WE do things differently Here.
You don’t feel well; you don’t know why. You have been tested, medicated, and even provided a diagnosis or two, but you still don’t feel well, have no energy and possibly can’t lose those unwanted pounds no matter what you try. Sound familiar? There are two important questions you need to ask: Are you addressing the cause of what’s making you unwell? Are your current methods working? At Genesis we seek so find and address root causes in illness. Typically, the body does not breakdown and become dysfunctional without a catalyst(s).
Root issues may include, but are not limited to:
Infections
Gut/microbiome imbalances
Autoimmunity
Emotional/physical trauma
Stress
Immune challenges
Environmental exposures (toxic mold, chemical, heavy metal)
Poor detoxification capabilities
Our bodies can usually handle some level of any of the above listed stressors. We may even be able to cover up a few symptoms with medications for a while. But, overtime, insult after insult, there is eventually a tipping point. This is usually when we experience the expression of symptoms and these symptoms become unbearable. Medications we once found helpful may not be able to cover the array of symptoms we are now experiencing. In preventative healthcare, the goal is to never get to this place, but often sick people find themselves here. Enough of these stressors overtime can cause some sort of autoimmunity, and then things really get fun! Not only do you have symptoms of an infection, poor immunity and inflammation, but you have the whole wonderful package of an autoimmune response. Autoimmune conditions are very inflammatory and wear out the immune system leaving it almost defenseless against more infection, etc. This is just one of the reasons that make it hard for most people, even practitioners, to pinpoint just what is going on. On the same note, something like toxic mold exposure can exacerbate any given illness or genetic weakness. This is another root issue that can often be missed. Symptoms will wax and wane regardless of how "clean" the diet is or how many supplements taken. This is truly a frustrating place to be and can often leave sick people feeling hopeless.
There is hope! Even the sickest of people can have a reduction in symptoms or a complete recovery, but it takes time and hard work. Dr. Vermeesch has her own story of chronic illness to health (read it here), but she always points out that is was not easy and took hard work and persistence. Today, she uses her clinical knowledge along with her own personal experience to help those that are seeking restoration of their own health.
HAVE YOU BEEN UNSUCCESSFULLY TREATED BEFORE?
Most traditional physicians cover symptoms with pills, while alternative practitioners do the same with supplements. Neither approach may get to the root cause of why you aren’t feeling well. We hear all too often of clients who have seen practitioners that have helped them in some extent or even greatly but after a period of time, the symptoms came back. We believe this is because most healing approaches “skim off of the top.” There may be some relief for a period of time, but it always comes back.
Our approach is designed to seek out and explain why and how. We to this by digging deep into your health history is crucial to learning what may have contributed to illness.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Functional Wellness process begins by a getting a detailed history. This happens at our initial consult which is an hour long. Before this consult, initial paperwork is filled out to start building this detailed history. Dr. Vermeesch goes over this paper work and any labs provided before the consult. During the consult you will be able to add any details to your history. From this, Dr. Vermeesch is able to start putting some things together and also able to create a lab list to start putting the puzzle pieces together. This may include imaging, labs, or even environmental testing. This visit will also provide the client with the estimated cost, effort and time that will be needed in order to address the issues at hand. This visit by no means commits you to anything, it is simply a place to be heard and gather information.
THE GENESIS DIFFERENCE
We’ve developed one of the most comprehensive health restoration programs available at Genesis Functional Wellness. Its inception was born out of our search for true healing from our own family’s personal health struggles. We have implemented this program ourselves, with our children, and numerous other patients. It works. Our passion is to bring this to other individuals and families who are in need so that they too can experience true healing and full health.
YOUR CONSULTATION WILL BE
Personalized
Your initial consultation will be an hour. This time is dedicated to assessing your current wellness to see what root issues are at hand and if we can help.
Targeted
We get to the root issues driving illness by taking an extensive history, ordering labs, imaging and other tests pertaining to your particular case. After your consultation you will receive a list of tests needed to define how we can reach your health goals.
Clear
Like to know what you’re getting into? So do we! In illness there are so many unknowns. We try to be as concise as possible in presenting costs for care. During your consultation pricing for care pertaining to your particular case will be shared.
Feel lIke you’re complicated?
YOu’re in the right place!
The Consultaton:
Schedule a consult! You can do this by filling out our contact form or calling us at 610-286-9991.
Before your consult, fill out and retrieve “required documents” (see below).
Return required documents before the consult. We require intake paperwork at least 72 hours before your consult - this way we can review your paperwork and be prepared.
The Consult: Discuss your health concerns and goals together with Dr. Vermeesch. Cost of care pertaining to your case will also be discussed during this time.
After the consult, you will receive a detailed list of labs, imaging, and tests needed pertaining to your particular case.
Now that you have all of the information, let us know if you are ready to begin your path to better health!
This appointment is designed to provide a thorough investigation of your health history, types of therapies tried, current symptoms, and an evaluation of body system dysfunction. The purpose of this consult is to ensure we have a complete understanding of your chief complaints, concerns and goals.
At the end of the consult you will be presented with a detailed cost breakdown and recommended tests. Medical testing is necessary in most cases to enable us to properly assess and address underlying conditions. In our practice, we know how important quality testing is, therefore you will find that we utilize and run the best more accurate lab testing available. If we are going to base care on something, we think it should be accurate and trusted!
