Skip to main content

FAQ´s

Find answers to frequently asked questions

General information

Treatment Options

Our approach to your challenges is deeply rooted in clinical excellence with an extensive expertise in traditional fields of medicine, enhanced by the latest research in Functional Medicine.

We treat all individuals aged 18 and above, regardless of gender. Please see which fields of expertise we offer: What We Treat

Booking an Appointment

To book your first consultation, please complete our Patient Registration Form.
Once we receive your form, a member of our team will contact you to guide you through the following steps.

We require all patients to undergo a blood test before their first appointment. We’ll explain this in detail during our initial call.

You’ll receive all the information you need during your onboarding call.

Functional and Longevity Medicine… What Does It All Actually Mean?

Let’s be honest: sometimes it feels like modern healthcare has become a maze of buzzwords. Longevity, Integrative, Functional. Do they actually mean anything, or are they just a more indulgent way to rebrand medicine?

We understand the scepticism. With the NHS under strain, many people are turning to private care, not because they want luxury, but because they need answers. The reality is, most of us no longer have a dedicated family doctor. Annual check-ups are increasingly difficult to access within the NHS system.

And as awareness grows around autoimmune conditions, gender health gap, obesity, hormonal imbalances, gynaecological issues, gut health, and chronic skin problems, research continues to show that these aren’t isolated concerns. They’re often interconnected and, if left unaddressed, can quietly erode your quality of life and long-term health.

That’s why we believe the most crucial healthcare isn’t what happens in a crisis, it’s what happens before. What’s our goal? To care for your health today so your future self thrives not just survives later in life.

At the Schoeman Clinic, we stand at the intersection of all three fields of expertise. We call this comprehensive medicine: an intelligent, patient-led approach that blends the best of traditional, integrative, and longevity medicine. It’s not about trends. It’s about future-proofing your health. For a stronger and healthier you in present and future.

Do I have to have any tests before my first appointment?

You’ll need to have a blood test before your initial consultation. We partner with The Doctors Laboratory (Wimpole Street, London), which offers a walk-in service six days a week. We will send you the invoice, and once it has been settled, we will forward you the request form.

Prefer a different lab? No problem – just let us know. Our PA can assist with arrangements.

Getting Ready for Your Appointment

Please note that the clinic operates fully remote

Please ensure the following:

  • You have received the booking confirmation email/ reminder email from the clinic with the video link.
  • You’re in a quiet and private space where you feel comfortable (not driving, walking, or in a public place)
  • Your device with a camera and a microphone is fully charged
  • You have a stable internet connection
  • The link from the email will lead you through the login process step by step.
  • Please arrive early to log in and verify that the video link and your device are functioning correctly.

If you need any assistance, please contact our team in advance.

If these conditions aren’t met, your consultation may be ended and rescheduled, and the full consultation fee will apply.

International Patients

We’re pleased to welcome patients from abroad, and all consultations are conducted remotely, making it easy for international patients to access our services.

Please note that local restrictions may apply regarding laboratory testing or medication delivery in your country. Additionally, international patients must have a UK address, as this is a legal requirement for the dispensing of any prescribed medication.

We recommend contacting our Patient Care Team in advance to clarify what’s possible based on your location.

Remote-Only Clinic

Our clinic operates primarily online, offering expert medical care through secure video consultations — wherever you are.

If a face-to-face visit is preferred or clinically necessary, we also offer in-person appointments at our Harley Street or Wimbledon locations.

All appointments are prearranged; therefore, we unfortunately cannot offer walk-in appointments.

We require a photographic ID at the time of booking and again at the start of each consultation for verification purposes.

You will receive access to the members’ area of our website, where detailed information about your condition, care plan and prescriptions is available. (coming soon!)

If these conditions aren’t met, your consultation may be ended and rescheduled, and the full consultation fee will be charged.

Cancellation Policy

We require a minimum of two working days’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Cancellations with less than two working days’ notice will incur the full fee.

Cancellations made within the required notice period will not be charged.

Our office working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

Do I Need a GP Referral?

A referral from your GP is not required. Sharing information between your healthcare providers helps us understand your complete medical picture and provide the safest, most effective care.

Will medical insurance cover my costs?

In most cases, insurance providers do not cover hormonal or menopause-related treatments.

What about prescriptions?

Some medications—particularly those for menopause or PCOS—can be prescribed by your GP. We will support this process by sending them a detailed letter with our recommendations.

Other treatments will need to be prescribed privately by a doctor at The Schoeman Clinic, using one of our regulated partner pharmacies. In these cases, a private prescription will be issued, and you will be responsible for the cost.

Please note that prescriptions will be provided to you via the online portal and are only valid for the period stated below and must be ordered from the pharmacy within this timeframe:

Standard prescriptions:  Valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

Controlled medications (e.g. testosterone, DHEA):  Valid for 28 days from the date of issue, in line with UK prescribing regulations

Prescriptions not ordered within these timeframes will expire, and a new prescription will be required.

This is due to strict UK regulations that ensure your safety.

International patients must have a UK address, as this is a legal requirement for dispensing any prescribed medication.

We recommend contacting our Patient Care Team in advance to clarify what’s possible based on your location.

What type of hormone replacement will I be prescribed at the Schoeman Clinic?

