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 consults are in fact two appointments. Up to an hour with the Naturopath and 2-3 weeks later up to an hour with Dr. Barnes.

    Following your initial consult with our Naturopath, you will receive:

    • A blood test request tailored to your clinical presentation

    • An individualized treatment plan

    • A scheduled 60-minute in-person follow-up appointment with Dr. Barnes

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

    • Reassess your initial treatment plan

    • Review your lab results

    • Identify any additional specialty testing that may be appropriate.

    *Please note that this is generally how the initial consults are structured, however every patient is unique and so circumstances may differ.

  • New Patients

    Our initial consultation process is completed over two appointments:

    1. Initial Intake
    A comprehensive review of your health history, symptoms, and current concerns.

    2. Follow-up
    A more detailed session focused on identifying key drivers of your health and outlining a personalised treatment plan.

    These appointments are booked together at the time of initial contact and are typically scheduled a few weeks apart. Together, they form a single, structured intake process.

    Depending on availability and your needs, your consultations may be with different members of our clinical team. We work closely together to ensure continuity of care and a cohesive treatment plan.

    Cost for both appointments: $750

    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

    Naturopath

    Standard consult: $115
    Comprehensive consult: $200

    Functional Medicine Clinical Associate (FMCA)

    Standard consult: $160
    Comprehensive 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.