OUR CARE MODEL
THE PRINCE-COLE PROTOCOL™
The Prince-Cole Protocol™ is a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to healthcare developed by Lauren Prince and Dr. Jason Cole that integrates the six pillars of lifestyle medicine within the frameworks of complex care, functional medicine, and women's health. This protocol is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to take control of your health, addressing the root causes of illness rather than merely managing symptoms.
The six pillars of lifestyle medicine:
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The Pillar: Emphasizing a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern to support optimal health.
Why it Matters: A balanced, plant-forward diet rich in essential nutrients supports connective tissue health and stabilizes mast cells. Adequate micronutrient intake can alleviate muscle pain and improve function, while maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance is crucial for managing POTS symptoms, as it helps regulate blood volume and pressure. Our team works with you to identify sneaky histamines in your lifestyle and diet that may be contributing to MCAS symptoms, inflammation, and pain, and create a way of eating that is both gut-healing and sustainable.
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The Pillar: Encouraging regular exercise tailored to individual abilities and needs.
Why it Matters: Tailored exercise programs enhance joint stability, cardiovascular health, and autonomic function. For POTS patients, gradual physical activity can improve orthostatic tolerance and reduce symptoms like dizziness and fatigue. It's essential to customize exercise regimens to individual capabilities to prevent joint injuries in EDS patients. Our Flometrics™ hypermobility physical therapy program focuses on downregulating your system in small, controlled ways to fundamentally change how your body experiences pain before giving you the tools to build gentle strength and mobility.
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The Pillar: Promoting healthy sleep habits to enhance recovery and well-being.
Why it Matters: Many, or even most, people with EDS or HSD have challenges with sleep, either in initiation (falling asleep), maintenance (staying asleep), or restoration (getting refreshing sleep). Quality sleep is vital for tissue repair, autonomic regulation, and overall well-being. Establishing good sleep hygiene can alleviate fatigue and cognitive symptoms associated with EDS, POTS, MCAS, and related conditions, contributing to better daily functioning.
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The Pillar: Implementing techniques to effectively manage stress and improve mental health.
Why it Matters: Chronic stress can exacerbate symptoms of EDS, POTS, and MCAS. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or therapy can help modulate the autonomic nervous system, potentially reducing symptom severity and improving quality of life.
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The Pillar: Reducing or eliminating the use of substances that can harm health, typically defined as nicotine and alcohol in lifestyle medicine (LM).
Why it Matters: Limiting exposure to substances that can trigger symptoms, such as alcohol, nicotine, or certain foods (typically, those with a known allergy, or those high in histamines, inflammatory properties, or FODMAPs), is essential. For MCAS patients, identifying and avoiding specific dietary triggers can prevent mast cell activation and related symptoms.
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The Pillar: Fostering meaningful relationships to support emotional and physical health.
Why it Matters: Strong social support networks provide emotional assistance and practical help, which are crucial for managing chronic conditions like EDS, POTS, and MCAS. Engaging with support groups or communities can offer shared experiences and coping strategies, reducing feelings of isolation. At Connective Wellness we offer in-person and virtual programming aimed at fostering a community for those with chronic conditions and those that care for them.
By focusing on these pillars, the Prince-Cole Protocol™ addresses the multifaceted aspects of health, recognizing the interconnectedness of lifestyle factors in the prevention and management of chronic illness, especially Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and related challenges.
Integration with Complex Care, Functional Medicine, and Women's Health:
The protocol operates within a complex care model, acknowledging the intricate and often interrelated health issues that patients may face. Functional medicine principles are applied to identify and treat the underlying causes of your disease, rather than just alleviating symptoms. Additionally, the protocol places a strong emphasis on women's health, addressing unique physiological and hormonal factors that can influence well-being in the majority of our patient population—studies show that a disproportionate percentage of those with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) are female (up to 89%, and in our own practice, that number is closer to 99%). Of course, we also treat men and are committed to providing comprehensive care for all individuals. Our emphasis on women's health stems from a recognition of historical disparities in medical research and treatment. Studies have shown that women are often diagnosed later than men in various diseases, leading to delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes. By focusing on women's health, we aim to rectify these disparities, ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses and treatments. Our approach is inclusive, evidence-based, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, regardless of gender.
Patient Journey and Education:
Regardless of where you begin your journey with us, you will receive comprehensive education on all six pillars of lifestyle medicine from a team—from the front desk to administrators to specialized clinical staff and everyone in between—who is well-versed in the Protocol and in your unique conditions. This educational component is crucial, as it equips you with the understanding and skills needed to make informed decisions about your health and your care path. By empowering you in this way, the protocol fosters self-efficacy and encourages your active participation in the healing process.
Advantages Over Traditional Medicine and Diagnostic-Only Clinics:
Traditional medicine often focuses on acute care and symptom management, frequently relying on medication as the primary treatment modality. While this approach can be effective for immediate concerns, it may not address the underlying lifestyle factors contributing to chronic conditions like EDS, POTS, and MCAS. Additionally, clinics that offer advanced diagnostic tools without integrating comprehensive lifestyle interventions may identify health issues but fall short in providing sustainable solutions.
