Frequently Asked Questions About Our Holistic Doctors

+ NEW PATIENTS

Please call our Holistic Doctors to get started on your health journey (805)500-8300.

+ EXISTING PATIENTS

Our Electronic Medical Records offers a convenient paperless approach to managing your health care. This service handles scheduling, patient forms and managing your medical history. Existing patient may access their records from the link below.

+ ARE THE DOCTORS AT PURETY FAMILY MEDICAL CLINIC PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS?

The doctors are trained as primary care doctors, but they tend to work with patients for specific conditions or simply as a complementary doctor. We will work with you closely as consultants and coaches in preventive, nutritional and functional medicine to help you address the roots of chronic health problems and to maintain optimal longevity. The doctors at Purety Clinic can communicate with your primary care doctor if required.

+ CAN ALL THE TESTS I NEED BE DONE AT PURETY FAMILY MEDICAL CLINIC?

Purety Family Medical Clinic offers some testing in office, most testing can be done through conventional laboratories which we contract with, and others are only available through specialty laboratories for which we can provide you the kits. During your medical consultation, your doctor will determine which tests are needed and will review testing recommendations, instructions (for instance, fasting or non-fasting, etc.) and costs.

Your financial resources, and how much testing you want to do, are taken into account and the plan for testing is reviewed with you. Testing is frequently done to assess nutritional status including amino acids, fatty acids, oxidative stress, vitamin levels, mitochondrial function, food allergies, and heavy metals. Many other tests are available, including genetic testing for a variety of conditions, hormone evaluations, bone health, gastrointestinal health, adrenal function and many others.

Some testing can be performed at home with test kits to collect urine, saliva or stool. Others may require you to go to a local laboratory to draw the blood. In all cases, we will assist you in coordinating initial and follow-up testing.

While the testing gives a more complete picture of your status, effective care can be implemented without it, or testing can be done over time. You should not let this prevent you from seeing one of the doctors. Do I have to see the doctor in person for my medical consultation?

Yes, our doctor’s medical licenses require that they meet with a patient in order to provide an initial medical consultation, and there is no substitute for that initial doctor-patient connection. Follow-up appointments can be arranged by phone or in the office.

+ DO I HAVE TO SEE THE DOCTOR IN PERSON FOR MY MEDICAL CONSULTATION?

Telemedicine is now possible for initial and follow up consultation.

+ DO THE DOCTORS PRESCRIBE MEDICINES?

Our doctors can, and do, prescribe medications whenever necessary. They are fully licensed.

+ DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?

Purety Family Medical Clinic does not accept insurance or Medicare, and we do not file insurance paperwork on your behalf. However, we will provide a detailed receipt (superbill) for services performed for you to submit to your insurance carriers at your request. Payment in full by check, cash or credit card is due at the time services are provided.

+ DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP ME WITH MY HEALTH PROBLEM?

Our doctors use an innovative systems approach to assessing and treating your health care concerns. Perhaps you have experienced being examined by your doctor, having blood tests done, x-rays or other diagnostic tests taken, only for your doctor to report back that “all your tests are normal”. Yet, both you and your doctor know that you are sick. Unfortunately, this experience is all too common.

Most physicians were trained to look only in specific places for the answers, using the same familiar labs or diagnostic tests and reference ranges. Yet, many causes of illness cannot be found in these places. The usual tests do not look for food allergies/sensitivities, hidden infections, environmental toxins, mold exposures, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic imbalances. New gene testing can uncover underlying genetic predispositions that can be modified through diet, lifestyle, supplements or medications.

The naturopathic and functional medicine community have pioneered the use of such testing to help their patients prevent illness and recover from many chronic and difficult to treat conditions. Our doctors are highly skilled in evaluating,assessing and treating chronic medical conditions.

+ WHAT CREDIT CARDS DO YOU ACCEPT?

We currently accept all credit cards. Payment is expected at time of service.

+ WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE APPOINTMENT?

You should bring all your vitamins and medicines in their original containers if possible. Most recent labs and imaging are highly recommended to bring. Old medical records are also very helpful, and if possible, these are welcome to be sent prior to your initial appointment. If not, we can provide you with a medical records release.

+ WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

Purety Family Medical Clinic is located in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, just 1 mile from the beach. Santa Barbara Airport is approximately 10 minutes away and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 1 hr and 45 minutes from our office. For your convenience, we have selected various local resorts and inns. They are all included in the New Patient Packet, along with directions to our office that you will be receiving.

+ WHOM DO I CONTACT TO BECOME A PATIENT AT PURETY FAMILY MEDICAL CLINIC?

Our phone number at Purety Family Medical Clinic is: (805)500-8300. Our email address for general inquiries is [email protected]. All questions and concerns can be communicated via email or via phone.

+ WHY IS THE CLINIC SPELLED PURETY, AND NOT PURITY?

When we were deciding on the name of our clinic, we wanted it to speak about our philosophy as well as ourselves. The word ‘Pure’ is a word that means so much to us. We go to great lengths to remain pure at heart, and treat our patients from a pure and loving perspective. Health in many ways is achieved by a pure mind and body. On top of that, we like to think of ourselves as not only Americans, but also people of the world.

Our environment belongs to and affects everyone in our world, and because of that we are are dedicated to making our world better by giving what we can to make it a better place for all of us and our children. In Spanish, the word for purity is ‘pureza’. In Italian, the word for purity is ‘purezza’. In French, the word for purity is pureté. Purety is a combination of all, an international spelling of purity.

+ What is a Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT)?

Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) is a medical procedure that involves the transfer of stool from a healthy donor to a patient's gastrointestinal tract to restore the balance of beneficial bacteria. It has been used as a treatment for various conditions, including recurrent Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections and some cases of inflammatory bowel diseases.

+ How is FMT performed?

FMT can be performed through various methods, including colonoscopy, nasoenteric tube, oral capsules, or enema. The choice of method depends on the patient's specific condition, their preferences, and the physician's recommendation.

+ Who is eligible for FMT?

Patients with recurrent or refractory C. difficile infection, who have failed standard antibiotic therapy, are the most common candidates for FMT. In some cases, FMT may be considered for individuals with certain inflammatory bowel diseases, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for these conditions.

+ How are FMT donors selected?

FMT donors are carefully screened for their health, medical history, and stool quality. Donors must undergo a series of tests and evaluations, including blood and stool tests, to ensure they are free of infectious diseases and have a diverse, healthy gut microbiome.

+ What are the risks and side effects of FMT?

MT is considered a relatively safe procedure, but it can carry risks and side effects. Some potential side effects include mild abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. There is also a small risk of transmitting infections or unknown pathogens from the donor to the recipient.

+ How effective is FMT for treating C. difficile infections?

FMT has been shown to be highly effective in treating recurrent C. difficile infections, with a success rate of over 80-90% in many studies. FMT often provides rapid relief from symptoms and has a low rate of recurrence compared to traditional antibiotic treatments.

+ Can FMT be used to treat other conditions besides C. difficile infections?

While FMT has shown promising results in treating certain inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for these and other conditions. FMT is not currently approved for the treatment of conditions beyond C. difficile infections.