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Patients FAQs

Your Questions, Answered

We’re here to provide clarity and support on all aspects of Optimal U’s services.
Explore our comprehensive FAQs to learn more about how we can empower your health journey.
For Patients:
General Information on Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle Medicine focuses on evidence-based lifestyle changes, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management, to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic diseases. At Optimal U, we focus on helping patients adopt healthy habits that support long-term wellness.
Lifestyle Medicine is effective for managing and reversing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, and certain types of cancer. It also promotes general well-being and prevention of future health issues.
Lifestyle Medicine offers a proactive and holistic approach to health that emphasizes prevention and empowers patients to take charge of their wellness. By addressing root causes rather than just symptoms, Lifestyle Medicine helps to build long-lasting habits that can improve quality of life, reduce reliance on medications, and, in some cases, even reverse chronic conditions. Choosing Lifestyle Medicine means investing in a future of better health and vitality.
Lifestyle medicine is distinct in that it focuses on evidence-based interventions, such as:

• Nutrition
• Physical activity
• Stress management
• Sleep health
• Social connections
• Avoidance of harmful substances

While some aspects may overlap, lifestyle medicine emphasizes prevention and chronic disease reversal through scientifically validated approaches. It is not alternative medicine, which often lacks evidence-based support, nor is it functional or integrative medicine, which may blend conventional care with complementary therapies.
Becoming an Optimal U Member
You don’t need a referral to book an appointment at Optimal U. However, you can ask your family doctor for a referral if they would like to share any health information that may help in developing your personalized care plan.
You can book an appointment online through our website or by calling our clinic. We recommend scheduling an initial consultation where our physicians will discuss your health goals and tailor a program for you.
Your first visit will include a comprehensive health assessment, where we’ll review your medical history, current health concerns, and lifestyle habits. Together, we’ll create a personalized health plan based on your goals and needs.
For your first appointment, please bring a list of any medications and supplements you are currently taking, along with your medical history, if available. You’ll also be onboarded via our digital platform prior to coming in, which will allow you to complete a pre-visit questionnaire. This helps us customize your experience and make the most of your time with us.
Although prices are subject to change, our current membership cost is $5,000 annually or $2,900 for the Annual Health Assessment plus $200 per month ($5,300 annual total).

Membership includes a physician led Annual Health Assessment and Quarterly Follow Ups, plus Acute Episodic Care and access to our Lifestyle Medicine educational programs. 
Optimal U’s membership is currently designed for individual patients aged 18 and older. We are exploring family membership options and future programming to support younger patients. Each adult family member can join separately, and we encourage family members to support each other in their wellness journeys.
Yes, individuals without an OHIP card are welcome to join Optimal U. Our services are provided on a membership basis, and do not require patients to have access to OHIP or any other form of insurance.  It is important to note that a portion or perhaps all of your membership fee may be reimbursed through your employer or private insurance (often through a Health Spending Account).  Patients are encouraged to check with their benefits provider to confirm ahead of purchasing a membership.
Yes, visitors to Canada can join Optimal U. Our membership program is available to all individuals interested in Lifestyle Medicine, and our team will work with you to tailor a health plan based on your time and goals with us.
Yes, Optimal U accepts international patients who wish to participate in our Lifestyle Medicine programs. We welcome patients from diverse backgrounds and are equipped to provide comprehensive support for your wellness journey while you are in Canada.
Services & Programs
Your Optimal U membership includes a comprehensive Annual Health Assessment, which provides in-depth testing and analysis to create a personalized health and wellness plan. Throughout the year, you’ll have quarterly follow-up visits with your physician, focusing on chronic disease prevention and reversal through the principles of Lifestyle Medicine.

Additionally, you’ll have access to same-day acute episodic care provided by our Nurse Practitioner team, ensuring prompt support for short-term health concerns. Your membership also includes unlimited participation in our Lifestyle Medicine educational programs (Optimal University), a suite of group-based seminars on nutrition, movement, stress management, and other key health topics.

