Question 1

How do I schedule a visit?

Accepted Answer

For a Meet and Greet Virtual Discovery call, you can click the Schedule a Call button on the website or here.
 
Answer a few questions and then you will be able to self-schedule the time. If both Renee and you feel that this is the right fit at the end of your FREE call, you will receive an invitation to schedule a Foundational Assessment via Practice Better.

Established patients can use the patient portal (for Practice Better) to self-schedule  a virtual visit as mutually determined between Renee and you (all right in the comfort or your own home or office)!

Question 2

Do I need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?

Accepted Answer

Well, that depends. A comprehensive evaluation will help determine which hormones you may benefit from having supported. It is important for your body to be able to eliminate the hormones you both make and take. Sometimes a blockage in your system or nutrient deficiency can be contributing to your symptoms. We carefully evaluate your individualized needs so we aren't throwing hormones in that will eventually leave you feeling worse. 
Symptoms that could be related to a hormone imbalance:
irritability
heavier or absent periods
exhaustion
hot flashes 
poor sleep
increased belly fat
low motivation 
trouble with focus and concentration 
bloating 
urinary incontinence or dribbling
feeling anxious or sad
joint pain
low libido
changes in blood sugar
skin changes
changes in body odor
infertility
endometriosis 
PCOS
changes in bone structure (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
The good news is that we can minimize or eliminate many of these issues once we identify what is happening. So, yes part of your answer could be hormone replacement therapy.

Question 3

What is a Foundational Assessment?

Accepted Answer

The Foundational Assessment may take up to 90 minutes depending on the complexity of your health concerns and condition. There will be comprehensive health history and review of any previous lab testing or records pertinent to your health concerns. Specialty testing, medications, nutritional supplements, specific diets or referrals based on your medical history and needs will be recommended to set you on the road to having the energy you want to life your life exactly how you want everyday!

Question 4

Do I still need a Primary Care Provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Aonani Functional Medicine is not a primary care provider. 
While we see patients with all types of acute and chronic illnesses, we are specialists and do not offer routine health screenings. We are not available for same-day emergent appointments. We do not have a 24 hour answering service and do not take calls on evenings/weekends. If you need to be seen urgently or have a medical emergency, you need to go to ER, urgent care, or see your primary care provider. We ask that you have an established primary care provider before becoming our patient.

Question 5

Do I really need to complete my Foundational Assessment paperwork 48 business hours before my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is extremely important for you to complete the questionnaires at least 48 hour prior to your visit. 1-3 hours of time is spent in review prior to your appointment so a comprehensive, individualized plan can be started. Also, we don't want to use valuable visit time filling in your list of current medications or supplements.

Question 6

How do I communicate between visits?

Accepted Answer

Patients may ask quick questions regarding their treatment plan in-between visits via the online patient portal messaging system (Practice Better). Your provider will usually respond within 2 business days. Questions not related to the treatment plan are best suited for patient visits. Questions should not be related to urgent or emergency matters.

Question 7

How many visits will I need?

Accepted Answer

The answer to this question depends on your unique health challenges.

Most patients choose to enter our 3 or 5 month Vibrant energy program.

Our goal is to help you meet your health goals in a timeframe that works best for you. Those with chronic health issues, such as chronic fatigue syndrome or thyroid issues, will likely wish a longer program than someone who is looking to optimize nutrients for athletic performance.

A good rule of thumb is the longer you have not felt well, the longer the time is required for healing.

Question 8

What is Aonani?

Accepted Answer

Aonani means "beautiful light" in Hawaiian. 
Light impacts our lives so much- in our sleep and circadian rhythms, the way our food grows and our mood changes. in the light we see as well as the light we can give to others. We strive to support your light- whether you need a whole new sun to center you or just a polishing up of the light bulb, we want to be your lighthouse to guide you to optimal health and vitality. 
When Renee was envisioning sharing what she found helpful in restoring her health and inner light with patients, she was sitting at the lake in Utah with the beautiful sun shining brightly on the lake and the name Aonani was chosen. 
We look forward to supporting you in restoring the beautiful light in your life.

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