Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), is a disabling illness. It is a complex diagnosis and not always easy to make. No treatment has yet been found, which is extremely frustrating for patients suffering from this illness. This does not mean patients cannot improve or even recover. However, because of controversies on how to treat ME/CFS over the last decade, some patients or providers are not always aware of the latest developments and this is where I can help.
My name is Judikje Scheffer and I am a fellow General Practitioner and Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician Registrar. Due to personal involvement with the illness I have a large knowledge of ME/CFS. I have made it my goal to assist and guide patients through their rehabilitation process. Depending on your own experience and wish to support your patient in their rehabilitation I can advise yourself after an initial consultation. I understand that some consultation will take more time than you have and if preferred, I can continue to support your patients with (half hour) follow-up appointments.
Referrals
aWhen I meet with your patient via Telehealth, I will assess whether they do indeed have ME/CFS or not, and I will suggest a treatment plan based on symptoms and discuss pacing strategies.
Due to the complexity of the diagnosis ME/CFS it is essential you have excluded the common causes of the patient’s fatigue/symptoms; your referral should include a general physical exam and results of laboratory investigations e.g. CBC/diff, electrolytes, Calcium, phosphate, CRP, TSH, LFT, Renal panel, CK, Iron studies, Vit B12/folate, Hba1c, urine analysis and further tests on indication (The provider page of ANZMES as well as Bateman Horner Centre have valuable links to more information, including a link to the CFS Primer for medical providers).
You can send your referral to: referrals@jusc.co.nz – please also include the patient’s email address.
We only accept complete referrals.
JUSC Medical is a private practice and will not receive capitation or other funding for the services. Private insurance might cover (part of) fees under the GP cover. If your patient is on a benefit, WINZ may help with fees as part of their disability allowance.