What is the Wild Health DNA Kit?
We have created our own proprietary DNA Kit that reports on specific genetic SNPs that our physicians have hand selected based on their importance to health, wellness, and human potential. These SNPs affect blood vessels, nutrient absorption, nerve function, performance, fatigue, and many other functions. Our approach requires us to focus first on the entire system, so we start with your DNA. We sequence your DNA to analyze the genetic advantages, predispositions, and disadvantages that make up your human operating system. Knowing this code is critical to optimizing your health.
How do I get a Wild Health DNA Kit?
Your DNA kit will arrive in the mail after you sign up online to become a patient. You can expect approximately 5 business days from your sign up date for your kit to arrive.
How do I complete the Wild Health DNA Kit?
This is a saliva test that you can complete in the comfort of your home. You simply spit into the tube and package it per the instructions in the kit. You will then return this to our lab with the prepaid postage, which is already placed on the back of the box for you. You will not register this kit, as this kit is specifically assigned to you.
If I have already done another DNA test like 23andMe or Ancestry, can that be used and will providing your own test deduct from the total cost?
Our Wild Health DNA test kit is included in the cost of your monthly enrollment! This is a proprietary test that looks at the finest level of detail of specific genes that are pivotal to your health, SNPs. Our physicians have hand-selected the SNPs included in this test and we report on a different set of SNPs than other tests like Ancestry or 23andMe do. Use of raw data from other DNA kits will likely leave out a lot of important information and leave you with partial data. Therefore, at this time, we are unable to deduct costs if you have your own DNA data.
Is it recommended to add on labs?
Yes, adding labs is highly recommended, as the results provide a measurable number of your current health status. This, combined with your human potential from your DNA, allows for customized goals to be set and measured throughout your healthcare journey.
If I add on labs, what is included?
Our lab panel provides a comprehensive look at your current health through blood testing to evaluate your lipids, thyroid function, cardiovascular risks, hormone status, vitamins, and many other factors that can affect how you feel and perform. This serves as a metric to track progress and make changes throughout your health journey.
Who can I speak with before signing up?
A member of our team would love to discuss your personal health goals and needs to help determine if Wild Health is a good fit for you. Please give our office a call at (859) 439-0400 anytime M-F from 9am-5pm EST or schedule a free informational consultation by clicking HERE.
What is the difference between precision medicine and traditional medicine?
Most of the medical world follows what are referred to as ‘general guidelines’ based on statistics to provide diagnoses and treatments that work for the majority of people. In precision medicine, we start with your DNA and an extensive lab panel (if purchased) to get a holistic picture of you. Once we have your results, we will review genetic factors specific to you, as well as personalized interventions to turn certain genes on or off, so we can turn your good genes on with lifestyle choices. All of this is combined into a specific plan personalized to you.
What is the role of the Health Coach?
The Health Coach works closely with the provider, ensuring there is a team approach to each patient's care. They assist in gathering information from the patient, work with them to set goals, obtain test results, and provide the patient with information on tools and lifestyle modifications to help meet their goals.
I don't have DNA or labs and I don't want to wait until those results get back to talk with a physician. Can I schedule a meeting, or do I have to wait until the results get back?
It is most beneficial for you to have DNA and lab results so that we are able to create your Health Report, completely customized to you. Without this information, we are not able to give specific recommendations and set attainable goals.
Do I have to physically travel anywhere to get the process started or do initial lab testing in person? Am I able to join Wild Health 100% virtually?
Wild Health is a telemedicine company, so all appointments will take place via video calls. We have found that this works well for our patients, as it allows them the convenience of completing appointments in a location that works best for them.
Your DNA kit is shipped to your home with a pre-paid label to make testing easy.In regards to lab testing, you would go to a local LabCorp near you to get that order completed. The lab order and instructions will be sent via email once you purchase a panel at checkout. All of your appointments, messages, health records and more are done via our proprietary patient portal, Clarity.
Can an HSA or FSA card be used for payments to Wild Health?
Yes, we accept both HSA and FSA cards. It is important to note that we always recommend that our patients reach out to these entities directly, as guidelines vary.
What might a treatment plan look like/entail?
We always aim to optimize health with lifestyle interventions first. This may include a specific diet plan, personally tailored exercise plan, supplementation strategy, sleep tracking, and additional therapies (ie. fasting, cold immersion, sauna, etc.). If necessary, we will turn to pharmaceuticals or additional treatment recommendations, which would come directly from our trained medical professionals and planned with the patient.
