Q: What is different about The Health Equation’s integrated medical approach?

A: Just that: it’s integrated. Patients are made up of a collection of functional systems which interact with each other, with the whole being more than the sum of the individual parts. When these systems are functioning well, good health is the result, conversely if they are dysfunctional, symptoms develop, if ignored or poorly understood progressive illness can be the result. These systems can be categorised into psycho/social/emotional, biomechanical and nutritional/biochemical. An integrated medical approach takes into account not only obvious, demonstratable pathology, but disturbance in function within these systems. This holistic evaluation of the patient informs the options for treatment intervention, taking into account the patients belief systems and preferences. Patient-centred care allows the patient a better understanding of why they have become ill and to help provide the tools necessary to allow healing to take place, providing that the systems/tissues causing the problem have not undergone irreversible pathological change. It’s the best possible combination of conventional and complementary medicine.

Q: How could The Health Equation’s Integrated Medical Approach help my particular condition?

A: Say, for example, you have a recurring headache. When you first contact The Health Equation our practice manager will ask specific questions (a triage) enabling us to recommend the most appropriate clinician. Usually a consultation with Mr. Gerry Gajadharsingh our Diagnostic Consultant – Complementary Medicine will establish details of the current problem, medical history, general health, social history and certain lifestyle factors. Then there’s a clinical examination; in this case, to check your cardiovascular, neurological, ENT, musculo-skeletal, and digestive systems.

Other tests like blood and urine analysis may also be performed.

This all helps form a differential diagnosis – the possible causes, of your headache, with possible additional investigations, such as x-rays or CAT-scan. You may be referred for other specialist tests or opinions but normally, treatment and management advice are given once test results are known. This may vary from medication, nutritional supplementation, dietary advice, lifestyle and exercise advice or referral to one or more of our clinical team – say, an Osteopath, Exercise Specialist Massage therapist or referral back to your GP or other medical specialist.

There is significant overlap between all our disciplines; the challenge for the Diagnostic Consultant and the patient is to decide which elements comprise the most appropriate treatment strategy.

Q: If I become a patient of The Health Equation will I have to see all of the practitioners?

A: No. You can see an individual practitioner if that is what you wish. Or, on the recommendation of your diagnostic consultant, or other practitioner, you may see one or several practitioners as your case requires.

Q: Will test results be sent to my GP?

A: Practitioners will communicate, with your permission, with whoever referred you.

Q: What is the difference between an Osteopath, a Chiropractor and a Physiotherapist?

A: There is no single difference but some similarities. Our professional philosophies do differ, as do the technical approaches, but the approach used by each clinician is often personalised by the individual practitioner. At The Health Equation we use a team approach with the underlying philosophy of INTEGRATION, so that all the medicines are complementary.

Q: How many treatment sessions will I need?

A: As each person and their circumstances are unique, the number of treatment sessions required differs – whatever the discipline. Often change is felt within four treatments; sometimes results are felt more quickly, while for others it may take longer.

Q: Are The Health Equation’s services covered by my Private Health Insurance?

A: Private health insurance in the UK covers patients seen by individual clinicians for inpatient hospital stays, or outpatient investigations and treatment. Each company has their own rules for conventional and complementary medical coverage.

The Diagnostic Consultant -Complementary Medicine is an Osteopath, approved by all the major insurance companies, but levels of cover vary. Some companies will also authorise him to order investigations such as imaging and blood tests.

Current policies of health insurers means that seeing the Exercise Team is generally not covered.

Please note that whatever your level of cover, all patients are required to settle their bills with The Health Equation at the end of each consultation. The Health Equation will issue receipts and The Health Equation clinicians will sign the relevant documentation if you are eligible to reclaim our clinicians fees from your private health insurance.

Some insurance companies will need your GP’s referral to authorise coverage. In short, private health insurance in the UK is not straightforward! All patients are urged to contact their individual company to determine their level of cover before embarking on investigations and treatment.