Physicians FAQs

Optimal U offers complementary care focused on Lifestyle Medicine, specifically aimed at chronic disease prevention and management through evidence-based lifestyle changes. We work closely with you to ensure seamless coordination of care for mutual patients.

We keep family physicians informed by providing detailed reports after every patient consultation and sharing relevant updates on patient progress. We are also available for direct collaboration on patient care plans.

Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or obesity, as well as those interested in preventive care, are excellent candidates. Patients who are motivated to make long-term lifestyle changes would benefit most from our services.

Our goal is to complement your patient’s existing treatment plan. Lifestyle Medicine interventions, like improved nutrition and physical activity, work synergistically with conventional treatments and can often lead to reduced medication dependency over time.

Yes, we welcome physician referrals. You can refer your patient directly through our online referral portal or by contacting our clinic. We will keep you updated on their progress with us.

Yes, patients are encouraged to participate in our educational seminars on nutrition, exercise, stress management, and more. These are designed to support the overall health and well-being of your patients.

Yes, you can refer patients to Optimal U regardless of their current specialist care. Our services are designed to complement—not replace—existing care. We focus on lifestyle interventions that enhance overall health and support your patient’s broader care plan.

We value physician partnerships and encourage collaboration to provide the best care for mutual patients. You can contact us directly to discuss patient care or refer patients to our Lifestyle Medicine program for specific health issues.

We track various health markers such as blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and other relevant indicators based on the patient’s condition. We share these results with patients and their family physicians to measure progress.

Optimal U provides detailed reports after each patient assessment and quarterly follow-up. These documents summarize findings, lifestyle recommendations, and progress in health metrics, giving family physicians a comprehensive view of the patient’s journey and supporting informed, coordinated care.

At Optimal U, our physicians will review any abnormal results and communicate them to the patient’s family physician for coordinated follow-up and management. Our goal is to complement your existing care, ensuring patients receive appropriate guidance based on their health profile and any new findings.

Yes, we prioritize clear communication with each patient’s primary care provider. If significant abnormal results are identified, we will promptly inform the family physician, allowing for collaborative decision-making and continuity of care in managing these findings.

No, your billings will not be impacted. Optimal U operates outside of the OHIP-insured system and focuses on providing uninsured services such as lifestyle medicine and chronic disease prevention. Patients referred to Optimal U continue their primary care relationship with you, and there is no overlap with services billed through the capitation model.

Yes, Optimal U accepts electronic referrals through widely used platforms, including Ocean, OSCAR, Telus, and Nightingale. This ensures a seamless referral process and secure transfer of patient information. Please contact our administrative team for specific details or to set up a referral pathway.

All of our physicians are trained as Family Physicians with additional certification in Lifestyle Medicine from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. They are skilled in providing evidence-based therapeutic lifestyle interventions.

Yes, all lifestyle recommendations provided by Optimal U physicians are evidence-based and follow established medical guidelines, including but not limited to:
• The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM): Guidelines emphasize the role of nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other lifestyle factors in preventing and managing chronic diseases. (Learn More)
• Canadian Diabetes Association Guidelines: Evidence-based recommendations for the prevention and management of diabetes through lifestyle interventions. (Learn More)
• Hypertension Canada Guidelines: Include dietary and physical activity modifications as primary strategies for blood pressure management. (Learn More)
• World Health Organization (WHO): Advocates for lifestyle interventions as critical components of non-communicable disease prevention and management. (Learn More)

Optimal U’s approach is designed to complement these guidelines and leverage the latest research in lifestyle medicine to help patients achieve sustainable health improvements.

We regularly update our physician partners through newsletters, webinars, and open collaboration sessions. You can also sign up for our referral partner program to stay informed about new offerings and outcomes.

You can reach your patient’s Optimal U physician through:
• Secure Messaging: Available via our electronic referral platform.
• Direct Email or Phone: Contact details will be provided upon referral acceptance.
• Administrative Support Team: For urgent matters, our team can facilitate quick communication with the physician.
We prioritize collaboration and are committed to ensuring timely and clear communication with referring physicians.