7. Is Functional Lab testing more expensive or covered by Medicare? Currently, most Functional Lab test costs are NOT covered by Medicare. ALL lab tests cost money and time to process. I know first-hand,  as I also worked as a Laboratory Scientist in a number of medical pathology laboratories, which involved testing, analysing  & interpreting patient results before providing test results to the requesting doctor.  The cost & time to perform the lab test & provide an informative detailed report to the practitioner varies, as well as expertise of both laboratory staff and the practitioner to interpret results to provide the most value to the client so they can achieve their health goals. Although, most conventional tests are covered by Medicare, they may not give you the results or detail you might need. With regards to result detail, many functional lab tests include up to 70 markers along with a detailed health report. If you are struggling with your health and think you need to uncover HIDDEN Stressors or  want to prevent disease, investing in functional lab testing may be one of the wisest investments you ever made!  Many Functional Lab tests are GREAT VALUE for YOUR MONEY and ultimately YOUR HEALTH. Essentially, often you get what you pay for or may miss out on what you don't pay for.....

8. What is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach?

A holistic nutritionist  integrates not only aspects of nutrition & diet & medical/health history, but also considers  lifestyle elements including stress levels, career/vocation/job, relationships, exercise, rest, sleep & what brings clients like you.... Happiness, Fulfillment, Vitality & Peace....in Your Life!

9. What are the best sample types for functional Lab tests?

It depends on the Functional Lab test- eg for a HTMA, a hair tissue sample is best to look at your mineral, vitamin & heavy metal status in your body over the past 3 months. For a hormone analysis assay, a saliva or urine test may be best. For a detailed digestion function analysis, a combination of a faecal sample to identify pathogens or bacteria imbalance,  a blood test to determine food intolerances and a urine sample to determine the health status of your GIT may be appropriate. For a Fitgenes Health & Wellbeing  DNA test or Carbohydrate tolerance test,  a simple mouth swab sample is suitable.

10. Which Functional Lab tests do I need?

It depends on your detailed Health History, current health complaints and health goals you want to achieve.

11. Do I need to do Functional Lab testing or can I just have a one-off wellness session report or a 3 month or 6 month health coaching program?

My services are flexible. The tests, sessions and health coach programs will be discussed with you, so you can make the best decision for YOUR health goals.

12. My doctor says my test results are normal but I still don't feel right....

You may be right! ​Conventional test results have a Normal Range (NR) but they may not always be Optimal Ranges. The FDN approach is to look at Optimal Ranges rather than Normal Ranges, so sub-optimal results are more likely to be picked up using a FDN lab test. The Optimal ranges are usually narrower than a standard NR. For example, an Optimal Range may be the upper half of a NR and therefore if your result is below the range, it will be sub-optimal. ​