FAQ

What is preventive and wellness medicine?

Preventive and Wellness Medicine is a number of things.  In its essence, it uses a root-cause approach of strategic, medicinal, nutrition and lifestyle modifications to optimize health, prevent illness, and heal existing, chronic conditions.  It also encompasses an understanding and application of the nutrition and lifestyle environments our bodies evolved with and are thus best adapted for (a.k.a. evolutionary medicine and ancestral health).  Most importantly, it is a whole-person and whole-body approach!

I am a certified functional medicine provider from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).  

HOW Many sessions do you recommend?

The recommended number of sessions varies widely and depends on the individual person and his or her health goals.  Many people need between 3-5 sessions (and sometimes more) after the Initial Consultation.  However, others like to get the ball rolling with the Initial Consultation/Health Strategy Session and use the insights garnered during this session to continue on their own.  

How does billing work?

This practice does not participate with any health insurance plans or Medicare.  Payments for sessions are via credit card or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account) cards.  You can also be provided with a detailed receipt to submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement (amount of reimbursement, if any, is not guaranteed).  Click here for pricing. 

What is Biofeedback technology?

Biofeedback technologies are a game-changer when pursuing health and healing using a nutrition and lifestyle approach.  Heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rhythm coherence used in biofeedback technology are potent biomarkers for health and wellness.  A variety of tools are available to help us understand where your body is at present and over time, while simultaneously using the technology to train your body for "psychophysiologic" (mind and body) optimization.  

Some of the technologies I work with are HeartMath,  Elite HRV and the Oura ring.  I use biofeedback software in the office and guide you on the use of portable technologies that utilize either a sensor on the ear or finger and an app on your smartphone.  

I am a certified HeartMath provider and have have completed coursework by Elite HRV's Elite Academy.

Do you offer Remote sessions?

Yes! Telehealth (video) sessions are available for those residing in DC, VA, PA, and NY.  These virtual sessions use a secure, HIPAA-compliant online video platform.  Telehealth helps decrease the time and location barriers for individuals to get the care they need.  

All you need for a virtual session is a computer, WiFi connection, and an internet browser (preferably Chrome for the most reliable connection).

Do you offer lab testing?

Yes.  Both standard and advanced lab testing are done as needed.  Many lab tests are done with kits used at home (e.g. stool, urine, saliva, blood spot).  Lab tests requiring blood draws are done either in-home or at a blood-draw facility (location-dependent).  Most labs accept insurance for most tests, however there is usually an out-of-pocket portion paid by the patient.

Do you use supplements?

This practice focuses on promoting health and healing with nutrients from real, whole foods made by nature.  The nutrients in these "nature-made" foods act in a synergistic form, where a highly complex array of cofactors and complementary nutrients are absorbed and utilized optimally.  When supplements are needed, you will be directed where to purchase them.  This practice does not obtain any profit from supplements that are recommended and purchased.  

What conditions do you treat?

For a list of conditions treated, please see: Conditions

Do you offer workshops?

Yes!  I do a series of health and wellness workshops in the workplace and small-group workshops online as well.  Please send me a message if you are interested in either a workplace or online workshop.   

Are you a primary care provider (PCP)?

This is a specialist practice and I do not function as a primary care provider.  All patients must maintain a separate primary care physician.  

What ages do you work with?

This practice works with adults age 18 years and older