Online functional medicine consultations: how they work

The short answer

Online consultations give us time to explore your health story, review results and build an individual plan without travelling to Edinburgh. Many test samples can be collected at home, and blood draws can often be arranged locally. Acupuncture, carotid scans and physical examinations need an in-person appointment.

When you are fatigued, managing family commitments or living some distance away, getting to a clinic can be a challenge of its own.

Video consultations make detailed support more accessible. We can still work through your history, look at your results together and discuss what matters most to you.

How does an online consultation work?

1. Book a free discovery call so we can discuss your needs.

2. Complete your intake form and upload previous results before the appointment.

3. Join the video consultation from a quiet, private space.

4. We explore your timeline, symptoms and the connections between them. I can share results on screen as we discuss them.

5. You receive your written report and personalised plan.

6. Your separate health coaching session helps you put the recommendations into practice.

7. Follow-ups allow us to review findings and adjust the plan as your health changes.

How does testing work if I’m not in Edinburgh?

Test	How it can be arranged
Comprehensive stool test	Home collection kit, returned to the laboratory
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) breath test	Timed breath samples collected at home following preparation instructions
Urinary hormone metabolites	Home samples collected according to the panel and cycle timing
Metabolic urine testing	Home collection where appropriate to the clinical question
Blood tests	Local phlebotomy or a suitable home kit for selected markers
Carotid ultrasound	In-person clinic appointment

I explain the purpose, collection requirements and cost before we proceed. The test has to fit the question as well as your location.

Is online as good as in person?

For detailed history-taking, reviewing results and health coaching, online appointments can work very well. Some people find it easier to talk openly from home.

A video call cannot replace a physical examination when one is needed. If your symptoms require hands-on assessment, we arrange the appropriate next step. You can also combine online reviews with clinic visits for treatments or scans.

What do I need for a video appointment?

A laptop or tablet, preferably with a screen large enough to see results.
A reliable internet connection.
A private space where you can speak comfortably.
Your questions and a current list of medicines and supplements.

If technology is difficult, let the clinic know beforehand so we can help.

Can I have online appointments if I live outside Scotland or the UK?

People elsewhere in the UK can access online consultations. For international enquiries, we first check whether the service and testing can be offered in your location. Local arrangements for medical assessment remain important.

Common questions

How much do online consultations cost?

The initial consultation with health coaching is £354 and follow-ups are £264. Testing is additional. See fees for current details.

Can tests be sent to my home?

Many can. Availability, sample transport and local blood collection depend on the test and your location.

What if I’m not good with technology?

We send joining instructions. Let us know if you need help; where suitable, a phone appointment may be an alternative.

Can I have acupuncture online?

Acupuncture requires an in-person appointment in Edinburgh. Online support can accompany your wider treatment plan.

Prefer to start from home? Book a free discovery call.

Sources

Charmaine Shepherd: Working Together