The short answer: At Endocrine Wellness, every new patient starts with a 30-minute "See If We Fit" consultation — in our office or by phone, Zoom, or FaceTime from anywhere. You share your story and goals, Dr. Annette shares her philosophy, and together you decide whether the partnership fits — before you commit to anything. If it does, we build an individualized, nature-first plan around your history, your labs, and your real life.
If you've never worked with a functional medicine practitioner, the unknowns can feel like a barrier: What happens in the first visit? Will I be pushed into something? What does it cost? Here's the honest walkthrough.
What happens in the "See If We Fit" consultation?
Exactly what it sounds like. Thirty unhurried minutes with Dr. Annette — no pressure, no protocol, no sales pitch. You talk through your concerns, your symptoms, and what "better" would look like for you. She explains how she works: root causes over symptom-chasing, herbs and whole-food nutrients over harsher interventions where possible, and plans built for one specific person — you. Choosing who walks beside you on a healing journey matters, and this conversation exists so you can choose well.
What do I need to do before the consult?
A little paperwork — an intake form (there are versions for adults and for children from birth to 14) and a brief history questionnaire, all downloadable from our Patient Consults page. Email or fax them back, or call Jessica at 217.370.5060 to schedule. If you have recent blood work, bring it — existing labs can often be re-read through functional ranges without repeating anything.
What happens if we decide to work together?
You'll complete new-patient forms, and then the real work begins: a deep dive into your history and blood chemistry read against functional ranges, sometimes with additional testing where it adds clarity. From that whole picture, Dr. Annette builds your individualized program — whole-food nutrition, targeted supplements and therapeutic herbs, and the foundations of sleep, blood sugar, and movement — with follow-ups to track how your body responds and adjust as you heal.
What does it cost, and does insurance apply?
Nutrition services and supplements are cash services — we don't bill insurance, and payment is due at time of service. That model is part of why visits are unhurried: your appointment answers to you, not to a billing code. Ask Jessica about current consultation fees when you schedule.
Do I have to live near Springfield?
No — Dr. Annette works with patients across the country and internationally by phone, Zoom, and FaceTime. Our offices are in Springfield, Illinois and Springfield, Missouri if you'd rather come in person.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be told to stop my medications?
No. We never advise stopping prescribed medication — that conversation belongs with your prescriber. Our programs provide nutritional and herbal support for normal body physiology and work alongside your existing care.
How soon will I feel a difference?
It depends on the root cause, but many patients notice early shifts — steadier energy, better sleep — within weeks. Healing is a practice, and we walk at your pace.
Can my child be seen too?
Yes — children are a special devotion of this practice, with intake forms for birth–7 and 8–14 and gentle, age-appropriate care. Start with the same "See If We Fit" conversation.
Ready to see if we fit? Thirty minutes. Zero pressure. From anywhere.
Dr. Annette Kutz Schippel has practiced functional endocrinology for more than two decades, serving patients worldwide from her two Springfield offices. Meet Dr. Annette →
This article is educational and is not medical advice. Nutritional and herbal programs administered by our office provide support for normal body physiology and repair; they are not intended as primary therapy for any disease. Testing we order is not used to diagnose or treat disease.