can help guide you to the most appropriate specialist.

Your first appointment is typically around 40 minutes.

Your specialist will review your symptoms, medical history, and current clinical status, assess any relevant imaging or test results, perform a clinical examination, and provide a diagnosis where appropriate.

Your specialist may also collect baseline clinical measurements or assessments to help track and manage the trajectory of your condition over time, with a focus on early intervention, prevention where possible, and ongoing improvement. The majority of the appointment then focuses on your goals, with a discussion of the available options and a personalised treatment plan aligned to those goals and intended to support the best possible outcomes.

Naia Health brings together independent specialist practitioners. While many consultations follow the approach outlined above, individual clinicians may structure appointments differently.

Initial specialist appointments typically average around 40 minutes, with follow-up appointments averaging around 20 minutes. Actual appointment length may vary and can be longer depending on your specialist and clinical needs.

Yes. Many of the independent rheumatologists consulting at Naia Health offer joint injections as part of specialist care, where clinically appropriate. In some cases, injections may be performed on the same day following assessment.

To understand the types of joint injections offered, visit our Joint Injections page.

Patients can get up to 80% back from their private health cover on injections offered by specialists consulting through Naia Health, depending on their level of cover.

Please check with your individual health fund for specific rebate amounts. Naia Health, on behalf of your specialist, can provide a supporting letter if required.

Specialists consulting through Naia Health bill privately, with fees varying by specialist and appointment type.

The highest out-of-pocket fee charged by a specialist consulting through Naia Health in 2025 for an initial appointment was $295, with most initial consultations below this level and follow-up appointments typically significantly lower.

Medicare rebates are available for all eligible consultations with a valid GP referral. Our team can provide general guidance before your appointment if helpful.

We recommend bringing a GP referral, your Medicare card, and any relevant imaging or pathology results (such as X-rays, MRIs, or blood tests).

Yes. Rheumatologists consulting through Naia Health are able to diagnose most cases of osteoarthritis and many other rheumatological conditions on-site. Where additional tests are required, these will be discussed and arranged as needed.

Yes. You can book a one-off consultation or receive ongoing care, depending on your needs and preferences.

For patients interested in longer-term care, specialists consulting through Naia Health may collect baseline clinical measurements or assessments to support long-term management, with a focus on early intervention, prevention where possible, and ongoing improvement over time.

Chronic conditions often evolve. For many patients, Naia Health becomes a long-term healthcare partner they can return to as needed — while others choose to attend only when specific issues arise. Both approaches are supported.

Patients choose Naia Health because it is designed around the long-term management of complex and chronic conditions.

Naia Health brings together independent medical specialists and allied health professionals within multidisciplinary hubs, allowing care to be coordinated in one place rather than fragmented across multiple locations. Specialists focus on understanding the full picture of a patient’s health, discussing the full range of appropriate care options, and aligning recommendations to individual goals.

Founded with guidance from Professor David Hunter — ranked the leading expert globally in osteoarthritis (Expertscape, ScholarGPS) — Naia Health also maintains strong links to academic research, with clinicians able to advise patients about relevant clinical studies where appropriate.

Naia Health’s St Leonards hub is located at Suite 411, 480 Pacific Highway, St Leonards.

The clinic is easily accessible by both car and public transport. On-site parking is available via 72 Nicholson Street.

For public transport, the hub is approximately 150 m from Crows Nest Metro Station and 300 m from St Leonards Train Station.

Clinicians consulting through Naia Health are actively involved in academic research and clinical studies and maintain links with universities and research institutions. Where appropriate, patients may be informed about relevant research or clinical trial opportunities and can choose whether to explore participation.

Participation is always voluntary and depends on individual eligibility and study requirements.