Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the frequently asked questions below. If you don’t find the answer to your question, feel free to contact our patient coordinator via email or set up a discovery consultation.

Scheduling & Visits

What Are The Restrictions On Virtual Doctor's Visits?
If you are NOT a local resident, your initial visit at our clinic must be in person. After the first visit, all follow up visits can be conducted by phone or virtually using our secure video channel if you choose.
Email Etiquette
Patients have unlimited email contact with their health team. However, if an email question or request is deemed by one of our staff to be too complicated or involved for a response via email they may, at their discretion, require that the member schedule a phone, telemedicine or in person visit instead of responding via email.
Scheduling and Cancellations
There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for all appointments. Cancellations made after 48 hours notice will be charged in full.

No-shows: If you do not show up to a phone, video/telemedicine or in person appointment without notifying the specific person you have an appointment with either via email or by changing the appointment using the online scheduling tool on the patient portal, you will be charged the full appointment fee.

Billing & Insurance

We Are Not A Conventional Primary Care Physician
As a Naturopathic Doctor, we can take the place of a primary care physician for many of our patients. We do encourage you to seek a family doctor in addition to our services to support any needs that are outside of our scope of care. Because you can message us online during business hours, we are often able to take care of acute requests. For example, filling prescription prescribing or supplement needs.

It is important to note the following however:

1. We may be be available for same-day emergency appointments depending on our availability.

2. We do not have a 24-hour answering service and do not take calls on weekends. If you need to be seen urgently or have a medical emergency you would need to visit an ER or urgent care center.

We Do Not Bill Insurance Companies
The cost of any services provided by Dr. K Guiding Wellness will be billed to you directly. You are responsibly for submitting your insurance claims.

Non-Dr. K Guiding Wellness medical expenses such as lab tests and prescription medications may be covered by a member’s health insurance plan per that plan’s rules.

Dr. K Guiding Wellness will not submit a medical claim to insurance on your behalf. We cannot assist you with claim resolution for our services.

We will provide you with a detailed billing summary that you may submit to your insurance for reimbursement. There may be procedures or lab tests that are not covered depending on your plan’s rules.

About Lab Tests
  • Some lab tests we offer as part of our functional medicine testing program may not be covered by insurance and in these cases you will be charged a fee for a particular test by the lab or through Dr. K Guiding Wellness.
  • The specific tests ordered will be personalized to you based on your initial evaluation with an Dr. K Guiding Wellness doctor and may include blood, saliva, urine, or stool testing.
  • Dr. K Guiding Wellness may request conventional lab testing as part of your medical workup. These tests, if requisitioned by your family doctor, would be covered by OHIP. You will be given the opportunity to speak with your family doctor to see if they would be willing to requisition the test. Alternatively, Dr. K Guiding Wellness will requisition the conventional tests. They will not be coved by OHIP in this case and you will be responsible to cover the cost of the testing.
  • We will make every effort to make you fully aware of any additional lab fees that may be incurred and to give you the opportunity to choose which lab tests you feel comfortable paying for.
  • You are under no obligation to purchase any specialty testing.
  • Should any lab results indicate you may need further testing you will be directed to continue your care with your primary care physician or a relevant specialist, or should you choose you may continue to work with Dr. K Guiding Wellness.
  • At home test kits: If a lab test kit is mailed to you by Dr. K Guiding Wellness, you will be charged the day the kit is mailed.
What should I expect at my initial consultation?
At your initial consultation, Dr. K will listen to your story, review your medical history, and perform physical exams. If you are a good candidate for our services, Dr. K will discuss the necessary lab tests and schedule your Nutrition, Lifestyle Consultation and Medical follow-up.
How much does the initial consultation cost?
The initial consultation is $200.
How long is the initial consultation?
The initial consultation is 75-90 min long.
What should I bring to my initial consultation?
To get the most value from the initial consultation, complete and return your intake form 48 hours in advance. Bring any pertinent medical records, test results, and current supplements.
How do I know if I qualify for the Empower U Method?
The Empower U Method is for anyone who wants to maximize their health. If you have a condition which requires urgent medical attention or if you are not motivated to take responsibility for your health through significant nutrition and lifestyle changes, the Empower U Method is not a good fit for you.
What is included in the Empower U Method?
The Empower U Method includes:

