Our Approach to Health Investigations
Healthcare shouldn’t be about ordering as many tests as possible.
Your health history, symptoms, lifestyle and clinical presentation remain the most important parts of your assessment. Testing is simply one tool that may help provide additional information when clinically appropriate.
Many people come to us feeling frustrated because they continue to experience symptoms despite previous investigations appearing within normal reference ranges.
Sometimes further assessment can help us better understand factors that may be contributing to your health. Other times, no additional testing is required at all.
Every recommendation is based on your individual presentation rather than a routine protocol.
When Might Additional Testing Be Helpful?
Depending on your symptoms and clinical history, further investigations may be considered if they are likely to provide information that will influence your care.
Situations where additional testing may be helpful include:
- Persistent digestive symptoms
- Ongoing fatigue or low energy
- Hormonal concerns
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Complex or long-standing health concerns
- Cases where previous investigations have not fully explained ongoing symptoms
Testing is never recommended simply because it is available. We only recommend investigations when there is a clear clinical reason to do so.
Types of Testing We May Recommend
Functional Gut Health Testing
For some people experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, specialised stool testing may provide additional information about digestive function and the gut microbiome.
Where appropriate, this may include assessment of:
- Gut microbiome composition
- Digestive function
- Markers of gut inflammation
- Certain microorganisms where clinically relevant
These tests are recommended selectively and always interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical history.
Functional Hormone Testing
Hormones influence many aspects of health, including energy, mood, sleep, menstrual health and metabolism.
Depending on your presentation, hormone assessment may involve blood, saliva or urine testing.
Areas we may investigate include:
Women’s Health
- PMS and menstrual symptoms
- Cycle irregularities
- PCOS
- Perimenopause
- Fertility and pre-conception care
Men’s Health
- Energy and vitality
- Body composition changes
- Libido concerns
- General hormonal health
Testing recommendations are always individualised and based on clinical need.
GP Pathology & Collaborative Care
We work collaboratively with GPs and other healthcare practitioners.
If additional blood tests or pathology investigations may be helpful, we can provide a detailed clinical summary outlining the rationale for further assessment. This can then be discussed with your GP, who will determine whether the requested investigations are appropriate.
Common investigations may include:
- Iron studies
- Thyroid function
- Blood glucose regulation
- Nutrient levels
- Inflammatory markers
- General health screening
Our goal is to complement—not replace—your existing medical care.
Our Assessment Process
1. Initial Consultation
Your first appointment includes a comprehensive assessment of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, nutrition, medications, previous investigations and health goals.
If further testing is recommended, we’ll explain:
- Why we’re recommending it
- What information it may provide
- Associated costs
- How the results may influence your treatment plan
2. Testing (If Required)
If testing is appropriate, we’ll guide you through the process.
Depending on the investigation, samples may involve blood, saliva, urine or stool collection through your GP, a pathology provider or an approved laboratory.
3. Results Consultation
Once your results are available, we’ll review them together in clear, practical language and discuss how they relate to your symptoms, health history and goals.
4. Personalised Treatment Plan
Your treatment recommendations are never based on test results alone.
Instead, we combine information from your consultation, clinical assessment, previous investigations and any additional testing to develop a personalised plan that may include:
- Nutrition recommendations
- Lifestyle strategies
- Practitioner-only supplements where appropriate
- Individualised herbal medicine
- Ongoing monitoring and support
GP Pathology & Functional Testing
Both GP pathology and functional testing can provide valuable information. Rather than viewing one as better than the other, we use each where it is most appropriate.
| GP Pathology | Functional Testing |
|---|---|
| Excellent for assessing general health and identifying many medical conditions. | May provide additional information in selected cases where further assessment is clinically appropriate. |
| Usually arranged through your GP. | Recommended only when likely to influence treatment decisions. |
| Uses established laboratory reference ranges. | May assess additional functional markers depending on the test performed. |
| Forms an important part of collaborative healthcare. | Complements, rather than replaces, standard medical investigations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need functional testing to receive treatment?
No. Many people achieve excellent outcomes without functional testing. Recommendations are always made on an individual basis, depending on your symptoms, health history, goals and any previous investigations.
Are functional tests covered by Medicare?
Most advanced functional tests, such as specialised microbiome or hormone assessments, are privately funded and are not covered by Medicare.
However, many pathology investigations may be available through your GP where clinically appropriate.
How long do results take?
Timeframes vary depending on the investigation.
Routine pathology often returns within several days, while specialised functional testing may take approximately two to four weeks.
Should I organise testing before my first appointment?
Not usually. If you have recent blood tests, scans or other health reports, please bring them to your consultation. We’ll review your existing information first before deciding whether any additional investigations are likely to provide meaningful clinical value.