What if I sign up and along the way need additional testing?
We can recommend additional testing such as microbiome (which is a sample of your gut bacteria), hormones, food sensitivity testing and much more, a la carte. You will work with the Physician and Health Coach to decide which tests you will need to complete, based on your needs.
What test do you use for Gut Microbiome testing?
We often recommend the Thorne Gut HealthTest, which is direct to consumer. This is an at home stool sample that shows a breakdown of your gut microbiome and the organisms that live within it. This can help give the physicians insight into potential gut issues such as inflammation, constipation, and diarrhea.
Are any of the vitamins or supplements included in the price?
We have a partnership with Thorne supplements and all of our patients receive a 25% discount. We work very closely with Thorne and trust their process and standards so feel comfortable using them. Your Health Coach, in partnership with your Precision Physician, will discuss which supplements are best for you.
Does Wild Health track Oura Ring data?
Yes, our physicians recommend using an Oura Ring for sleep and activity tracking, as their sleep data is comparable to that of the Stanford Sleep Lab. It also tracks heart rate variability. Oura recommends that you wear the ring 24/7 for the most accurate data and insights. It does not matter what finger it is worn on, but the sensors need to be on the palm side of your finger for most accurate tracking.
I am a health practitioner and am curious about learning Precision Medicine. Am I able to do that somehow?
Part of the mission of Wild Health is to train as many people as possible to join us in this revolution. We have created a Fellowship Program to train physicians in Precision Medicine. Click HERE for more information on the Wild Health Fellowship.
Do you accept patients of all ages?
At this time, we are only able to provide services to patients that are 18+. Genomic-based, precision medicine is a new area of medicine and there are a lot of restrictions around DNA testing in minors. We are hopeful we may be able to offer our services to young children in the future.
What are my next steps once I sign up?
Immediately after signing up, you will be prompted to complete a couple of health forms. These forms are pivotal in helping us build a foundation for your personalized care. If you bypassed this step at sign up, you will receive a link to complete the forms via email.
You will then receive an email from one of our Care Coordinators within 72 business hours, where you will have the option to schedule a welcome call to go over your next steps in the process.
Your DNA kit will arrive in the mail and your lab requisition will arrive via email (if purchased). We will use this information to create a plan that is specific to you. You will have access to your care team throughout your time with us via messaging for any guidance and questions.
What do I need to do prior to having my labs drawn?
The labs require you to be fasting, so please do not eat or drink after midnight the night before the draw. You may have water or black coffee. Also, please note that heavy exercise for 24 hours prior to the draw may falsely increase inflammatory markers, so please refrain from this if possible.
Before my lab draw, do I need to stop taking supplements?
No. When completing optimization, we like to start by seeing results based on your current daily routines.
Where can I have my labs drawn?
Please print your requisition and take it to the nearest LabCorp draw site. You can locate a draw site by clicking HERE. When scheduling your appointment online and again when you arrive, please DO NOT provide any insurance or payment information, as the requisitioned lab test cost will be billed to our Wild Health client account and you have prepaid for labs with us.
What do I need to do before I can have my first visit with the Provider?
You will be responsible for doing a couple things. The information that we need in order to generate your Wild Health Personalized Report using our unique Algorithm is your Wild Health DNA kit and your lab values (if available). Please complete your DNA kit and return it with the pre-paid postage as soon as possible.
What happens at my first Provider visit?
At your first Physician visit, you will sit down with a Precision Medicine Provider and a Health Coach for close to an hour and review your customized health plan in detail to make sure you understand it entirely. Your customized health plan is created when we place your DNA and lab results into our Algorithm. This will provide you with a very detailed plan about your perfect foods, exercise plan and sleep strategy. It's a long report and personalized to your DNA, which means you are getting protocols that are very specific for you and nobody else.
What is the Epigenetic Age Test offered at checkout?
We can now test for and impact your biologic age by using an Epigenetic Age test kit, which measures your biological age, which is the age of your DNA, compared to your chronologic age. We do this by sending you a specific Epigenetic Age test kit that we combine with your genomic and blood test results to create a personalized longevity protocol. We then apply this to reverse your biological age and perform follow up testing to make sure we are successfully reversing it.
