Here's how what I do normally works:
1. Talk with and examine the patient
2. Run blood, saliva and stool testing
3. Find something to address
4. Initiate treatment such as dietary and lifestyle changes
5. Re-run tests to determine if treatment is working
6. Adjust the plan if needed
7. Rinse, lather, repeat as required
Now with my new training in Nutritional Therapy, I will be adding an additional step:
1. Talk with and examine* the patient
2. Run blood, saliva and stool testing
3. Find something to address
4. Initiate treatment such as dietary and lifestyle changes
5. Re-examine the patient
6. Adjust the treatment plan as needed
7. Re-run tests to determine if we have reached our end goal
8. Adjust or continue with care if needed
9. Rinse, lather, repeat as required
The difference here, is that this new training will allow me to use laboratory testing a little less frequently than I have in the past. Learning new ways to examine the body and use that information to adjust my treatment protocols will no-doubt save my patients money. With the information I am learning at the Nutritional Therapy Association, I will be even better equipped to help my patients and get them on the road to healthy eating!