What do I need to do before my first consultation?

Prior to the first consultation, you will be sent and asked to fill in and return a detailed health questionnaire and diet diary so that your case can be studied before meeting with you. You are required to complete these forms and send them back to the office at least 3 working days prior to your consult. Failure to complete the forms or send them back in sufficient time (at least 3 working days before the appointment) will result in the cancellation of your appointment and we withhold the right to charge you 50% of your appointment fee as failure to comply will lead to valuable clinic slots being lost.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Cancellation can be made with a full refund up to 48 hours prior to consultation. Between 48 and 24 hours prior to consultation, a 50% refund will be made, and after 24 hours prior to consultation, no refund will be given if the appointment is cancelled.

How and when are payments taken?

Payments for packages and consultations are payable upon booking. Payment is taken by transfer or card on booking in order to hold a package and consultation. Costs are for the package price only. Additional costs may be incurred if supplements or laboratory testing is recommended (please see below). These are optional and are discussed during the consultation.

Can I use my medical insurance?

Some medical insurers have complementary therapy (e.g Pru Health, WPA) covered in their policies that may cover The Diet Doctor's fees, up to their capped maximum. A referral letter to Surrey Centre for Nutrition from a specialist or a GP is usually required. Please note it is necessary for you to pay all fees and costs and then reclaim this from your insurers.

Do you recommend nutritional supplements?

We recommend certain products only from manufacturers who have gained confidence through considerable research and experience. The brands of supplements recommended are those that meet our high standards in terms of their purity, quality, bioavailability (ability to be properly absorbed and utilised by the body) and effectiveness. You are not guaranteed the same level of quality when you purchase your supplements elsewhere.

Most of the supplements I recommend can be purchased by myself through my preferred practitioner supplier. Most of the supplements I recommend can be purchased by myself through my preferred practitioner supplier. I receive a 33% discount on these products and will pass on 15% of that savings to the client. The remaining 18% of the saving will be passed on to the practitioner and covers the time taken to purchase these products on behalf of the client.

What are the laboratory tests you recommend?

As we follow a functional medicine approach to nutrition as outlined by the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), laboratory tests are routinely used to help ascertain functional imbalances in the body. You may be recommended certain tests to help us devise the most suitable programme for you. You are under no obligation to undertake these tests, but the recommendation is based upon the best course of action for each patient individually. The price of these tests includes an interpretation fee that is passed onto the practitioner to cover the time taken to understand the results in the context of each client. The interpretation fee will depend on the complexity of the tests required.