At The Schoeman Clinic, we provide the highest quality hormonal treatments using hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body, commonly referred to as bio-identical or body-identical hormones. Our standard approach is to only use licensed body-identical hormones, which can be prescribed privately or, in many cases, through your GP via the NHS.

Recognising that some patients may not tolerate these standard treatments due to individual sensitivities or health considerations, we also offer customised bio-identical hormone formulations. These bespoke prescriptions are created by our experienced doctors and compounded in an MHRA-approved pharmacy to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Is it possible to get bioidentical hormone treatment from my NHS GP?

It is possible, in general, they might be called body-identical hormones, and the British Menopause Society is recommending them as the go-to medication treating Menopause symptoms.

We still strongly recommend a consultation with Schoeman Clinic to discuss the delicate balance of your very personal situation.

How long does it take HRT to work?

Response to treatment varies between individuals. While some patients may experience symptom relief early on, it can take up to three months for the full therapeutic effects of hormone therapy to become evident.

Are compound hormones regulated?

Compounded bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is individually tailored to meet each patient’s specific clinical needs, which is why the final formulation itself is not subject to licensing in the same way as standardised medications. However, it’s important to understand that each individual hormone used in these prescriptions is fully licensed and regulated.

At The Schoeman Clinic, all compounded HRT formulations are prescribed by experienced clinicians and prepared in MHRA-regulated compounding pharmacies, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.

Compounding is a well-established practice used across various medical fields—including dermatology, paediatrics, and oncology—where personalised medication is clinically necessary and standard preparations may not be suitable.

Patient journey

Making an Appointment

How do I book?

All appointments can be booked online via our secure booking platform. Simply complete the initial questionnaire on our website, and a member of our team will be in touch to confirm the next steps.

How soon can I be seen?

Once you’ve submitted the questionnaire, we’ll contact you to discuss the process and arrange your consultation. Please note that blood tests are required prior to your initial appointment. We’ll discuss this with you during our call.

For International Patients

We welcome international patients. As our consultations are conducted via video or phone, you can access our services from anywhere in the world. Please be aware that the availability of blood testing and prescription fulfilment varies by country. You should have a UK address. Contact our Patient Care Team before booking to confirm what we can arrange in your location.

In-Person Appointments

We operate as a virtual clinic and do not currently offer face-to-face consultations.

GP Referrals

While a GP referral is not required, we do recommend sharing your treatment plan with your GP to ensure continuity of care and communication between your healthcare providers.

Preparing for Your Consultation

  • Please ensure you have a private, quiet space for your consultation. Calls cannot be made if you are driving, walking, or in a public setting, such as a café.
  • A reliable internet connection is essential for video appointments.
  • Familiarise yourself with the video link or login process ahead of time. If you need help, our admin team is happy to support you.
  • Appointments may be terminated if the above guidelines are not followed, and rebooking will incur the full consultation fee.

Cancellations

We kindly request at least two working days’ notice for any cancellations. Late cancellations (less than two working days) will be charged the full consultation fee. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Prescriptions

Renewing Your Prescription

To request a repeat prescription, please email us at info@theschoemanclinic.com. We require regular follow-up consultations for ongoing prescriptions, especially for hormone treatments.

Prescription Validity

  • Standard prescriptions are valid for six months.
  • Controlled substances, such as DHEA and testosterone, are legally valid for 28 days only, so they need to be ordered within 28 days
    These medications are closely regulated to ensure their safe and appropriate use.

Blood Tests

Submitting Results

Please email your blood results to info@theschoemanclinic.com at least 48 hours before your consultation.

We require them in PDF format, including:

  • Your full name and date of birth.
  • The date the sample was taken and reported.
  • Name and contact details of the laboratory.

We do not accept photos of results unless they meet all of the above criteria.

Cycle Timing for Blood Tests

  • If you are post-menopausal, you may test at any time.
  • If you are still menstruating, blood tests should be performed between days 18–22 of your cycle (day 1 is the first day of bleeding).

Further Testing

Additional investigations may be recommended based on your symptoms and history. These may include:

  • Pelvic ultrasound
    To monitor the womb lining, particularly for women starting or continuing hormone replacement therapy. Annual follow-up scans are advised for those on compounded HRT. Any post-menopausal bleeding will also warrant a scan.
  • Mammograms
    We recommend that women aged 50–70 continue with the national breast screening programme every three years. For individuals over 70 who are on HRT, we recommend ongoing screening. Private referrals for mammograms can be arranged if needed.
  • Specialist functional medicine testing
    We offer access to advanced diagnostic testing through specialist functional medicine laboratories. These tests are typically recommended following the initial consultation and help investigate underlying causes related to gut health, nutrient deficiencies, hormones, detoxification pathways, and other factors.

Consultation and diagnostic fees

Initial consultation

This 45-minute video or phone consultation with Dr Gina Schoeman includes a full review of your medical history, discussion of symptoms, and guidance on nutritional supplementation, lifestyle, and targeted investigations.  £350

Follow-up consultation

A 30-minute follow-up consultation by phone or video. This session is used to review your progress, monitor your response to treatment, and make any necessary adjustments to your prescription. £250

We’re here to help

If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, our team can help you take the next step.

info@theschoemanclinic.com

Phone: +44 (0)20 30 06 32 24
WhatsApp: +44 (0)7426 292 321