Question 1

What can I expect from the 'full package'?

Accepted Answer

The full package is recommended for all new patients. This procedure ensures that the patient perceives the plan to be individualized, sustainable, flexible and enjoyable, before starting this journey.

There are three phases to the full package:

i)  Phase 1: The initial assessment.
This includes a full body composition analysis on our InBody Scale, an assessment of previous blood tests, a medical history and a dietary recall. We discuss food preferences, dislikes, eating habits, eating behaviors, etc. 
Blood tests are sometimes indicated for patients to do prior to Phase 2. Blood tests are often done the following day, and will not be requested before seeing the patient for the initial assessment.

ii) Phase 2: Plan presentation 
Patients return for a second consultation in-person 2 - 4 days after their initial assessment. This consultation is used to present the following:
- Body Composition Analysis 
- Blood test results (if relevant)
- The individualized Diet Plan and Education Plan
This consultation is used to educate, explain and clarify understanding of the results and plan moving forward.
Adoptions and additions are made to the plan should the patient request.

iii) Phase 3: The Trail Period
All patients are encouraged to update Jenna the Dietitian on how their first week trial period is going. This opportunity allows the patient time to implement the plan and establish if they would like any changes to be done, once starting the diet plan. Should no concerns arise, it is assumed that the patient is happy and on track for their first follow up in a months time.

Question 2

How can I budget for the journey ahead?

Accepted Answer

The full package is R1600,00. Additional costs may be incurred should blood test be recommended for the patient. Blood tests are not compulsory, and patients are informed as to which tests are recommended and why.

Follow ups cost between R310,00 - R600,00 per consultation.

Home visit patients will be charged an additional R100 per 25km traveled by the treating Dietitian. This additional fee will be disclosed up-front and calculated from Sandton Sports Medicine- as the reference point.

Question 3

What if I don't want the full package?

Accepted Answer

i) There are instances, often in the case of pediatric consultations, where a diet plan is not always indicated. Instead, certain patients request a single 1 hour consultation- which includes a brief assessment and Education Plan handout and explanation. These consultation cost R600,00 for the full hour, as Education Plans are not as individualized as those given to 'full package' patients.

ii) Some patients just want a body composition analysis on the InBody Scale. This will take 30 minutes and cost R310,00. Please note that current patients, those who have already paid for the full package, and afforded the opportunity to come in for a free 10 minute weigh in on the InBody Scale whenever they choose.

Question 4

Do you take Medical Aid?

Accepted Answer

This is a cash up front business. We accept cash, card and EFT payments. Hence, we do not take Medical Aid. Statements are submitted to Medical Aid for reimbursement. Discovery Vitality patients will additially received 1000 points for seeing the Dietitian for the year.

Please contact your Medical Aid to find out if you are covered for 'Outpatient Dietitian Consultations'.

Question 5

Why do the prices of the follow ups differ?

Accepted Answer

All patients have different needs: R310,00 is charged should a patient only use 30minutes of their consultation time and do not require any additional changes to their Diet Plans until the next follow up.

The maximum full up fee is R600, which is changed should the patient take the full hour consultation and require additional changes to their Diet Plan and/or Education Plan.

Patients can be charged a value in between these values depending on how much time is taken and will be needed after hours. *This is to the discretion of the treating Dietitian.

Question 6

Who qualifies for a discount?

Accepted Answer

i) Online patients:
- Patients choosing the 'Online Full Packaged' are denied the use of the InBody body composition analysis, and thus only pay R1300 for the 'full package' (less R300). 
- Online patients are often given follow up discounts for the same reason stated above. *This is to the discretion of the treating Dietitian

ii) Pensioners:
- Patients older than 65 years of age are given a R400 discount, and will hence pay R1200 for the 'full package'.

iii) Couples consultation:
- Bring a friend and receive a 50% discount for the friend. Hence, patients are charged R1200 per person as opposed to R1600.

iv) Group consultations:
- Groups of >2 members will receive a 37% discount per person. Hence, patients will be charged R1000 per person as opposed to R1600,00.

