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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Conventional Medicine and Integrative Functional medicine?
Conventional Medicine | Integrative Functional Medicine |
Disease-centred approach | Patient-centred approach |
Treats symptoms | Treats systems |
Focuses on the consequences of ill health | Focuses of triggers of ill health |
Standardised investigations and treatments | State of the art testing and personalized solutions |
Practiced by doctors and healthcare professionals | Practiced by doctors and healthcare professionals |
Scientific evidence based | Scientific evidence based |
Short term goals – treat symptoms | Goes beyond just treating symptoms. Long term goals- achieve optimal health |
Suitable for acute disease and emergency | Suitable for chronic disease and minor ailments |
Patient engagement not required in treatment | Empowers patient with they’re own health |
Drawn from reductionist theory of Western medical practice. | Drawn from Western, Eastern, preventative and integrative practices. |
I am currently taking prescription medications, can I still take supplements prescribed?
Yes, our providers are trained to understand how medications can interact with drugs and what is safe and what is not. There are a vast number of supplements as well as drugs in the market and therefore knowing what to take is what we specialise in, to guide to achieve your health goals.
What is the difference between a normal doctor, integrative functional doctor and alternative medicine therapists?
We all know the training involved for normal doctors. Integrative medicine is a specialty that requires an incredible amount of advanced training. These doctors need to have a firm grasp on the basics of human physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, and pathology. Ongoing training is needed to keep up with the ever-advancing testing. Instead of throwing drugs at symptoms, these doctors work to get their patients well by discovering and fixing the cause of the problem.
Integrative medicine doctors are like detectives putting all the clues together in order to solve the puzzle of disease. Not all integrative doctors are trained the same, at Akeia we are proud to have the best of them.
Alternative medicine therapists are not formally licensed to practice and therefore there are good and bad practitioners out there, the former being dangerous to your safety. We do not employ unlicensed practitioners at Akeia.
Where can I purchase my recommended supplements and treatment?
At Akeia we have made it easy for you to obtain affordable ,safe, effective supplements. Quality Issues of ingredients, formulation, and manufacturing process all come together to determine effectiveness and potency. Unfortunately, not all supplement companies are the same. We have thoroughly researched the companies and products that are recommended on our care plans and they are all manufactured through the top companies in the USA that are GMP certified. If you want to research your own supplements, just know that our providers will not be able to provide any specific dosing instructions on them. Many of the specialised supplements we recommend are not available in Kenya elsewhere.
What do I need to do before my appointment?
If you have inquired with the reception and have received the introductory e-mail all the detailed information will be on there. You must come with your intake form filled in, any medication or supplements you currently take and previous blood test reports. It would be very useful also to jot down anything in your medical history with dates and bring it to your first appointment.
Do your doctors work with children?
Yes, our doctors work with all age groups and entire families as long as they are above the age of 2 years.
Do I have to use the in-patient laboratory recommended?
Occasionally a person will have recently been tested by another practitioner and your provider at Akeia can use those test results as a basis for your health restoration program. That being said, most traditional medical tests are not designed to show subtle underlying functional problems. The lab tests that we routinely order are specifically designed to help our providers tailor a program to your individual needs and eliminate all “guess work” in your case.
Can the doctors answer questions on e-mail?
You may communicate to the reception at any time through e-mail and we encourage communication for best outcomes for patients. When it comes to treatment related questions they cannot be done safely through e-mail, and therefore no doctor in our clinic would recommend treatment through e-mail. This is why it is important while you have the allocated time with your doctor you take relevant steps to ensure you have asked the questions and remembered the protocol prescribed.
Can I claim on Insurance with Akeia?
We will provide you with a receipt for your visit that you may submit to your insurance provider. The receipt will include the appropriate diagnosis and billing codes required by your insurance. Your plan will need to have out patient benefits for you to potentially get reimbursement. It is your duty to find out if your insurance will cover the costs prior to booking with us. Most of our patients have success with payment from insurance providers.
Can I bring a friend or family member to the appointment?
Absolutely, we encourage you to take notes as well. However we ask you to find childcare for any small children or infants as the appointments are lengthy, and also not more than one adult to accompany you in.
What is your cancellation policy?
We work on a strict appointment basis in order to ensure we provide the best service for all patients. Cancellation or reschedule notices must be received at least two working days prior to the appointment.