FAQs
How are your methods different from other practitioners?
Gina uses a root cause approach to health and healing; patients can use an abbreviated medical history questionnaire available for patients who are on the right track but want to make sure they are making the most of their resources. Or patients experiencing symptoms can complete an in depth, 40-page, thorough medical history questionnaire and have their entire story mapped using the FM Matrix. The 5 R approach is used to find imbalances and problems, based on your medical story, that are typically misunderstood and/or misdiagnosed by conventional medicine practitioners who attempt to address the symptoms, not the root cause/damaged system. Using the FM 5 R approach to REMOVE the ROOT CAUSE, REPLACE/REINOCCULATE what is missing, REPAIR what is damaged, REBALANCE what is out of balance, and RESTORE HEALTH. She incorporates her nursing background to help clients facilitate change at their own pace, in a way that works for them.
How long does it take to see results?
Results vary by each person. Some people feel dramatic improvement within the first couple weeks or month, others may take a longer. Our standard programs are for a minimum of 3-6 months. Remember, your body didn’t fail overnight. Years of stress and illness takes its toll, and it takes a proper amount of time to restore.
How many tests do I have to do, and how much do lab tests cost?
You are not required to do ANY tests in order to see benefits when working with us, but some clients prefer to use some testing data to find subtle underlying causes of their symptoms. This generally offers more rapid results and helps to target your therapy. Common tests may include typical annual labs, nutrient deficiency testing, food allergen and reaction testing, comprehensive stool testing, cortisol testing, various hormone levels, Omega 3 indexing, and organic acid testing. Testing can be done using blood, urine, saliva, or stool, depending on the test performed. We do ask that clients upload their labs from the past two years via the patient portal for review at least 72 hours before their initial visit.
Why do you only accept clients from Illinois state?
RN licensing requirements only allow healthcare providers to provide counsel to clients in their state of licensure. Potential clients outside of Illinois state should attempt to find a provider in their local area.
Why are you not able to see Medicare beneficiaries?
Federal law prevents healthcare providers from accepting cash payments from Medicare beneficiaries. As this practice is cash only (see more details below), we are unable to offer services to Medicare beneficiaries.
Why do you require all clients to have a primary care provider?
Gina practices as a consultant in functional medicine, nurse care plans/coaching, and education. She does not provide any primary care practices and requires that all clients maintain a relationship with their own primary care provider, and that they have had a physical exam within the past 12 months. If she suspects a disorder or condition that is not appropriately treated with functional medicine interventions or virtual visits, the client will be directed to promptly consult their primary care provider or emergent services (if indicated) about any suspected and concerning problems, when appropriate. Gina has several years of experience as a registered nurse and is able to effectively triage when patients need a higher level of care. This falls far outside the scope of virtual functional medicine consulting. If you ever have concerns of an urgent nature, you should consult your primary care provider or emergency services, as appropriate.
How much time do I have to move or cancel my appointment?
In order to reserve your time, all appointments are prepaid at the time of booking. If for any reason you cannot make your appointment, please let us know at least 48 hours before your scheduled time, so we can reschedule accordingly. New client paperwork requires at least 72 hours to complete and review, and returning clients typically schedule weeks in advance. Therefore, we are not able to reschedule with short notice in most instances and would otherwise lose income when a client no-shows or late cancels an appointment. Missed appointments will be refunded at 50% of the prepaid rate.
​What if I am late to my appointment?
Gina will wait 15 minutes on the platform for our scheduled appointment. If you arrive in that time, the visit will commence, but our end time remains as scheduled. For example, if we are scheduled to meet from 1pm-2pm, and you log in to our meeting at 110pm, we will have fifty minutes to meet. No partial refunds will be provided for visits started late, as Gina will be present the entire scheduled time.
Can I write with questions between visits?
You can email questions via Nourishmespa@outlook.com. If you have new concerns, ongoing conditions, or questions that require a detailed response, an appointment will be necessary. This can often be arranged within several days, depending on schedule availability. Beyond this, we are very firm in devoting business hours to our scheduled clients and reserving private hours for family. We answer messages during business hours and strive to reply promptly. If we are unavailable for any extended reason such as vacation, you will receive a notification.
Why don't you accept health insurance?
When clinics bill health insurance companies directly, the providers are required to become participating providers. The provider must sign a contract that allows the insurance company to determine which services they will and will not provide and how much they can charge for those services. A participating provider must agree to accept the fees the insurance company establishes, regardless of whether the fees are reasonable or applicable to that practice. In general, these established fees cover the actual cost of the briefest (and we believe the lowest quality) care. Providers who are participating providers are required to accept discounted fees for their services, and they cannot bill the client for the difference between their fee and what the insurance company will pay. Most providers and clinics cope with the requirements of being participating providers by keeping their office visits very brief, so that they can see many clients within a given time frame. Unfortunately, we have found that we cannot be participating providers in the insurance networks and provide the time-intensive, well-researched care that we offer.