*Disclaimer: Patients requesting a Couples/Group consultation do not have to come in together. Patients may request to be seen individually/ together. HOWEVER, patients must confirm all members of their group, prior to booking a consultation. I.e.: Existing patients cannot claim the discount for their friend, should the refer them several months later.

v) Weigh ins:
- As stated above, patients who have already paid for the full package, are afforded the opportunity to come in for a free 10 minute weigh in on the InBody Scale whenever they choose.

vi) Converted Vitality Patients: 
- Discovery Vitality Assessments are 30 minute consultations, for 1000 points per year, which do not incldue a Diet Plan. After seeing Jenna the Dietitian for just a Discovery Vitality Assessment, patients often want to continue as long term patients. These patients are then converted to 'full package' patients. They are then to come in for a second consultation to received their Diet plan and pay R1100 for the plan.

Question 7

What is an InBody assessment?

Accepted Answer

These readings are 98% accurate. And prove invaluable in assessing the progress of the patient. We are concerned about you body composition in entirely, not your weight alone. Learn more about InBody Assessment here https://www.inbodysa.co.za/

The image below is an example of what you can expect from a body composition analysis on the InBody Scale.

Question 8

What is DNAlysis?

Accepted Answer

Genetic testing provide a unique opportunity to assessment what conditions/ risk factors you are predisposed to. Our genome never changes, but out phenotype might! Meaning, you will never need to do this test more than once in your life.

Our lifestyle has an impact on our gene expression. Factors such a exercise, stress/ trauma, nutrition and substances (such as smoking, alcohol, etc) may affect which genes are expressed later in life. With this knowledge, we can able to implement lifestyle changes, specific to our risk profile.

The DNA test does not only tell us where the gene mutation occurs but also:
- Explains what the gene mutation is and how it can affect you
- Ranks the extent/ probability that it's may be expressed- affect you
- Indicates if it is a negative/ beneficial gene mutation
- Recommends which blood tests you should have more routinely to establish if/when the gene mutation is expressed
- Details what lifestyle changes, including good types and eating habits, to implements to avoid the gene expression of the mutations you are predisposed to

*Please note that a DNA test is not a diagnoses but rather an indication of what you a predisposed to.

The genetic test is a finger prick blood test done on site. Results can take up to a month to be analysed.

There are several categories to choose from. Calories are ticked on the consent form to indicate which categories you would like to have tested.

Pricing:
The first category test costs R2350,00. Every category tested additionally is R600,00 per category

Learn more about DNAlysis here: https://dnalysis.co.za/products/

Question 9

What type of blood tests do you do?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests can be used to monitor known abnormalities or for screening purposes. They are never compulsory. Blood tests are often requested through Lancet/ Ampath. Blood is not taken on site. Patients are requested to take their form, already marked by the treating Dietitian, to the laboratory of the patients choosing. It is recommended that patient fast for 8-10 hours and test first thing in the morning.

We do not advocate for the blood-type diet.

The type of blood tests we usually assess may include, but not limited to: Cholestrol, blood sugar, thyroid function, renal function, liver function, Vitamin D, Iron status, Vitamin B12/ B9, food allergy tests, etc.

Question 10

Can I contact you after hours as an existing patient?

Accepted Answer

Patients are encouraged to contact Jenna the Dietitian as much as they like within the first week of having receiving the Diet Plan. Patients are encouraged to address most of their concerns within the first week. Jenna the Dietitian is very hands-on with her patients, and often engages with her patients over email and WhatsApp to provide support even after the initial trial period.

With that being said, patience and respect must be afforded both ways. Messages may take a few days to be attended to and this privilege must not be abused by patients.

Question 11

How often do I need to come for a follow up?

Accepted Answer

This is your journey. We are merely here to facilitate and guide your process. Follow ups are not compulsory.

In terms of what most patients prefer to do:
At the beginning of the journey, patients prefer monthly follow ups, some every prefer weekly free weigh ins. As patients become more independent, it is recommended for patients to begin spacing out their follow ups to every 3 months / every 6 months, for accountability.

Question 12

Do you do Discovery Vitality Assessments?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do. Discovery Vitality assessments are 30 minutes and cost R410,00. Patients are fully reimbursed once they submit their statement to Medical Aid- should they have sufficient funds; and receive 1000 Vitality points.

We very often have Vitality days, whereby you can receive up to 31 000 points in 1 visit! You can earn up to 22500 from the health assessment by the nurse, 7500 from the fitness assessment by the Biokineticist and 1000 from the nutritional assessment by the Dietitian.

Please contact us in advance to find out when the next Vitality day is scheduled.