Our Process
At The Hoffman Centre for Integrative Medicine, we understand that you may be new to the concept of whole person wellness, integrative models of health care and private billing facilities. We also understand that there are many options currently available for complementary health services, and that making an educated choice about what is right for you can be difficult.
In order to help you become comfortable and knowledgeable with your investment in our process and philosophy, we would like to take some time orienting you to The Hoffman Centre program.
It is our experience that individuals who are actively involved in their healing process work toward their wellness goals with clarity and confidence. Consequently, we focus much of our initial attention on accumulating details of your health and lifestyle. This helps us to determine what your priority goals are and which therapies will help you to realize these goals.
What to Expect from the Hoffman Centre
As part of the qualitative intake process, we ask that you complete an extensive questionnaire. It is important that you take time with this questionnaire to reflect on current and past incidents or symptomatology. It is equally important that we obtain detailed quantitative measures of your health.
Data is collected through the completion of specified laboratory tests. Testing is done locally and “in-house” where possible. However, many of the labs that we use are based in the United States. These “outsourced tests” are available through our centre and are coordinated with our staff. If there are any services that you are interested in that we do not offer, we are happy to connect you to other trusted and reliable practitioners in our network.
Once your appointments and testing are completed, a comprehensive therapeutic program will be outlined. Please note that the intake portion of the program takes approximately 2-3 months to complete.
It is also important to understand that it takes time to heal and repair once you embark on your treatment program. There are very few “quick fixes” when it comes to rebuilding immunity, stabilizing hormones, or improving digestive strength.
We ask that you consider a year of treatment as a trial as it often takes 6 to 12 months to positively optimize overall biochemistry.
We also ask that, as the most active member of your wellness process, you keep open communication with our practitioners and staff. If you experience any uncomfortable symptoms during your program due to detoxification or supplementation, if you encounter concerns or doubts along the way, or if you simply need additional guidance, then you let us know! It is our mission to see you reach your health and wellness goals.
If you have decided that the philosophy and program offered by The Hoffman Centre is right for you, please read the following steps. These will guide you through the intake procedure and explain the required preparation.
Step OneNew Client Appointment
Step Two
Lab Work and Diagnostic
Step Three Physical Examination
Step FourThe Interim
Step Five Treatment & Report
Step SixFollow Up
Step One - New Client Appointment
This is your first opportunity to discuss the key issues that you want addressed. Your physician will have a preliminary review of your situation, ask a series of pertinent questions, and then comment on the level of assistance that can be provided to you. The questionnaires and forms sent to you prior to your appointment will be reviewed and discussed by your physician.
Your physician will lay out a diagnostic and therapeutic course of action and order a series of lab tests. Testing will be completed through local labs such as Calgary Lab Services as well as at the Centre.
After this appointment, you may spend up to an hour with one of our Patient Care Assistants. This time will be spent discussing the logistics of your program, time and financial requirements and options available to you for private coverage. If you are prepared to proceed, our staff member will assist you in scheduling and preparing for your tests. Please bring your day timer for this interview.
Step Two - Lab Work and Diagnostic Testing
At The Hoffman Centre for Integrative Medicine, there are three channels for gathering lab work:
1. Calgary Lab Service (CLS) – Speak with our staff about where to take your Calgary Lab Service or diagnostic requisitions.
2. In-House Testing – You will see our Lab Assistant who will perform a Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Bio Impedance (BIO), and 24 hour heart rate/valsalva.
3. Outsourced Lab Testing – These are tests that are sent across North America for analysis at specialized labs. Some of these panels involve blood and are drawn while the Lab Assistant sees you for your In-House testing. Any blood draws not completed during this initial lab visit, will require a separate appointment.
Some of the outsourced labs do not require blood but do require urine, stool or saliva. These panels will be sent home with you for completion and returned to our centre for shipment.
Many of the tests that we perform are detail intensive and require 4-8 weeks for analysis and reporting. Please refer to Step 5 for activity suggestions during this transition time.
Step Five - Treatment Session & Report on Findings
Once all test results are back, your physician will discuss the details of your results and outline a comprehensive therapeutic program. This program will likely include a supplementation program, oral detoxification program, exercise routines, stress reduction strategies, and immune-enhancing methods.
Step Six - Follow Up
After your treatment session and throughout your program, you will discuss your progress with your physician. This happens approximately once a month in follow-up sessions. We closely monitor your health with regular in-house lab tests to ensure that we are treating the originating conditions effectively and to make necessary adjustments to update or modify your programs.
Step Four - The Interim
In the 4-8 weeks prior to your Treatment Session, while we accumulate your test results, we suggest you take the time to:
1. Orient yourself to the philosophy of the centre by either watching your complimentary copy of the Healing Consciousness DVD, or listening to one of Dr. Hoffman’s CD’s or DVD’s; Healing and the Mind-Body Connection, Seven Stages to Health and Transformation™, Relationships – an Ayurvedic Perspective, or Tragedy – the Divine Order. If you wish to have an in-depth understanding of the Seven Stages model, please read and listen to the 7 hour lecture on DVD with workbook.
2. Read the books Perfect Health by Dr. Deepak Chopra, Detoxify or Die by Sherry Rogers, The Ultramind Solution by Mark Hyman and The Breakthrough Experience by Dr. John Demartini. These capture many of the principles that are discussed and taught by Dr. Hoffman and his team.
3. Collect and bring as many medical records that you may have in your possession. This includes any tests you may have had over the past 10 years that may be relevant to your condition. Common tests include Calgary Labs Services, ultrasounds, x-rays, CT scans or MRI’s, specialist letters or formal health summaries.
4. Make and bring a detailed list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
Step One - New Client Appointment
This is your first opportunity to discuss the key issues that you want addressed. Your physician will have a preliminary review of your situation, ask a series of pertinent questions, and then comment on the level of assistance that can be provided to you. The questionnaires and forms sent to you prior to your appointment will be reviewed and discussed by your physician.
Your physician will lay out a diagnostic and therapeutic course of action and order a series of lab tests. Testing will be completed through local labs such as Calgary Lab Services as well as at the Centre.
After this appointment, you may spend up to an hour with one of our Patient Care Assistants. This time will be spent discussing the logistics of your program, time and financial requirements and options available to you for private coverage. If you are prepared to proceed, our staff member will assist you in scheduling and preparing for your tests. Please bring your day timer for this interview.
Qualities of a Successful Patient
"Your health and happiness are your most valuable assets. Make sure they are protected"
Dr. Bruce Hoffman