  • 10 Comprehensive Consultations
  • An Investigative Approach To Your Case
  • Personalized Lab Interpretation Videos
  • Customized Nutrition & Lifestyle Design
  • Personalized Root Cause Plan
  • Direct Lab & VIP Supplement Pricing
  • Online & In-Person Educational & Development Workshops

Your 10 Comprehensive Consultations Include:

4 – Clinical Consultations
4 – Lifestyle & Nutrition Consultations
2 – Flexible Appointments (For extra clinical consultations, lifestyle & nutrition support, or acupuncture based on your personalized plan).

What is included in the Empower U Metabolic Reset Method?
The Empower U Method includes:

  • 15 Comprehensive Consultations
  • An Investigative Approach To Your Case
  • Personalized Lab Interpretation Videos
  • Customized Nutrition & Lifestyle Design
  • Personalized Root Cause Plan
  • Direct Lab & VIP Supplement Pricing
  • Online & In-Person Educational & Development Workshops
  • 8-week online Mindset Mastery course for lasting transformation

Your 15 Comprehensive Consultations Include:

7 – Clinical Consultations
8 – Lifestyle & Nutrition Consultations

Do I still need a primary care physican?
Yes. We do not provide acute or urgent care services and we do not replace the services that your current medical team provides. We provide a stand-alone service focused on eliminating root causes and creating and advancing health.
What is the investment of the Empower U Method?
The Empower U Method is typically an eight to 12-month course of treatment including Clinical, Nutritional and Lifestyle Consultations. The cost is $2,000.
What is the investment of the Empower U Metabolic Reset Method?

The Empower U Metabolic Reset Method is a 12- to 18-month course of treatment including Clinical, Nutritional and Lifestyle Consultations. The cost is $3,000.

Is your weight loss program covered by the Weight Loss Grant in Canada?

You may also be eligible for the Weight Loss Grant which reimburses 80% of your investment once you have reached your weight loss goal. For more information on the Weight Loss Grant CLICK HERE.

Does your office take insurance for Root Cause Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Services?

We strongly believe that third party payers shouldn’t interfere with the relationship between a patient and their doctor, influence medical decisions, or limit access to care. Therefore, we are a proud direct care provider.

We do not accept insurance directly for our consulting services. Your case requires special attention, educational resources, communication, and time that is not covered by insurance companies.

However, we will provide you with an itemized receipt after each appointment that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider or Human Resources Department to find out what your benefits cover.

Are labs and supplements included?

Labs and supplements are not included in the Empower U Method and are an additional cost depending on what you need.

We offer direct lab pricing which means that you pay the lab directly and get the best prices on recommended lab tests.

How much should I budget for Functional Lab Tests?
We’re committed to enhancing your access to the services, laboratory testing, and medicines you need through transparent and affordable pricing. We provide labs and supplements at our cost – no markup – and pass the savings on to you.

On average, you should budget between $500 – $1,000 for functional lab tests.

What happens after I complete the Empower U Method?
Once your health is on track, you won’t need us as much. At the conclusion of your program, we will discuss next steps and create an annual plan for you to stay on track and follow up as needed.
Can my appointments be done over video chat?
Yes. Your first appointment must be done in person so we can meet you, establish care, and conduct physical exams. Follow up visits can be done via secure video chat.

Take The First Step Today On Your Journey Back To Health

Do you have questions you’d like to ask before you make a decision on becoming a patient? Our Kitchener Waterloo patient coordinator is standing by, happy to answer any questions you have and see if Dr. K Guiding Wellness is right for you.

Schedule Initial Discovery Consultation