FAQ
Does Optimal Health Institute take insurance?
No we do not actively bill insurances. We are considered an Out of Network provider, which means , you may submit any testing/lab work to your personal insurance provider for possible reimbursement.
Do I need a PCP?
Dr. Nancy specializes within the practice of Functional Medicine and BHRT. It is suggested that a PCP be established to handle routine and emergent needs within your insurance system.
How often will I be seen after the initial consult?
The severity of the illness will determine the frequency of the visits but typically, patients are seen at 6wks, 3mo, 6mo then a goal of yearly or as needed.
What is the typical time to get an appointment?
New patient scheduling varies but there is a waiting list. There is a new patient waiting list which allows a patient to be moved up dependent on the arrival of their Health Questionnaire.
We try our best to move up existing patients asap if there is a reschedule and/or cancellation.
Do you think you can help me with my health problem?
We use a systems approach to assessing and treating your health care concerns. Perhaps you have experienced being examined by your doctor, having blood tests done, x-rays or other diagnostic tests taken, only for your doctor to report back that “all your tests are normal”. Yet, both you and your doctor know that you are sick. Unfortunately, this experience is all too common.
Most physicians were trained to look only in specific places for the answers, using the same familiar labs or diagnostic tests. Yet, many causes of illness cannot be found in these places. The usual tests do not look for food allergies, hidden infections, environmental toxins, mold exposures, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic imbalances. New gene testing can uncover underlying genetic predispositions that can be modified through diet, lifestyle, supplements or medications.
The use of such testing helps our patients prevent illness and recover from many chronic and difficult-to-treat conditions. Dr. Nancy is skilled in evaluating, assessing and treating chronic problems such as fibromyalgia, fatigue syndromes, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, mood and behavior disorders, memory problems, Parkinson’s disease and other chronic, complex conditions. We also focus on the prevention and treatment of heart disease, diabetes, dementia, hormonal imbalances and digestive disorders.
Where do the tests need to be done?
Some testing can be done through conventional labs and others are only available through specialty laboratories. During your medical consultation, Dr. Nancy will determine which tests are needed and then our staff will review testing recommendations, instructions (ex. Fasting or non-fasting, etc.) and costs. Some testing can be performed at home with test kits to collect urine, saliva or stool. Others may require you to go to a local lab to have blood drawn. In all cases, we will assist you in coordinating initial and follow-up testing.
Occassionally, we may recommend certain tests that are not performed at our facility (i.e. heart scans, cardiac stress tests, bone density, sleep studies, etc.). In those instances, we can provide you with an order that you can take to a facility near your home or we can schedule an appointment to have them done near our office.
Can I submit a claim to Medicare?
No, O.H.I.O. does not participate in the Medicare program. If you are a Medicare Part B beneficiary and wish to become a patient, you are required to accept the terms and conditions set forth in a Private Contract between you and O.H.I.O. This Private Contract provides that absolutely no Medicare payment will be made to you or to O.H.I.O. for the services provided, even if such services are covered by Medicare. Under the Private Contract, you acknowledge that you accept full responsibility for the payment of charges for all services rendered by O.H.I.O.; such payments are due in full at the time of service. We will not require you to sign the Private Contract if you are experiencing an emergency or urgent issue.
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. It is important to maintain an active credit card on file with our office for billing of follow-up consultations, lab testing, and other services. If you plan to pay with a debit card we require a second method of payment on file as some debit cards have a daily payment limit.
Is Dr. Nancy a physician?
Dr. Nancy is trained as a primary care physician but she does not provide acute care services. We will work with you closely as consultants and coaches in preventive, nutritional and functional medicine to help you address the roots of chronic health problems. We can confer with your primary care doctor if required.
Do I have to see Dr. Nancy in person for my medical consultation?
Yes, her medical license requires that she meet with a patient in order to provide an initial medical consultation. Follow-up appointments can be arranged by phone or in the office.