Exact lab testing will differ from case to case, Here are just some of the labs you may see on your recommended list of labs:
A Bioscreen Panel - this is a great way to get a snapshot of your current health status. This will provide us information on blood sugar handling, immune health, vitamin & mineral status, inflammation levels, thyroid health, lipids, iron, anemias and more.
Stool Test - this test is very helpful in identifying gut health. This helps us identify pathogens - bacteria, fungus, viruses, parasites; inflammation within the digestive tract, integrity of the gut wall, overgrowth issues and more.
SIBO Breath Testing - this test can be helpful in identifying methane or hydrogen based small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Imaging - We often use imaging to investigate and identify abnormalities or to get baseline imaging before care. What type of imaging is ordered depends on the individual. This can include ultrasound, CT scans, MRI
Food Sensitivity Panels - Food sensitivities are not always straight forward. They can be delayed or found in only certain areas of the body. We utilize the most accurate and extensive food panels available.
Mycotoxin Urine Test - Approximately 25% of the population has genetics that make them very sensitive to mold exposure. Environmental exposure due to water damaged buildings is the common reason for mold illness. Molds give off mycotoxins. These mycotoxins are measured in a mycotoxin urine test. This test allows us to see if there are elevated mycotoxin levels and then also link the mycotoxins back to the environmental molds.
Lyme Panel - Standard Lyme testing is not very accurate. For this reason, we run gold standard, specialized Lyme panels that not only look at lyme but also coinfections.
Hormone Panel - Hormone panels are preferred to just running a few hormones individually. This is because our hormones all affect one another. Testing the hormone cascade allows us to see where everything is going and how it is being converted. This is also the most safe and effective way to address hormone imbalances.
Antibody Testing - Many of our patients have autoimmune conditions that are either known or unknown. We use antibody testing to diagnose also help monitor our therapy for autoimmune conditions.
Not local?
NO Problem! We Offer face-to-face care through our own telehealth portal.
Required documents.
1. Intake forms
After you call and schedule your consult, the intake forms will be sent directly to the email provided. This will need to be filled out online.
Get all required documents to us as soon as possible or at least 72 hours before your consult.
This gives Dr. Vermeesch time to review your documents and be prepared for the consult.
2. health history
We require a detailed health history, written in chronological form. You can either send over a Word document with your healthy history, or write it in the space provided on the intake form.
Things to include:
Dates, symptoms, important life events, diagnoses
What therapies, medicines, supplements, etc. have you tried? Did they make you worse, have no effect or help?
Doctors seen, doctor contact information, what recommendations were given, were recommendations followed?
3. Labs, tests, imaging
Please send all labs done within the past 6 months.
Genetic panels or testing done that will be significant to care, should be sent. (Even if completed more than 6 months prior.)
FAQS
Why do I have to do a consult?
This is an opportunity to be heard and have Dr. Vermeesch review your case and does not make you a patient. Although we would love to have you join us, we only take on cases that we feel apply to our particular skill set and scope of practice.
what is the cost to work with Dr. Vermeesch?
Cost for care is based on time and cost of labs. This varies case to case. After the case has been reviewed at the consult we will be able to give you more concrete information on pricing.
Do you take insurance?
No. However, we do work with nationwide lab co-ops to get discounted lab pricing, which makes care much more affordable. Depending on the HSA terms, some patients are also able to use their HSA account to pay for services and/or supplements.
What if I don’t live in the area or am unable to travel?
We have worked with many patients via Telehealth! We offer video appointments through HIPAA compliant telemedicine software. It’s as simple as clicking on a link. Everything needed for care, can be shipped or emailed. Simple.
HOw long is the consult?
The consult is 1 hour long.
Who should come to the consult?
We encourage people to bring their spouse, significant other or a family member who will walk alongside you in your journey to health. For minor consults, we like to have both parents present if possible.
What is the cost of the consult?
The initial consult costs $150.00.
Does a consult mean I am Committed?
No! This visit by no means commits you to anything, it is simply a place to be heard and gather information.
Who should Not schedule a consult?
Please know that this is not a magic quick fix. It likely took you months or even years to develop symptoms from your health issues. It takes time to turn things around. Most of our patients come in every 4 weeks for the first year of care before moving on to wellness care. It takes much patience, consistency, and lifestyle changes to be successful. While we love to help, this is a team effort. If you are not willing to put in the work, then this is not the office for you.
“DR. ABBY VERMEESCH HAS BEEN A LIFE SAVER. I WAS HAVING MULTIPLE SYMPTOMS THAT WERE IMPACTING MY DAY TO DAY LIFE. I WAS VERY DISCOURAGED AT THE PROGRESS I WAS HAVING TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS WRONG AND WHAT NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED. DR. ABBY VERMESCH CHANGED ALL OF THAT. SHE WAS EXTREMELY COMPREHENSIVE, PATIENT AND KNOWLEDGEABLE. SHE FOUND OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON AND CREATED A PLAN TO GET MY HEALTHY BACK IN ORDER. I NOW FEEL LIKE A NEW PERSON. I CAN’T BELIEVE HOW HORRIBLE I HAD FELT PRIOR TO SEEING DR. ABBY AND ONLY WISHED I HAD FOUND HER SOONER.”