Your visit

What to expect at your first appointment

Knowing what happens next makes a first appointment easier. Here is the whole visit, from booking to aftercare.

Book your appointment

Your visit, step by step

  1. Step 1: Book your appointment

    Send a WhatsApp message or call 076 322 9054. Let the practice know which location you prefer and roughly what you would like help with. Booking two to three days ahead is recommended for Lenasia, and a little longer for Sunninghill.

    WhatsApp 076 322 9054
  2. Step 2: Prepare

    Eat a light meal beforehand and wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be rolled up to the elbow and knee. Bring a list of any medication and supplements you take, and any recent test results you think are relevant.

  3. Step 3: Arrive

    Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to settle in before your consultation begins.

    Rendered view of a reception desk in the virtual practice
    Render
  4. Step 4: Consultation

    Dr Patel asks about your main concern, medical history, lifestyle, sleep, digestion and stress, and may carry out a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment, such as looking at the tongue and feeling the pulse. She explains what she proposes and why.

    Dr Patel smiling as she writes notes at her consultation desk
  5. Step 5: Treatment

    If you agree, treatment usually begins at the first visit. You will be draped and kept comfortable throughout, and you can ask questions or pause at any time.

    Dr Patel placing fine acupuncture needles along the scalp of a patient resting on a treatment bed
  6. Step 6: Aftercare

    Drink some water and take it easy for the rest of the day if you can. Dr Patel will suggest whether and when a follow-up would be useful.

    Follow-ups usually 30–60 minutes

Practical information

Policies, fees and payment

Everything you need to know to plan your visit.

  • Appointments

    Appointments only. Walk-ins are not accepted.

  • Duration

    Your first visit (consultation and treatment) takes about 60–75 minutes. Follow-up sessions usually take 30–60 minutes, depending on the treatment.

  • Cancellations

    Please give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule or cancel. Late cancellations may incur a fee.

  • Fees

    Fees depend on the treatment and are confirmed when you book. Please ask on WhatsApp or by phone.

  • Payment

    Cash, EFT or card. Please confirm your preferred method when you book.

  • Medical aid

    Medical aid is not claimed directly, but you will receive an invoice you can submit for reimbursement.

  • Children

    Children can be treated with a parent or guardian’s consent, using age-appropriate techniques.

  • Home visits

    Home visits are not offered.

  • Privacy

    All patient records are kept confidential.

Questions before you come?

Send a message any time. You are welcome to ask about suitability, timings or fees before you commit to an appointment.