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Ravel Health Pilot

Be one of the first patients to experience a new way to receive care for Lyme.

Ravel Pilot 2024

January 10, 2024
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As the clock turned to 2024, we reached the halfway point of our pilot in Colorado. The pilot is an opportunity for a select number of patients — the first 30 are already underway, and 30 more spots have just been opened — to work with our vetted Lyme, mold and complex chronic illness specialists via virtual appointments on both diagnostic and treatment protocols. We have gathered together information on the patient benefits of the pilot program, the onboarding process and a general FAQ below.

The pilot is being led by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nathan Morris, MD.

If you're interested in joining the pilot program, or if you have questions that aren't answered below, please reach out to us at jaime@ravel.health or kevin@ravel.health. We look forward to helping you on your journey to health.  

     - Jaime Intile & Kevin Williams, Ravel Co-Founders

"I want to thank you for the incredible opportunity you’ve given me through this pilot program. Dr. N has been the first doctor to care for me in a way that has shown results and which I trust will get me to remission. He has made a huge impact on my life through this program even just in the 3 months I’ve been his patient."
 
~ Danya F., Ravel Health Patient

PATIENT PILOT BENEFITS

Everything in one place, built by chronic Lyme patients who’ve been through it themselves.

  • Virtual, concierge-style integrative care with unprecedented support from start to finish.
  • Get matched to vetted Lyme, mold and complex chronic illness specialists (MDs, DOs, NDs, NPs or PAs).
  • Your provider(s) can consult with our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nathan Morris, MD, for complex case review and additional guidance and support as needed.
  • Guaranteed lowest rates for each subscription tier (well below industry standards) as long as you remain on the Ravel platform (subscription tiers may change post-pilot based on feedback received during pilot).
  • Annual membership fee waived during pilot.
  • Provider change fees waived during pilot.
  • Substantial discounts and transparent pricing on diagnostic testing and supplements.
  • Access to significant savings through Ravel-only partnerships (e.g., brain retraining with The Gupta Program & neurofeedback with Mind Gym).
  • Monthly subscription plans from 30 minutes up to 3 hours of time with your provider via virtual appointments (subscription tiers may change post-pilot based on feedback received during pilot). You choose how to spend your time and money based on your individual health needs.
  • Upgrade/downgrade subscriptions monthly as needed.
  • Direct access to Ravel Co-Founders via email, video calls, phone and text.
  • Both conventional (e.g., pharmaceutical) and functional (e.g., herbal) treatment options.
  • Provider responses within 3 business days.
  • All diagnostics and treatment provided from the comfort of home, saving you time, energy and travel expenses.
  • Labs, test kits, medications and supplements shipped directly to your door.
  • Fill out paperwork once, even if you work with different providers on the Ravel platform.
  • Functional nutritionists and mental health therapists will be available during the latter half of the pilot.
  • Simple and easy billing.
  • Welcome Kit loaded with offers, discounts and products to assist in your healing journey.

HOW THE PILOT WORKS

The pilot will run 6 months total — through the end of March 2024 — during which time we’ll continue to get feedback from both patients and providers. After that, we’ll move into more of a “beta” phase, where we’ll implement the feedback we’ve received during the pilot. At no time will there be a break in a patient’s care.

Onboarding Steps for Patients

  • Create a Ravel account in our Patient Portal.
  • You’ll then be asked to fill out a few brief questionnaires so we can learn more about you and your health journey to this point.
  • Once completed, you’ll be matched with up to 3 Lyme, mold and complex chronic illness specialists and be provided their bios so you can choose the best fit for you.
  • Once you choose your provider, you will select your monthly subscription plan. (At our providers’ request, we are requiring a 2-hour appointment for the first month.)
  • Monthly subscriptions — 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 3 hours — can be upgraded or downgraded on a monthly basis after your initial 2-hour appointment. Time slots can be broken down into 30-minute increments and may be used for lab reviews, setting treatment protocols, check-ins and updates, flares, etc. (Patients can add 30-minute blocks outside of subscription time as needed).
  • After a subscription plan is added to the system, you will fill out more detailed questionnaires — including health history, past labs and more — that will aid your provider in your first conversation, along with various consent forms and credit card information for monthly billing.
  • Once done, you’ll be ready to schedule a virtual appointment with your provider based on mutual availability through the Patient Portal, both for the initial appointment, as well as monthly follow-ups.

FAQs

Does Ravel accept insurance?

No, Ravel is cash-pay only currently, however, we will provide a superbill upon request that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

Does Ravel take Medicare/Medicaid?

Ravel does not bill any services through Medicare or Medicaid at this time. However, Medicare patients may work with any Ravel provider who has “opted out” of Medicare on a cash-pay basis and Medicaid patients may work with certain providers on our platform based on designation (i.e., NDs), also on a cash-pay basis.

How will care be provided?

All care will be provided virtually, from the comfort of a patient's home. You can communicate with your provider via phone, video call or secure messaging through the Patient Portal.

Can anyone use Ravel?

While Ravel was created to help people with chronic Lyme and tick-borne disease (and those suffering from acute cases of course too), as well as other complex chronic illnesses like Long Covid, there are certain types of patients Ravel was not designed for. If you have cardiac issues or have been dealing with suicidal thoughts, our virtual platform isn't a good fit. In those cases, please reach out to your primary care physician for a specialist referral or call 911 in an emergency.

How much does Ravel cost?

One of our core values is transparency, so we will always clearly state our costs. 

Initial Patient Visit - $395
Your first visit with your Ravel provider is a 2-hour appointment to set-up and establish the relationship.

  • 2-hour face-to-face appointment via Zoom plus prep and wrap-up time for the provider
  • Includes but not limited to the review of:
    • Patient questionnaire responses
    • Uploaded labs
    • Current/past protocols

Monthly Subscriptions
After the Initial Patient Visit, you may choose from any of the below subscription options. You can upgrade or downgrade on a monthly basis based on your provider recommendations and where you are in your healing journey. Please note monthly subscription times cannot be broken into smaller appointments throughout the month. 

All appointments take place via Zoom and the subscription price includes prep/wrap up time for the provider:

  • 30 minutes - $115
  • 60 minutes - $215
  • 90 minutes - $305

All subscriptions include Patient Portal messaging for the following: 

  • Scheduling questions and updates
  • Follow-up to clarify part of a protocol post-visit
  • Quick questions that can be answered in 1 - 2 minutes

Maintenance Plan - $65/month

  • Available to Ravel patients after the Initial Patient Visit and at least 2 other consecutive monthly visits with a provider
  • Includes one Patient Portal message per month (see below for details)
  • Continued access to discounts on labs and supplements, as well as additional programming, collaborations and partnerships
  • Maintain access to your provider and schedule an appointment at the current monthly subscription rates as needed 
  • Not required to hold a monthly appointment

15 Minutes of Patient Portal Messaging - $45 per use
This extra block of time can be added to any monthly subscription and can be used for comprehensive emails/requests that are sent through the Patient Portal.

This add-on time block can be used to:

  • Have your provider review labs and give feedback prior to a scheduled appointment
  • Discuss any flare-ups/herx reactions outside of a scheduled appointment
  • Respond to critical/crisis situations outside of an appointment time
    • Please note that Ravel providers are not 'on-call' and are meant to consult as a specialist on your care team. If you have an emergency, please go to an ER or call 911.
  • Make protocol adjustments that aren't part of an appointment
  • Respond to extensive follow-up questions via the Portal

Provider Change Request - $95 per change

  • One-time administrative fee of $95
  • Plus a required 90-minute visit at the current monthly subscription rate for the first month with a new provider
  • Must see your current provider at least twice (i.e., an Initial Patient Visit plus at least one follow-up appointment) before you can request a provider change 

Restart Fee - $95
If you cancel your monthly subscription and decide to come back to Ravel within the first year after your cancellation, a restart fee will apply. If you decide to restart after one full year, you will need to start over with an Initial Patient Visit.

  • One-time administrative fee of $95
  • If you choose the same provider, a 60-minute subscription at the current monthly rates is required for the first appointment back
  • If a different provider is requested, a 90-minute subscription at the current monthly rates is required for the first appointment back  

Testing/Diagnostics
Testing is not included in the monthly subscription cost, however, patients will receive significant discounts through Ravel partner companies.

Medications and Supplements
Medications and supplements are not included in the monthly subscription cost, however, patients will receive significant discounts through Ravel partner companies.

Will you offer both conventional and functional care?

Yes, based on your personal philosophy, you will have the option of working with a conventional provider (e.g., pharmaceuticals) or with a functional provider (e.g., herbals), or a hybrid between the two.

Who are the providers on your platform and what are their designations (i.e., MD, DO, ND, NP, PA)?

For reasons we'll go into below, all of our providers are referred to by their first name only (e.g., Dr. Nathan). Please note that all Ravel providers have been interviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, are currently either MDs, NDs, or NPs, and have had the following vetting done: 1) Fingerprint-based criminal history record check in connection with physician licensure 2) License status verification 3) Colorado Medical Board (CMB) review for disciplinary action taken by other state agencies, federal agencies and medical boards. 

In addition to the above, all providers have a direct line to our CMO to discuss cases, as well as each other during monthly Grand Rounds, where complex cases are brought before the group. 

Each patient will be matched with up to 3 providers based upon the state in which they live (i.e., Colorado for the pilot), along with their responses to the Initial Patient Questionnaires. This is our way of ensuring an appropriate match by combining an individual patient's needs with a provider's experience, areas of expertise, and treatment philosophy. 

We do not give out further identifying information on the providers other than what is listed on their Ravel profile. The reason for doing this is two-fold: 

  • We want to avoid a patient choosing a provider based solely on name recognition or designation. 
  • We want to be fair to all providers and ensure that everyone is being matched with patients equally. 

Patients will have an opportunity to change providers, with reasonable cause, for a small change fee (waived for the Colorado pilot).

During the pilot, we will solicit feedback from patients to track the progress and performance of each provider. If a provider is no longer in alignment with our core values, we will address the situation individually and decide how to move forward from there. 

Our goal will always be to maintain the highest standards of care. 

How do you vet your providers?

We currently have a 4-step process for vetting providers (all of our Lyme, mold and complex chronic illness specialists will be either MDs, DOs, NDs, NPs or PAs):

  • The Ravel founders have an initial call with potential providers, explain our platform and model and get the initial background of the provider.
  • If we think it could be a good fit, the provider will do an introductory call with our Chief Medical Officer, who has a more in-depth conversation around education, training and history of working with Lyme/TBD patients.
  • If a provider makes it to Step 3, they then fill out a detailed questionnaire so we have a complete written history, including their licensing information.
  • Prospective providers will then do a final interview with our CMO for possible inclusion in the pilot.

After all of the above steps are complete, if the provider meets our standards, they will be offered a contract to provide services through Ravel Health.

What is your overarching care philosophy?

Our aim is to meet patients wherever they are in their health journey, offering both conventional and functional paths to healing. We've experienced the pain points first-hand, and we'd like to simplify and streamline access to care, all while making it more affordable for patients.

Perhaps most importantly, we want to have your back. We believe your symptoms are real. We know it's not "all in your head". You're not alone, and we're here to help support and guide you back to optimal health.

What ages do you treat?

Ages treated will differ by provider. Some specialize in pediatrics, while others do not work with children. Ravel Health will ensure an appropriate match when pairing patients with providers during the pilot. Currently, select providers are able to work with children 8 and up.

Do you treat families?

Yes, our providers do treat families. And we'll make every effort to ensure all family members are treated by the same specialist, unless you request otherwise. Just a note though that not all of our providers treat children. Ravel will take this into account as we do matching for the pilot, ensuring your provider is comfortable treating whatever ages your children are.

What testing, meds and supplements will be available?

Currently providers have access to everything under the sun, which might sound good on paper, but can add up quickly and contribute to radically different diagnostic and treatment protocols.

We have vetted all of our lab, med and supplement partners, and will be offering only the most science-backed, peer-reviewed options. Your Ravel providers will work within this framework, but personalize and customize treatment that is specific to you.

We currently have the following partnerships/integrations available:

Rupa Health (Labs)
For specialty diagnostics, we are using Rupa, an aggregator of specialty labs (e.g., Doctor’s Data, Genova, iGeneX, RealTime, Vibrant, etc.) Rupa delivers test kits directly to your door with step-by-step instructions and phlebotomy suggestions (including mobile phlebotomists in certain areas) for blood draws if needed. (You can learn more about those options here.)

  • Patient Pricing: Wholesale (w/additional discounts on top of wholesale for select tests)
  • Rupa Fee: 7%
  • Ravel Fee: $30 (Management & Lab Interpretation for total order)

Evexia Diagnostics (Labs, Coming Soon!)

Fullscript (Supplements)

  • Patient Pricing: 20% off MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price)
    • Most clinics charge MSRP or over MSRP
  • Free shipping for orders of $50 or more
  • Supplements shipped directly to your home

WholeScripts (Supplements)

  • Patient Pricing: 15% off MSRP
    • Most clinics charge MSRP or over MSRP
  • Free shipping for orders of $100 or more
  • Supplements shipped directly to your home

We also have partnerships/integrations with LabCorp and Quest. More to come in 2024 …

Can I provide past labs and test results?

Yes, you will be able to upload past lab tests and results through your Patient Portal, though we ask that you limit it to the last year (10 max) or the 10 labs you deem most important overall.

How do I schedule consults with my provider?

Once you are matched and have filled out the questionnaires and consent forms and added your credit card info, you can schedule with your provider based on mutual availability. Your provider's calendar openings will be accessible through the Patient Portal and you can schedule through there as needed on a monthly basis.

What happens if I don't use my allotted subscription time in a given month?

Ravel uses a monthly subscription model based on the amount of time you think you'll need. Like any subscription, a monthly gym membership for example, if you don't use it in a given month you are still charged. Ravel will work the same way, so please be sure to utilize the blocks of time you're paying for.

What happens if I miss an appointment?

To be fair and to respect everyone’s time, we have a 24-hour cancellation policy in place. If you are a no-show or cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment, you will forfeit that appointment and still be charged for it. You may choose to reschedule and will be billed accordingly in addition to your monthly plan.

Will there be any other specialists available on Ravel?

Yes, during the pilot Ravel will be bringing on Lyme-literate functional nutritionists, as well as Lyme-literate mental health therapists. We're strong believers that it takes a village and that more minds are better than one. During the latter half of the pilot, you'll have the option of adding a nutritionist or therapist on an a la carte basis.

Can I stay on Ravel just to get the med/supplement and lab/testing discounts?

Yes, however, you must maintain at least a 30-minute subscription to retain access to the discounts. We want to ensure your provider is aware of what you're taking, especially if anything changes as part of a protocol or maintenance regimen.

Will you offer in-person visits through Ravel?

No, there will be no in-person office visits offered through Ravel at this time. It might be something Ravel Health looks at in the future, but will not be available in the near-term. (Please note there will be in-person opportunities through some of our partners, Mind Gym neurofeedback, for example.)

What is your cancellation policy?

For the pilot, we are asking that all patients commit to at least 6 months, as it takes time to see change and to adjust treatment as needed. We would also like to capture your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible. If after 6 months you decide to cancel, you can do so at any time, however your spot will be filled with the next person on the waitlist and you won't have further access until we officially launch.

Who do I contact if I have questions? And what hours are you available?

For medical questions, please contact your provider who, generally speaking, will be available during work hours (e.g., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. MT). We know open communication can be a major pain point in the Lyme and tick-borne disease world, so we've asked our providers to respond within 3 business days, even if it's just to let you know how their schedule is looking, so please give them that window before contacting us.

If you don't hear from them within that timeframe or if you have any questions on the company, the process, the billing or anything else, please contact us at our personal emails and/or phone numbers. We will aim to get back to you within 24 hours or less.

  • Jaime Intile — jaime@ravel.health | 303.929.2148
  • Kevin Williams — kevin@ravel.health | 303.587.1160

Initial Patient Visit

This is a one-time appointment for the first visit and will be used to set-up and establish the relationship between patient and provider.

  • 2-hour appointment - $395 
  • Includes a 2-hour face-to-face appointment via Zoom plus prep and wrap-up time for the provider (i.e., review all questionnaire responses, uploaded labs, current protocols, etc., prior to the initial visit)

Monthly Subscriptions

These subscriptions cannot be broken into smaller time increments. The full appointment time needs to be used in one appointment. 

30 minutes - $115

  • Includes a 30 minute face-to-face appointment via Zoom plus prep/wrap-up time for the provider

60 minutes - $215

  • Includes a 60 minute face-to-face appointment via Zoom plus prep/wrap-up time for the provider

90 minutes - $305

  • Includes a 90 minute face-to-face appointment via Zoom plus prep/wrap-up time for the provider

Patient Portal messaging included in the monthly subscription:

  • Calendar/schedule questions/updates
  • Follow-up to clarify part of a protocol post-visit
  • Quick questions that can be answered in 1 - 2 minutes

Patient Portal Messaging

This extra block of time can be added to any monthly subscription and be used for comprehensive e-mails/requests that are sent through the Patient Portal.

  • 15-minutes  = $45

This add-on time block can be used to:

  • Have your provider review labs and give feedback prior to a scheduled appointment
  • Discuss any flare-ups/herx reactions outside of a scheduled appointment
  • Respond to critical/crisis/emergency situations outside of an appointment time
  • Make protocol adjustments that aren't part of an appointment
  • Respond to extensive follow-up questions
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By Kevin Williams
Co-Founder