I recently went for an intake at the Stanford ME/CFS Clinic and wanted to share my experience for those that are interested in pursuing this clinic.
I was referred to the clinic in October, 2016. I did not have an appointment scheduled until May, 2018. So, it was a long wait.
I arrived for my appointment about 45 minutes early. This was good, because the clinic moved locations since they sent me my appointment instructions; I was not informed about the location change. I was able to get to my appointment in time; the new location is off-campus in Atherton.
Upon arrival, the staff were friendly and helpful. Stanford is out-of-network for my insurance, so I paid $881 upfront for a one-hour appointment.
Dr. Bonilla was about 1/2 an hour late, but was incredibly friendly and compassionate. I was asked to repeat my illness summary (prepared in advance per instructions) to him during the appointment, which gave him an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification at points of interest. He also went through my medication list, sticking to most of it, but adjusting some supplements.
I was provided a referral for endocrinology (follow up for prior abnormal lab results), neurology (POTS/OI), and some lab work (NK function, thyroid, inflammation marker, and toxoplasmosis - which totaled $1,700, also out-of-pocket). Thankfully, Dr. Bonilla heavily relied on my prior lab work, so I did not have to repeat most of the expensive testing I had already done.
Treatment-wise, one can expect options including antivirals, LDN, diet, supplements, and anti-inflammatory prescriptions (Plaquenil, Colcyris, Arava). He gave strict guidance on pacing and heart rate monitoring. Patients are taken seriously and treated respectfully. Dr. Bonilla has been prompt in his response to me with each lab result that has been completed.
I did not think the appointment was a waste of time or money. However, continuing treatment there would be very expensive for me as it requires in-office appointments and travel/lodging is expensive in the Bay Area on top of the cost of medical services being out-of-pocket. I will do at least one follow-up, but can't say past that because of cost.
If you have decent medical support at home that is clueless as to treatment for ME/CFS, visiting this clinic to get a protocol in place may be worth it if your GP will work with it. If you are in-network, the clinic and the extensive resources within Stanford Medicine group are a boon for diagnostic options.
I was referred to the clinic in October, 2016. I did not have an appointment scheduled until May, 2018. So, it was a long wait.
I arrived for my appointment about 45 minutes early. This was good, because the clinic moved locations since they sent me my appointment instructions; I was not informed about the location change. I was able to get to my appointment in time; the new location is off-campus in Atherton.
Upon arrival, the staff were friendly and helpful. Stanford is out-of-network for my insurance, so I paid $881 upfront for a one-hour appointment.
Dr. Bonilla was about 1/2 an hour late, but was incredibly friendly and compassionate. I was asked to repeat my illness summary (prepared in advance per instructions) to him during the appointment, which gave him an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification at points of interest. He also went through my medication list, sticking to most of it, but adjusting some supplements.
I was provided a referral for endocrinology (follow up for prior abnormal lab results), neurology (POTS/OI), and some lab work (NK function, thyroid, inflammation marker, and toxoplasmosis - which totaled $1,700, also out-of-pocket). Thankfully, Dr. Bonilla heavily relied on my prior lab work, so I did not have to repeat most of the expensive testing I had already done.
Treatment-wise, one can expect options including antivirals, LDN, diet, supplements, and anti-inflammatory prescriptions (Plaquenil, Colcyris, Arava). He gave strict guidance on pacing and heart rate monitoring. Patients are taken seriously and treated respectfully. Dr. Bonilla has been prompt in his response to me with each lab result that has been completed.
I did not think the appointment was a waste of time or money. However, continuing treatment there would be very expensive for me as it requires in-office appointments and travel/lodging is expensive in the Bay Area on top of the cost of medical services being out-of-pocket. I will do at least one follow-up, but can't say past that because of cost.
If you have decent medical support at home that is clueless as to treatment for ME/CFS, visiting this clinic to get a protocol in place may be worth it if your GP will work with it. If you are in-network, the clinic and the extensive resources within Stanford Medicine group are a boon for diagnostic options.