Frequently
Asked Questions

Some Basics

  • To get started, under “Contact Us” use our webform to leave a message or give us a call at 0226 100 700 to discuss your current health concerns and determine whether our practice is the right fit for your needs.

  • Your initial consultation process consists of two appointments:

    • An initial consultation (up to 60 minutes) with either Dr. Barnes or our Functional Medicine Clinical Associate (FMCA)
    • A follow-up consultation with Dr. Barnes, typically scheduled approximately 4 weeks later

    Whether your initial appointment is with Dr. Barnes or our FMCA is determined by the complexity of your health concerns and practitioner availability.

    Following your initial consultation, you will generally receive:

    • A blood test request tailored to your clinical presentation
    • A preliminary treatment plan
    • Initial recommendations to help guide your care while investigations are underway

    During your follow-up consultation with Dr. Barnes, we will:

    • Review your progress and response to the initial treatment plan
    • Discuss your laboratory results
    • Refine your treatment plan as needed
    • Determine whether any specialty testing may be appropriate

    Please note that this is the typical structure of our initial consultation process. As every patient is unique, the exact approach may vary depending on your individual circumstances and clinical needs.

  • New Patients

    Our initial consultation process consists of two pre-booked appointments:

    Initial Intake

    A comprehensive review of your health history, symptoms, and current concerns, including any appropriate laboratory investigations.

    Follow-Up Consultation

    Review of results, identification of key health drivers, and development of a personalised treatment plan.

    These appointments are booked together and are typically scheduled within 4-6 weeks of each other.

    Depending on availability and your clinical needs, appointments may be with different members of our team, who work closely together to ensure continuity of care.

    Fees

    Initial Consultation: $500
    40-Minute Follow-Up with Dr. Barnes: $390
    60-Minute Follow-Up with FMCA: $300

    Existing Patients

    Details of each appointment can be found when booking online. Please click on “Contact Us” and then select “Book Now”.

    Dr. Barnes

    Standard consult: $195
    Integrated consult: $275
    Comprehensive consult: $390
    Complex consult: $500

    Functional Medicine Clinical Associate (FMCA)

    Standard consult: $160 Comprehensive consult: $210
    Complex consult: $300

    Please note:

    The appropriate consultation type is based on clinical complexity and the level of interpretation and planning required. Where a longer consultation is clinically appropriate, we may recommend booking an extended appointment to ensure adequate time for your care.

  • We take a comprehensive Functional Medicine approach, drawing from a wide-ranging toolkit to support your unique health journey.

    We always begin with the foundations—nutrition, lifestyle, sleep, stress management, and movement—as these are essential to long-term healing. Once those core areas are addressed, we often focus on restoring the gut-immune axis, recognizing that optimal gut health is central to overall wellness.

    In treatment, we use a combination of high-quality, practitioner-grade supplements and, when appropriate, targeted pharmaceutical interventions. A variety of additional therapeutic tools are also available, and these will be discussed and tailored to your needs during your consultation.

  • Dr. Barnes is highly trained in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and other advanced strategies for hormonal balance. Our approach is always personalized and may include:

    • Comprehensive hormone testing (e.g., DUTCH test, blood panels)

    • Bioidentical hormone therapies tailored to your needs and goals

    • Lifestyle and nutritional strategies to support endocrine function

    • Botanical and nutraceutical support for gentle hormonal modulation

    • Detoxification support, particularly for estrogen metabolism and endocrine-disrupting exposures

  • No — it’s recommended to retain your GP for acute or preventive care. We work collaboratively with your existing team.

  • Yes. These are available in NZ and largely funded through local pharmacies.

  • Every case is different. Most clients notice early improvements within 4–8 weeks, depending on the chronicity of their condition.

  • Absolutely — hormonal, metabolic, and gut-based imbalances affect everyone.

  • Not directly. However, you can submit your invoices for partial reimbursement depending on your policy.

  • Standard blood panels through Awanui Labs, plus optional specialty testing via FxMed or Nutrisearch: microbiome, SIBO, heavy metals, nutrient panels, and more.

  • Yes — remote appointments are available, however this is determined on a case by case basis. Plese indicate on any call or booked appointment that you would like a remote consult.

  • No. The aim is to restore tolerance and gut integrity, not restriction. Eliminations are temporary and strategic.

  • Yes. These are core areas of our expertise. For severe cases, GI referrals are arranged.

  • We combine medical training, naturopathic insight, and functional testing for a comprehensive, evidence-based model of care.

  • ACC and direct insurance billing are not offered, but you may self-submit invoices for reimbursement where applicable.