Frequently Asked Questions

For new patients seeking consultation with Dr. Ravi, the following process is in place: Initial Integrative Enquiry call: New patients are required to book an Initial Enquiry Call with Leah, our Health Coach. This call provides an overview of how Foundations Clinic works and explores the most appropriate options for becoming a patient. Pre-Consultation Questionnaire and Consent Form Prior to your initial consultation, new patients will receive a comprehensive questionnaire and consent form to complete. This typically takes 10–15 minutes and provides valuable background information for Leah and Dr Ravi, allowing them to better understand your health history and tailor your care appropriately. Initial Integrative Medicine Background Appointment (Health Coach): Your first appointment will be with our Health Coach, Leah, who will take a comprehensive overview of your medical history, current symptoms, stress levels, circadian health, and overall wellbeing. This session includes a detailed review of your lifestyle, including nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management and helps clarify your health goals while establishing a strong foundation for care at Foundations Clinic. Following this appointment, you will receive a blood pathology request form from Dr Ravi, which we recommend completing as soon as possible. Initial Appointment with Dr Ravi: During this appointment, Dr Ravi will review and interpret your test results, assess any changes in your health since your session with Leah and address any questions or concerns. A comprehensive, personalised treatment plan will be developed and emailed to you following the appointment, which may include further dietary and lifestyle guidance, as well as supplements or medications where appropriate. Following this appointment, Dr Ravi will recommend a Foundations program to follow over the next four months, with the level of support tailored to the complexity of your case.

Functional and integrative medicine are patient-centered approaches to healthcare that focus on holistic well-being and identifying root causes of illness. Functional medicine emphasises personalised care, systems biology, and nutrition, often incorporating alternative therapies. Integrative medicine combines conventional and complementary treatments, prioritising evidence-based care, a collaborative healthcare team, and patient preferences. Both approaches aim to improve overall health and well-being.

You will begin with an appointment with Leah, followed by a consultation with Dr Ravi, after which you will be enrolled in our four-month Foundations program. The frequency of visits during this time will depend on the complexity of your case, your need for support, and your progress. Ongoing follow-up appointments are tailored to your results and goals and may range from annual health reviews to three- or six-monthly reviews. In some cases, where specific conditions or treatments are being addressed, more frequent appointments may be recommended. You are always welcome to book additional appointments if you would like support with anything specific.

As a baseline everyone has some blood tests requested. These are generally very comprehensive and will check metabolic health markers as a minimum, Additional blood testing is also ordered on a case-by-case bases, for example hormone testing. Dr Ravi will also request additional functional tests through credible laboratories including, but not limited to, urine analysis for organic acids or dried urine hormone (DUTCH) testing, stool testing, breath testing for overgrowth, hair testing for heavy metals and mineral analysis etc.

Blood Testing Under Medicare: Blood testing covered by Medicare is typically free for those who meet the eligibility criteria and have Medicare coverage. However, there may be some specific blood tests that are not eligible under Medicare due to certain restrictions, and these will incur an additional out-of-pocket cost, this can range from $50-$400 depending on what is ordered. Functional Testing: Functional testing, which often involves specialized assessments beyond standard blood tests, is conducted privately and is not covered by Medicare. The cost for functional testing can vary widely, ranging from $100 to over $500 per test. It's important to note that functional testing is not compulsory and can be tailored to your budget and specific healthcare needs. Dr. Ravi can discuss the available testing options with you, taking into consideration your financial preferences and healthcare goals.

Dr. Ravi and the team treat a broad spectrum of health issues, including, but not limited to, fatigue, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, gut problems, skin conditions, joint pains, preventative health measures, wellness optimisation and heart disease. However, she does not specifically specialise in vector-borne diseases or cancer treatment. Dr. Ravi is dedicated to supporting individuals dealing with chronic illnesses, offering a holistic and patient-centered approach to their healthcare needs

Yes, Dr Ravi is more than happy to see patients of all ages and has experience in optimising diet and lifestyle for children.

Dr. Ravi is a fully qualified General Practitioner (GP) who can address typical health concerns that you would bring to a GP. However, her appointment and clinic structure do not accommodate routine GP services like dressings, acute appointments and pap smears. For routine matters such as injuries, acute infections and care plans, it is advisable to maintain a regular relationship with your primary GP. Dr. Ravi's approach is more geared toward a bigger picture and a preventative perspective. The optimal strategy is to have her collaborate with your regular GP, allowing for a comprehensive approach to your healthcare needs. This way, you can benefit from both immediate, specialised care when necessary and a more holistic, preventative approach to your overall well-being.

Dr. Ravi obtained her medical degree (MBBS) and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in the United Kingdom, graduating from Imperial College London in 2008. Following this, she pursued further specialisation in general practice by completing a Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Additionally, she expanded her expertise by earning a diploma in child health. In 2021, Dr. Ravi took her commitment to a holistic approach to healthcare a step further by completing the ADAPT functional medicine training program through the Kresser Institute. Recently, she completed a Masters in Integrative Medicine at Southern Cross University. Her aspiration is to further develop her expertise in this field, with the goal of achieving a fellowship with the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA).