CLIENT AGREEMENT AND INFORMED CONSENT
Please carefully review all the statements below in order to confirm your understanding, agreement, and consent to the disclosures and policies outlined herein.
Practitioner Credentials
Ms Astra Kurme is a registered Naturopath, Nutritional Therapist and Life Coach with a distinguished reputation for assisting clients in improving their health, achieving their well-being goals, and cultivating sustainable habits for a balanced and healthy life. With extensive academic and scientific training, Astra Kurme adopts a functional medicine approach to body systems, integrates functional laboratory testing, and applies lifestyle medicine. In addition, she incorporates life coaching and counselling within her practice.
Not a Medical Doctor
Astra Kurme holds an MSc in Physics, a Diploma in Naturopathic Nutrition Therapy, and is currently pursuing an MSc in Personalised Nutrition in Chronic Diseases (UK). She has also completed the “Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice” course (USA) and practises as a Naturopath and a Nutritional Therapist at Resolva Clinic Ltd (UK).
What to Expect
Your initial consultation will last approximately two hours, during which a comprehensive case history will be taken, including details regarding your diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and environmental exposures. Astra Kurme may recommend certain functional laboratory tests. In addition to conventional assessments, unique laboratory techniques may be employed, such as adrenal, sex, and thyroid hormone analysis, organic acid assessments, comprehensive digestive stool analysis, and other functional laboratory testing. You are under no obligation to undertake any tests. The cost of laboratory tests is additional and will be discussed during the consultation. Please note that if laboratory tests are conducted, a follow-up appointment is required before the results can be disclosed. As a participant in your healthcare journey, you may be asked to implement lifestyle changes, such as modifications to your sleep routine, diet, and exercise regimen.
Examination and Protocol
Your examination may include a clinical assessment and laboratory evaluation. A treatment protocol may encompass, but is not limited to, clinical nutrition, nutritional counselling, dietary and herbal supplement regimens, and lifestyle coaching. While these protocols are designed to be safe, any recommendations, particularly those concerning supplements, may carry the risk of adverse effects. Though such occurrences are rare, potential side effects may include, but are not limited to, intolerances, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g. stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhoea, constipation). Please report any adverse effects immediately.
Fees
The fee for the initial consultation is £395.00 and includes:
– A two-hour consultation;
– Analysis of initial tests;
– Evaluation of body system functioning;
– Development of a comprehensive tailored plan with nutritional and lifestyle recommendations.
Follow-up consultations are charged at £175.00 and include:
– One hour consultation;
– Analysis of further tests:
– Review of progress, achievements, and challenges;
– Adjustments to the treatment plan.
Packages:
- Starter package 12 weeks at £ 1165 or in 3 instalments of £ 390, including one free coaching session 50 minutes.
- Commitment package 24 weeks at £ 2245 or in 5 instalments of £ 455, including one free coaching session 50 minutes.
Fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Additional Charges
Requests for written reports analysing test results, or letters and reports to be sent to doctors, social services, or other entities, will incur an additional charge. The time required for report preparation is billed at a pro-rata rate of £175 per hour.
Insurance Coverage
While some insurance policies may cover the cost of consultations, it is the client’s responsibility to determine eligibility and submit claims accordingly. Full payment for all consultations and tests is required at the time of service. Tests, supplements, and follow-up consultations are not included in the initial visit fee and are additional expenses. If you have any queries regarding fees for consultations, tests, or supplements, please seek clarification prior to proceeding.
Clinic Policies
– One-to-one consultations are conducted online via Zoom.
– Clients undergoing functional testing must schedule a follow-up consultation to review test results before they are released.
– Cancellations made within three days of the consultation are subject to charges as follows:
– Less than 24 hours before consultation – no refund;
– Less than 48 hours before consultation – 50 % refund;
– More that 48 h before consultation – 100% refund.
– Rescheduling within next 14 days – no extra charge
– In exceptional circumstances where consultation times differ from the allocated two hours (initial) or one hour (follow-up), fees will be adjusted pro-rata at a rate of £175 per hour.
Important Considerations
You are strongly advised to inform your General Practitioner (GP) of any recommendations made and any changes to your lifestyle. Additionally, Astra Kurme must be informed of any medications you are taking, as certain treatments may interact. Do not take high doses of nutrients or herbs without professional supervision due to the risk of toxicity or interactions with prescribed medication. Any dietary or supplement regimen should only be continued for the agreed duration.
If you are making significant dietary changes, seek approval from your GP to ensure they do not compromise your health, particularly in cases of pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Do not discontinue prescribed medications without prior approval from your GP.
For safety and best practice, Astra Kurme reserves the right to contact your GP if deemed necessary. Should this occur, you will be provided with a copy of the proposed correspondence for review and, if required, amendment before it is sent.
Confidentiality
All client information and discussions are strictly confidential according to Privacy Policy. However, should Astra Kurme have serious concerns regarding your safety or the safety of others, confidentiality may be lawfully lifted. In such instances, she may be legally or ethically obliged to communicate with relevant professionals or agencies (such as the police, social services in cases involving children or vulnerable adults, or a GP in cases of self-harm) without your explicit consent. You acknowledge that you may or may not be informed of such disclosures. Where permissible by law, details of such communication will be made available to you.
Email Communication
Clients may have email support and contact Astra Kurme via email [email protected] in the following circumstances:
– Seeking clarification on recommendations from the last consultation;
– Reporting significant changes in mood or physical symptoms following treatment;
– Notifying changes in prescribed medications or personal circumstances.
Due to clinical commitments, frequent or lengthy emails cannot be accommodated. If a detailed discussion is required or a new issue arises, clients are advised to schedule a 15-minute consultation, which will be charged at the standard pro rata rate £175 per hour.
Please allow up to two working days for email responses.
Acknowledgement and Consent
I have read, understood, and consent to the statements regarding Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy practice, clinic fees, policies, and potential risks. I acknowledge that there is no guarantee of a specific outcome or cure. I accept that Astra Kurme reserves the right to amend clinic policies without prior notice. I understand that clinic and Astra Kurme operates under the UK jurisdiction and all disputes must be settled according to the English and Welsch law.