For a full breakdown of membership benefits, please contact the Optimal U team—we’re happy to provide more details!
At Optimal U, members have a minimum of four appointments per year with our physicians: an Annual Health Assessment and three quarterly follow-up sessions. For your once-a-year annual health assessments, plan to spend half a day with our team (including approximately 1 hour with your physician). Our quarterly follow ups are approximately 30 minutes depending on the patient's needs, giving us ample time to address your health goals, track progress, and make personalized recommendations to support your journey.
Optimal U offers a wide range of evidence-based tests and services as part of our Lifestyle Medicine approach. This includes enhanced blood work, mobility and strength assessments, nutrition and diet guidance, mental health support, and quarterly follow-ups, among other services tailored to each patient’s needs.
Yes, all tests and assessments provided by Optimal U are evidence-based and grounded in scientific research. Our Lifestyle Medicine approach emphasizes validated testing methods and services that support chronic disease prevention, management, and reversal.
Optimal University is our educational platform designed to support your wellness journey with evidence-based resources and programs. It offers seminars, workshops, and group sessions on topics like nutrition, stress management, physical activity, and other pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Optimal University is an integral part of Optimal U, providing ongoing guidance and support to help you reach your health goals.
Yes, participation in Optimal University’s programs is optional but highly encouraged. These resources are included in your Optimal U membership, giving you access to a variety of workshops, group sessions, and digital content designed to support your wellness goals.
Yes, through our Optimal University programming, we offer a variety of workshops and programs designed for groups, families, and even workplace wellness initiatives. These sessions cover key topics in Lifestyle Medicine, including nutrition, stress management, and physical activity, providing practical strategies that can be applied in both personal and professional settings.
Optimal U focuses on Lifestyle Medicine and preventive care, and while we provide recommendations for cancer screening tests as part of our Annual Health Assessments, the actual tests are often coordinated with your primary care provider. We can guide you on recommended screenings based on your age and risk factors.
Currently, vaccinations are not provided directly through Optimal U. We recommend consulting your primary care provider for vaccinations, as they will have the most up-to-date records and can offer guidance based on your immunization history.
Nutrition & Physical Activity
This diet emphasizes consuming mostly whole, unprocessed plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It minimizes processed foods and animal products to promote better health.
Our physician-led nutrition seminars offer practical education on integrating a whole-food, plant-predominant diet into your daily life. They include meal planning tips, grocery shopping guidance, and live cooking demonstrations. Additionally, patients will have access to a digital platform that provides daily advice, content, and guidance to support their nutritional goals between sessions.
Yes, dietary and nutrition guidance is provided through our Lifestyle Medicine approach led by our physicians. This is further supported by our digital platform, which features content curated by registered dietitians and enhanced by our physicians. If you require additional one-on-one support, our physicians can also refer you to a qualified dietitian.
Optimal U offers nutrition-based seminars that may include cooking demonstrations and meal-planning guidance as part of the Optimal University program. These classes are included in your membership* providing practical support for integrating healthy eating habits into your lifestyle.

*Some of the in-person cooking classes may require a small extra fee to cover the cost of food if you are not bringing your own ingredients.
Absolutely. Optimal U physicians provide personalized nutrition guidance that accommodates all dietary restrictions, preferences, or medical needs. Through our digital platform, curated by registered dietitians and our physicians, we offer meal plans and resources tailored to your specific dietary requirements. If needed, we can also refer you to specialized dietitians for further 1:1 support.
Chronic Disease Management & Health Optimization
Yes, weight loss and management are core aspects of our program. Our evidence-based approach includes personalized nutrition guidance, physical activity recommendations, and lifestyle changes to support sustainable weight management. We’re also planning to launch specialized weight loss programs tailored to our patient population as needs arise.
While individual results vary and depend on each patient’s level of participation, our evidence-based programming is designed to support improvements in managing and potentially reversing chronic conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Many patients may experience enhanced energy, better health markers, and an improved sense of well-being.

Optimal U’s physicians and healthcare team work closely with patients to address challenges with motivation through:

  • Personalized goal-setting strategies tailored to your unique lifestyle and preferences.
  • Access to evidence-based behavioral coaching during follow-up visits or group sessions.
  • Encouraging participation in small-group seminars focused on overcoming barriers to change, stress management, and building sustainable habits.
  • Access to our digital platform which provides:
    • Daily engagement tools like habit trackers, mood journals, and personalized wellness tips.
    • Interactive challenges and reminders to keep you on track.
    • Educational content designed to empower and inspire positive lifestyle changes.

Yes, Optimal U supports patients with fertility and prenatal health goals. Our lifestyle medicine approach includes:

  • Nutritional guidance to support optimal hormonal balance and reproductive health.
  • Stress management programs tailored to fertility challenges.
  • Safe exercise plans and wellness coaching for patients planning a pregnancy.

We currently provide services that complement traditional fertility treatments but are not a replacement for specialized fertility care.

