How we work
Consult, plan, care.
Every patient goes through the same three stages, in the same order. Nothing is treated before it has been assessed, and nothing is recommended before it has been explained.
The order it happens in
Three stages, never skipped
- 1
Consult
A first appointment lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Kim will listen before making any recommendation, and you will not be shown a treatment menu. You are welcome to bring notes, a list of your medicines, recent test results, or another person with you.
- 2
Plan
A written plan setting out what is recommended and why, the total expected cost, how long treatment is likely to take, the result you can reasonably expect including its limits, the risks, and the alternatives — including not having treatment.
- 3
Care
Treatment carried out by Kim, who explains what is happening at each stage as she goes, followed by written aftercare and a review appointment to assess how you have responded.
At your first appointment
What you will be asked
None of it is a test. It is what makes the recommendation that follows a clinical one rather than a commercial one.
- What has been troubling you
- In your own words, described the way you would describe it to a friend rather than the way you think a clinic wants to hear it.
- Your medical history
- Including conditions you may not think are relevant. A great deal of what rules a treatment in or out sits in exactly that category.
- Every medicine and supplement you take
- Including anything bought over the counter, and anything taken occasionally.
- What you have tried before
- And how you responded to it, which is often the single most useful thing you can bring to the appointment.
- What you would like to be different
- Stated as an outcome rather than a treatment name, so the plan is built around the result rather than around a product.
The plan
What your plan covers
Written down, in every case: what Kim recommends and the reasoning behind it, the total expected cost rather than the cost of the first appointment, how long treatment is likely to take, the result you can reasonably expect including the limits, the risks and side effects, and the alternatives — including not having treatment.
You do not need to decide during the appointment. Most patients take time to consider, and there is no follow-up sales call. If you would like to go ahead, you contact the clinic when you are ready.
Suitability is a clinical judgement, not a preference. Some patients are told that a treatment is not right for them — and told why.
Kim Armstrong · Registered Nurse and Independent Prescriber
Decisions
How we decide about treatment
Some patients are told that a treatment is not right for them — because of their medical history, because the expected benefit does not justify it, or because something else would be more appropriate first.
Treatment goes ahead when
- It has been assessed as clinically appropriate for you specifically
- The expected benefit justifies the risk and the cost
- You have been told what to expect, including the limits
- It sits within Kim's scope of competence
Treatment is declined when
- Your medical history or current medicines make it unsafe
- The expected benefit does not justify it
- Something else would be more appropriate first
- It falls outside Kim's scope — in which case she will say where to go instead
Treatment is never provided outside Kim's scope of competence, and where that is the answer she will explain the reasoning and, where she can, suggest where to go next.
What patients say
Kim took the time to listen. I never felt rushed, and everything was explained clearly.
Patient, London · Initial consultation
After treatment
See all treatments- 01
Written aftercare
Given to you before you leave, so it does not depend on remembering what was said in the room.
- 02
A review appointment
To assess how you have responded, and to adjust the plan if that is what the response calls for.
- 03
Direct contact
If something changes or concerns you between appointments, you can contact Kim directly. For ongoing programmes such as weight management, reviews take place monthly with the same clinician.
Practicalities
Common questions
How long is a first appointment?
Between 30 and 45 minutes.
Do I have to decide on the day?
No. You are welcome to take time to consider your options.
Will I see the same person each time?
Yes. Every consultation and treatment is carried out by Kim.
What should I bring?
A list of your current medicines and supplements, any relevant recent test results, and any questions you want answered.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes.
What happens if I am told the treatment is not right for me?
Kim will explain why and, where possible, suggest what would be more appropriate. The consultation fee covers the assessment, which is provided either way.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. Health information is treated as special category data under UK data protection law and stored securely.
Next step
Start with a consultation.
An initial consultation is the right starting point if you are not yet sure which treatment you need.
Or call +44 (0) 7706 077888email kim@thearmstrongclinic.com