Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, disabling condition that can be challenging to diagnose. There is currently no single diagnostic test or curative treatment, which can be frustrating for both patients and clinicians. However, meaningful improvement—and in some cases recovery—is possible with appropriate management.
One of the most evidence-supported approaches is structured pacing and energy management, which helps patients stabilise symptoms and gradually improve function. Many patients are not yet familiar with this approach or have not received adequate guidance.
Dr Judikje Scheffer is a Fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) and a Fellow of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Medicine Physicians (FACSEP). She provides individualised coaching in pacing and symptom management, which forms the cornerstone of treatment and has been shown to support clinical improvement.
Referrals
Patients with ME/CFS usually are very unwell with severely disabling fatigue and other symptoms, like cognitive impairment and pain. It is important (common) underlying causes are excluded before these symptoms are considered to be a result of ME/CFS – a diagnosis for which no biomarker is yet available and requires comprehensive history taking.
Creating a treatment plan and coaching the patient takes up a lot of the consult time. To be able to diagnose and discuss the comprehensive treatment plan during our extended consult, it is essential other common diagnoses (auto-immune disease, anaemia, iron/vitamin deficiency, cardiomyopathy, other neurological conditions etc,) have been excluded beforehand.
Most patients are too unwell to travel or live too far away and therefore consultation take place via Telehealth.
Considering the above, the referral requires:
- General physical examination
- Laboratory results: CBC/diff, electrolytes, calcium/phosphate, CRP, TSH, LFT, renal panel, CK, iron studies, vit B12/folate, Hba1c, rheumatoid factor/anti-CCP, coeliac screening, urine analysis
- further tests on indication (see CFS Primer table 2, page 15)
- patient email address
Referrals can be sent to:
- Email: refer@pinnaclesp.co.nz.
- EDI: pinsport
Incomplete referrals may be declined, as adequate pre-assessment is essential for diagnostic accuracy and efficient use of consultation time.
Consultation fees
Private insurance might cover (part of) the fees. Patients will need to apply for pre-approval. If your patient is on a benefit, WINZ may help with fees as part of their disability allowance.
2026 Fees are (subject to change):
- Initial Telehealth consultation (45 mins): $ 375.00
- Follow up Telehealth consultation (30 mins): $ 250.00
For further enquiries, please contact: info@pinnaclesp.co.nz