In contrast, the Prince-Cole Protocol™ at Connective Wellness offers a holistic and integrative approach, combining evidence-based lifestyle interventions with personalized care plans. This method not only identifies health concerns but also provides actionable strategies to address them at their root, leading to more sustainable health outcomes for all our patients.
Evidence-Based Practice:
Research supports the effectiveness of lifestyle medicine in preventing and managing chronic diseases. By grounding the Prince-Cole Protocol™ in these evidence-based practices, we ensure that you receive care that is both scientifically validated and tailored to your individual needs. This comprehensive approach not only addresses existing health concerns but also empowers you to take proactive steps toward long-term wellness.
SELF-PAY CARE
We understand that after learning about our unique approach to care, your next question might be, "How will I manage the costs?" It's completely normal to have financial considerations at the forefront of your mind, and we're here to address them transparently. “Do you accept insurance?” is the second-most-asked question by new patients at our clinic. (The first? “When can I book my next appointment?”)
At Connective Wellness, we operate as an out-of-network, self-pay clinic. This model allows us to provide personalized, high-quality care without the constraints often imposed by insurance companies. By eliminating the administrative burdens and limitations associated with insurance, we can focus entirely on your health and well-being.
Why choose self-pay?
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Our approach emphasizes empowering you to take control of your health. By providing the tools, knowledge, and support you need, we aim to reduce your dependence on medical interventions over time, ultimately saving you both time and money.
Studies have shown that effective patient education can lead to significant cost savings. For instance, every dollar spent on patient education is estimated to save as much as three to four dollars in healthcare costs.
Additionally, we know that informed patients are more likely to engage in self-management of chronic conditions like EDS, POTS, and MCAS, resulting in better clinical outcomes and fewer hospitalizations.
By investing in preventive care and education with Connective Wellness, you can potentially avoid the high costs associated with your chronic conditions.
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Operating outside the insurance model enables us to offer comprehensive and individualized care tailored to your unique needs. This flexibility ensures that we can spend ample time with each patient, fostering a deeper understanding of your health concerns and goals.
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By not being constrained by insurance networks, we can streamline our scheduling processes and allocate resources more efficiently, enabling us to see patients sooner and provide the care they need without unnecessary delays. Just south of our clinic in Boston, the average wait time for a new primary care appointment ranges from 40 to 136 days. We think this is unacceptable, and strive to significantly reduce this waiting period, providing you with quicker access to the care you need.
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We understand that navigating healthcare costs can be daunting, especially when unexpected bills arise. In traditional insurance models, patients may encounter surprise medical expenses due to unmet deductibles, uncovered services, or out-of-network providers. A 2022 report highlighted that surprise medical bills were a significant concern for many insured individuals.
At our clinic, we prioritize transparent and fair pricing to eliminate these uncertainties. By operating on a self-pay model, we provide clear, upfront costs for all services, ensuring you know exactly what to expect without hidden fees or unexpected charges. This approach empowers you to make informed decisions about your healthcare, free from the complexities and surprises often associated with insurance billing.
Moreover, our commitment to transparency means that the price you see is the price you pay, allowing for better financial planning and peace of mind. This model also enables us to offer competitive rates by reducing administrative overhead associated with insurance claims, ultimately passing the savings on to you.
By choosing our self-pay clinic, you gain access to high-quality care with the assurance of straightforward, honest pricing, avoiding the pitfalls of surprise medical bills and the complexities of insurance reimbursements.
Our commitment is to keep our pricing as low as possible while ensuring that our team is compensated fairly for their expertise. While you may receive discounts on bundled services, we avoid gimmicky flash sales, ensuring you receive the most accessible price every time. Having personally navigated the challenges of medical expenses, Lauren especially is dedicated to providing care that is both exceptional and affordable.
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While we don't bill insurance directly, most of our patients successfully obtain partial reimbursement by submitting detailed receipts or superbills to their insurance providers. A superbill is a comprehensive document that includes all necessary information for your insurer to process a claim for out-of-network services. By providing you with these detailed superbills, we empower you to seek reimbursement efficiently.
It's important to note that reimbursement rates and policies vary among insurance plans. Typically, insurance companies may cover 50-80% of out-of-network service costs, provided you've met your deductible. We recommend consulting your insurance provider to understand your specific out-of-network benefits and any requirements they may have for reimbursement.
To support our patients, we accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments for our services. This allows you to use pre-tax dollars to cover eligible medical expenses, making your healthcare journey more affordable.
By utilizing your HSA or FSA funds, you can effectively manage out-of-pocket costs for our services. This approach not only provides financial flexibility but also ensures that you can access the care you need without unexpected expenses.
We believe that our transparent, patient-centered approach not only enhances your healthcare experience but also contributes to a more efficient and equitable healthcare system. You’ll find comprehensive pricing information on each of our service pages.