Yes, pregnant and breastfeeding patients can participate in Optimal U’s services. Physicians tailor all lifestyle recommendations to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your stage of pregnancy or postpartum needs. While certain assessments or programs may be adjusted for safety, you will still benefit from personalized care and health optimization strategies.
Stress management is an integral part of our Lifestyle Medicine approach at Optimal U. Our programs incorporate evidence-based techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and stress reduction practices tailored to each patient’s needs. During consultations, your physician will work with you to identify effective strategies and set realistic goals. Additionally, our educational platform, Optimal University, offers resources and classes to further support stress management.
Some of our physicians have additional training specializing in mental health, and every effort is made to pair patients needing this support with these doctors. If additional counseling or specialized mental health services are required, our physicians are happy to refer patients to a social worker, psychologist, or psychotherapist.
Appointments & Follow-ups
Yes! Optimal U provides relevant information to your family physician and other specialists to enhance your overall health care. We’ll coordinate with your current healthcare providers to ensure their awareness of your Lifestyle Medicine treatment plan.

Progress is tracked through our digital platform, where patients can self-report and monitor their progress across various health goals. This allows for real-time tracking and personalized insights to keep you engaged in your health journey. Additionally, our physicians conduct comprehensive reviews during your Annual Health Assessment and Quarterly Follows-Ups, providing you with detailed updates on your progress and adjustments to your care plan as needed.

Yes, our digital platform allows patients to track their progress across various health goals. Through self-reporting and personalized insights, you can monitor your journey in real-time. This platform also provides ongoing resources and daily guidance, making it easy to stay engaged and supported between visits.

Optimal U offers both virtual and in-person consultations to provide flexibility and convenience for our members. However, the choice of format may depend on the specific service and medical need. For example:

  • Annual Health Assessments are typically conducted in person to allow for comprehensive evaluations, including physical exams and mobility assessments.
  • Follow-up consultations and general lifestyle coaching sessions can often be conducted virtually, making it easier to stay connected and receive guidance from anywhere.
  • Specialized assessments (such as blood tests or physical assessments related to chronic conditions) may require an in-person visit to ensure accurate testing and results.

Our team will help determine the best consultation format based on your specific needs, ensuring you receive high-quality support that aligns with your health goals. 

Yes, Optimal U supports patients seeking a second opinion. Within our team, you may consult with another physician who can provide a fresh perspective on your diagnosis or treatment plan. If an external specialist referral is desired, we’ll work in collaboration with your family physician to coordinate the referral, ensuring you feel confident and informed about your healthcare decisions.
Policies & Membership Terms
We kindly request at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, allowing us to accommodate other patients. While we understand that unforeseen circumstances arise, repeated last-minute cancellations will be addressed individually on a case-by-case basis. For Optimal University sessions, please be mindful that in-person spaces are limited; reserving a spot but not attending may prevent another patient from benefiting.
We appreciate at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Chronic last-minute cancellations may be addressed on an individual basis. For our Optimal University sessions, in-person space is limited; therefore, reserving a spot but not attending may prevent another patient from benefiting from the session.

Our membership requires a minimum commitment of one year. For members on a monthly payment plan, early cancellation will incur a penalty fee equal to the remaining amount due for the respective year.

At Optimal U, we strive to ensure a good fit between patients and providers. If you feel that a different physician may better meet your needs, we are happy to facilitate a provider switch. All of our physicians are highly qualified, and we make every effort to match you with the doctor who best aligns with your specific health goals and preferences.

Optimal U requires patients to have a family physician, as we are not a publicly funded primary care practice. For patients who need specialist referrals, we will collaborate with their family physician to coordinate the necessary referrals.

If you choose to discontinue your membership with Optimal U, any arrangement with a family physician is independent of the Optimal U membership. We encourage patients to maintain continuity of care, so we can work with you and your physician to ensure a seamless transition if you ever decide to leave.
After-Hours Care
Optimal U provides same-day Acute Episodic Primary Care support from our nurse practitioners, available from 8 am to 8 pm, six days a week. For emergencies, we advise patients to go directly to the nearest urgent care centre or emergency room, as we are not equipped for urgent or emergency care.
Optimal U provides nurse practitioner coverage from 8 am to 8 pm, six days a week. For after-hours concerns or emergencies, we advise patients to go to the nearest emergency room, as we are not equipped for urgent or emergency care outside of clinic hours.
Data Security & Privacy
At Optimal U, we prioritize the security and confidentiality of your personal health information. Our systems are protected by advanced encryption protocols and comply with all applicable privacy laws. Access to your data is strictly limited to authorized personnel involved in your care, and we regularly review and update our security measures to keep your information safe.

Why Choose
Optimal U

We go beyond treatment. We empower you with tools and guidance for long-term wellness.
Book an Appointment to Speak with Us
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