What is the benefit of adding on the Epigenetic Age Test kit?
Your chronologic age (age in years) doesn’t necessarily correlate to the age of your DNA, so we use the Epigenetic Age test to look for the physical age of your DNA. This test gives us a more specific starting point for your personalized, optimized health plan and allows us to create a longevity protocol in addition to our detailed plan.
How do I get an Epigenetic Age Test kit?
You can select this as an add on purchase when signing up to become a patient. Your Epigenetic Age Test will arrive in the mail. This is a dried blood spot test that you will complete and return back via the prepaid postage. Please be sure to register this kit according to the provided instructions when received.
I didn't add an Epigenetic Age Test kit at sign up. How can I add one on?
Please contact your Health Coach or our office staff through messaging on your Clarity account to add on an Epigenetic Age Test. You can login to your account by clicking HERE. If you have any trouble getting logged in, please email us at support@wildhealth.com or give us a call at (859)439-0400.
What information is in this "Wild Health Personalized Report" I'm getting and how will it help me?
This report breaks down all the information in your genome and goes over the important Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), what they mean and how this affects you. We will also include the actionable lab results (if available) and how they correspond to your DNA. Recommendations are then built to give you a roadmap to transform and optimize your health. Our recommendations utilize the principles of epigenetics, or how to turn the advantageous genes on and the disadvantageous genes off. The report and our recommendations focus on nutrition, supplements, exercise, sleep and habits.
What does the process entail?
We use extensive lab testing and the latest research and recommendations, above and beyond what the traditional medical settings offer. We also use raw genetic data and our unique algorithm to create a customized report that is specific to each person and no one else. You will be paired with a health coach who will take those pieces of information to create an in-depth, personalized report that covers recommendations. These recommendations will provide guidance on nutrition, sleep patterns, exercise, and many other aspects of life to create an actionable plan.
Do you see international clients?
No, not at this time. Healthcare regulations and requirements vary dramatically across different countries, and it will take additional time to navigate those complexities. We appreciate your patience as we work toward that future goal.
Who will be involved with my care and how I do know they are certified and capable?
All of our doctors are board-certified, licensed physicians and are extensively trained in Precision Medicine before interacting with patients. Our Health Coaches also tend to be healthcare practitioners who have experience as Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Medical Students. They also go through extensive training in Precision Medicine before working with patients. Everyone on your team is trained and ready to join you on this journey.
If you want to hear more from our team members, you can take a listen to our podcasts, which often feature various members of our team.
Will you share my genetic data with insurance agencies?
We ONLY share information with whomever the patient tells us to do so. If an insurance company calls requesting medical records, we always contact the patient to authorize release of any records. In 2008 Congress passed the genetic information non-discrimination act (GINA) to prevent this exact thing from happening. You can read more about HERE if you are interested.
If someone is in the medical profession and has access to their own labs, can they use those instead of LabCorp labs through us?
Absolutely! Patients are welcome to provide their own recent labs and medical information to their health coach and provider in order to further customize their care.
What is the Wild Health Fellowship Program?
The Precision Medicine Fellowship is a comprehensive educational program designed to teach genomics-based Precision Medicine to providers and health coaches. The experience includes a 12-months of asynchronous curriculum in addition to live experiences, including weekly webinars on relevant topics, one-on-one mentorship, and hands-on training with your own selected group of practicum patients. For more information please visit www.wildhealth.com/fellowship
How do you keep my DNA and data secure?
We use healthcare grade encryption and we will never sell your data. Moreover, DNA collection kits are de-identified before arriving at the facility running our patients' genomes. Wild Health is the only entity that can match a DNA kit to a person. Wild Health does not share or sell any data with anyone else including insurance companies. We use the data exclusively for our own research to help improve the quality of our recommendations and the health of our patients.
I'm nervous about what my DNA might show, I don't think this is for me...
We understand that tools like genetic risk scores and whole-body MRIs can dig up health factors that can be scary. However, Wild Health is different because we offer actionable steps to reduce your risks and improve your outcomes. Our providers are prepared to help you with cost-benefit analysis of interventions based on your specific circumstances.
What kind of medications can you prescribe?
We can prescribe many regular medications to support your health. However, please note, we do not prescribe scheduled medications requiring a DEA license at this time which includes but is not limited to: testosterone, amphetamines, opiates, benzodiazepines, peptides, etc.
