Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment?

The first thing to do is call 415-401-5553 to schedule a consultation. You can download the new patient paperwork below to bring with you to your first appointment.

How does the process work?

The initial intake will include a thorough assessment of your health. All aspect of your body and life will be considered. Based on this initial intake, Dr. Burchfield will recommend metabolic, hormonal, and/or gastrointestinal testing using the highest quality laboratories in the country. You will also be scheduled for a complementary consultation with our nutritionist.

The first follow-up visit is absolutely essential to your success. Once your lab work has been completed, Dr. Burchfield will explain the meaning of your test results to you in a 30 minute consultation. Additionally, he will create an individualized health program for you, which will include one or more of the following: diet changes, nutritional supplements, medication changes, exercise, lifestyle, and stress management advice.

Subsequent visits are scheduled to monitor your progress and to modify your program. These consultations will vary between 15-30 minutes and may be done over the phone for convenience. These will provide:

• Ongoing education and reinforcement to reach your goals of optimal health.
• Ongoing Nutritional and Supplement recommendations.
• Additional Testing or Imaging Modalities.

What are the fees for follow up consultations?

New Patient consultation:

• $280 Includes the initial intake with Dr. Burchfield (45 minutes - 1 hour) and an additional consultation with our nutritionist
• 1 hour: $300
• 45 minutes: $225
• 30 minutes: $150
• 15 minutes: $75

Do you accept insurance?

No, we do not do any insurance billing. Because we do not bill insurance companies, it is up to each individual to determine whether their insurance plan provides coverage for Dr. Burchfield’s services. Per your request, we will provide a superbill to you that lists CPT and diagnosis codes for consultations and lab tests that you may submit to your insurance company. Please note that we cannot guarantee reimbursement.

What information do you need from me?

Prior to your initial phone consultation we need your completed New Patient paperwork, which you can print by clicking here. Please bring it with you to your initial visit. You are also welcome to send us any previous test results that you would like Dr. Burchfield to review.

Lab Testing and Supplements FAQ:

What is the first thing I need to do to have testing done?

The first thing you need to do is schedule an initital phone consultation by calling 415-401-5553

What labs do you use for testing?

We use BioHealth Diagnostics, Metametrix, Diagnos-Techs, Inc. and DBS labs.

Where do I go to have testing done?

We will send you the test kits that you need. With the exception of a test that requires a blood draw, you will complete your tests at home. Should you need testing that requires a blood draw, Dr. Burchfield will send you to a laboratory in San Francisco.

What type of tests do you use? Saliva, blood, urine?

Depending on the test(s) you purchase, you will be required to collect samples of one, some or all of the following: saliva, urine, hair, stool.

Do I need to use the test kits you provide? Can Dr. Burchfield order lab testing for me from my local lab?

We use highly specialized laboratories that provide services to patients nationwide. We send the test kits to you, and they are returned to the lab company by you. These labs are used exclusively by alternative medicine providers. Local lab companies do not carry the types of tests Dr. Burchfield uses with his patients. In any situation where a local lab can run a test Dr. Burchfield will suggest you do so.

What is the cost for testing?

The average cost for a test is between $125 and $350.

How long does it take for you to receive the results of my tests?

It takes 8-14 business days for us to receive the results of your tests once the lab has received your samples.

After you receive my test results is there a consultation?

Yes. We will schedule you for your follow-up consultation after your initial visit. The duration of the consultation will depend on how many tests you have done and their results. Usually, the consultation will last 30 minutes.

Can I purchase the supplements that Dr. Burchfield recommends from my local health food store?

As part of your program Dr. Burchfield may recommend that you purchase nutritional supplements. These may include specific vitamins, minerals, herbs and natural plant based hormones. All of the supplements Dr. Burchfield recommends are from nutrition companies that only sell their products to physicians. These are the highest quality products available. They contain only the purest pharmaceutical grade nutrients (nutraceuticals) and the potency of each product is guaranteed.

In an effort to save clients money, many doctors have suggested that patients purchase products at local health food stores. While this seems to save people money in the short run, the results of these programs have been inconsistent and less than would be expected had physician-only brands been used. Therefore, it is in many ways more sensible both financially and in terms of consistent results to use the highest quality products available.

We suggest you purchase most of your products directly from us, so you can be assured of consistent results. In this way, if a specific protocol is not working we will know it is not the quality or potency of the nutrients that is slowing the healing process. All of the supplements we use have been proven clinically effective by hundreds of naturally oriented doctors. They have been shown to help resolve patients' health concerns with predictable outcomes.

In addition to proven clinical results, these products have also been carefully scrutinized for effectiveness based on lab testing. Over the last 19 years thousands of physicians have used laboratory tests to determine nutritional deficiencies. Through the use of follow-up testing doctors have determined which brands and which specific nutrients and herbs are consistently clinically effective. In fact, the vast majority of supplements on the market are not effective as evidenced by patient improvement on follow-up lab testing.