Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between you and a health coach?
I specialize in strategic insights and breakthrough moments—pattern recognition, data interpretation, and optimization framework design. My expertise is revealing what's hidden in your data and designing personalized strategies. If you need ongoing accountability and implementation support, I can recommend excellent health coaches from my curated practitioner network.
Do I need to travel for testing?
Most lab testing can be completed at any Quest or LabCorp location nationwide, or you can use home collection kits for many tests. For imaging (DEXA, VO2 max, MRI), I provide referrals to reputable facilities—you'll schedule and pay them directly, and I interpret the results.
How long does the process take?
Lab results typically return within 2-3 weeks of completion. Specialty testing (microbiome, genomics) may take 3-4 weeks. Your written analysis is delivered within one week of receiving all results. The Design phase can begin immediately with habits assessment while awaiting results.
What if my results show something that needs medical treatment?
If testing reveals findings requiring medical diagnosis or treatment, I provide clear referral recommendations. While I'm a licensed healthcare provider, Ember 8 operates as an educational and informational service—not a medical practice. I'll guide you on what to discuss with your primary care physician or appropriate specialist.
Can I purchase individual tests without a package?
Yes, à la carte testing is available at the bottom of this page. However, packages provide significantly better value and include strategic analysis and consultation—just receiving raw lab results without interpretation misses the insight that drives optimization.
Do you accept insurance?
No. Ember 8 operates outside the insurance system by design—this allows access to comprehensive testing without gatekeeping or limitations. All services are self-pay.
What happens after I purchase?
You'll receive a welcome email with next steps, access to your PracticeBetter portal, and lab requisition forms. For home collection kits, materials ship directly to you. For lab visits, you'll receive requisitions to take to any Quest or LabCorp location.
How is this different from Function Health or similar services?
While tech platforms focus on dashboards and data access, Ember 8 provides strategic insight and personalized optimization frameworks. You get licensed provider expertise, personality-integrated planning, and true customization—not templated recommendations. Plus, our holistic 8-dimension approach goes beyond physical health alone.
What's included in the practitioner network?
Tier 2 and Tier 3 clients receive access to my curated directory of trusted health coaches, dietitians, personal trainers, and functional medicine providers. These practitioners specialize in implementation support and can complement the strategic frameworks we design together.