FAQ’s
For most new patients, particularly those with complex, persistent, recurrent or unexplained symptoms, the appropriate starting point is a 60-minute Diagnostic Consultation.
This allows sufficient time for a detailed clinical history, appropriate examination and an initial assessment of the different factors that may be contributing to your health problem.
For patients attending our Marlborough clinic with a discrete and predominantly musculoskeletal problem, a separate New Patient Musculoskeletal Consultation is also available.
If you are unsure which appointment is appropriate, please contact Susie, our Practice Manager, before booking.
The purpose of the Diagnostic Consultation is to understand your health problem as fully as possible before deciding what, if any, treatment or further investigation is appropriate.
Gerry will take a detailed clinical history and undertake a physical and clinical examination relevant to your presentation. Depending upon your individual circumstances, this may include assessment of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and other physiological systems.
Where clinically appropriate, additional investigations may be discussed, including blood tests, diagnostic imaging, capnometry, heart rate variability, spirometry or referral for a specialist medical opinion.
The aim is not simply to identify a diagnosis, but to understand the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and develop an appropriate management plan.
The Integrated Regulatory Systems Framework is the clinical reasoning model Gerry uses when assessing complex and persistent health problems.
It considers seven interacting physiological systems: respiratory, neural, circulatory, endocrine, immune and inflammatory, metabolic, and musculoskeletal.
The framework helps distinguish between established pathology, possible underlying pathology and disturbances of function or physiological regulation. It does not replace conventional medical diagnosis or specialist care; rather, it provides a structured way of considering how different aspects of physiology may interact in an individual patient.
The priority of a Diagnostic Consultation is assessment and clinical reasoning.
Where the problem is relatively straightforward and sufficient time remains, treatment may sometimes begin during the initial consultation. For more complex presentations, it is often preferable to complete the assessment and agree an appropriate management plan before commencing treatment.
There is no predetermined number of treatments.
The amount of care required depends upon the nature and duration of the problem, your general health, previous treatment, examination findings and how you respond to management.
Your progress is reassessed throughout treatment. The aim is to provide appropriate and proportionate care rather than continuing treatment for a predetermined number of sessions.
The appropriate appointment length depends upon the type of care required.
Different follow-up appointments are available for assessment, treatment and more complex clinical review. Gerry will normally advise you which appointment type is most appropriate.
Please see our Consultation & Treatment Fees page for current appointment types, durations and fees.
The Health Equation takes an integrated approach to clinical assessment and management.
Rather than considering a symptom in isolation, Gerry considers relevant medical, physiological, musculoskeletal, lifestyle and psychosocial factors and how they may interact.
This approach combines nearly four decades of osteopathic clinical experience with conventional clinical assessment, appropriate investigation and an understanding of physiological regulation.
Where necessary, Gerry works collaboratively with GPs, medical consultants and other regulated healthcare professionals.
Yes, where clinically appropriate.
Blood testing and diagnostic imaging can be arranged privately, and Gerry can review and interpret the results in the context of your overall clinical presentation.
Where an investigation or specialist medical opinion would be more appropriately arranged through your GP or another healthcare professional, this will be discussed with you.
With your consent, relevant clinical information, investigation results and reports can be shared with your GP, consultant or another healthcare professional involved in your care.
If findings indicate that further medical assessment or referral may be appropriate, Gerry will discuss this with you.
Yes, where clinically appropriate.
Capnometry and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) can provide useful information about breathing behaviour, carbon dioxide regulation, respiratory rate, heart rate and autonomic regulation.
These measurements can be incorporated into a Diagnostic Consultation when relevant or undertaken as part of more specific breathing assessment and retraining.
Some osteopathic treatment may be eligible for reimbursement under certain private medical insurance policies, but cover varies considerably between insurers and individual policies.
Patients should contact their insurer before treatment to establish whether their policy provides cover, whether a GP or consultant referral is required and whether there are any restrictions on treatment or investigations.
The Health Equation operates principally on a self-funding basis. Patients are responsible for payment of their fees and can be provided with appropriate receipts for insurance purposes.
New patients are required to pay the full consultation fee in advance to confirm their appointment.
Existing patients normally pay at the time of their consultation or service.
Current consultation fees are available on our Consultation & Treatment Fees page. Payment can be made by CARD or Direct Bank Transfer, details are on all invoices.
We require at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment.
Appointments cancelled or changed with less than 48 hours’ notice, or where a patient does not attend, may be charged at the full consultation fee.
Full booking terms are provided through our online booking system.
Metabolic Balance is an individualised nutritional programme based upon personal information and specified blood parameters.
Gerry is a certified Metabolic Balance coach and can advise whether the programme is appropriate for you.
If you are not already a patient of The Health Equation, a Diagnostic Consultation is normally required before commencing the programme.
Appointments for both our London and Marlborough practices can be booked through our online booking system.
If you are uncertain which consultation you require, please email Susie, our Practice Manager, directly before booking. She can help you select the most appropriate appointment.