What is a Health Coach?
"Health Coach" has been used in a broad scope in the past. Almost anyone can call themselves a Health Coach and it's difficult to know who is a credible coach to meet your needs and not all "certifications" meet new National industry standards.
With the purpose of creating a coaching environment you can trust, the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) is affiliated with the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) to certify "transition" programs that are created with the highest standards and integrity in mind.
As a graduate from one of these programs, you can trust that the Certified Health Coach you work with has the proper training needed to best help you.
In addition, as a graduate from an approved program, there are additional criteria and experience needed to apply and sit for a National Board Exam to gain National recognition with NBHWC.
Virtual Coaching Lab refers to "health coaches" as coaches with the NBC-HWC designation or in training or a graduate of an approved NBHWC program with the intent to sit for the NBHWC exam.
At date of publication, there are 3000 health coaches in the United States with the NBC-HWC designation. Jen Lendaris, Founder of Virtual Coaching Lab has earned the NBC-HWC designation.
Are there any formal definitions of a Health Coach to look for as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach?
The American Medical Association (AMA) defines a coach as a non-physician health care professional certified by NBHWC. When looking for a Health and Wellness Coach, seek one that has the following credentials: NBC-HWC.
The AMA also states " Well-trained and certified health and wellness coaches—with expertise in patient-empowering communication and behavior change—engage patients to develop and implement a personal vision and plan for optimal health. With the coach's support, patients cultivate the internal motivation, confidence, and resources needed to start and sustain behaviors shown to prevent or treat chronic disease and improve health and well-being"
What is functional medicine and the role of a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach?
"Functional Medicine determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual. The Functional Medicine model is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness" -IFM
A Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach is a Certified Health Coach with additional training in the Functional Medicine model. There is no diagnosis or treatment from the coach, rather your coach can be an instrumental part of your collaborative healthcare professional team or as a stand alone as your primary source of support to bring about change and results in all areas of health and wellness.
At the time of publication, there are two NBHWC approved transition programs. Jen Lendaris, Founder of VCL is a graduate of FMCA, the first NBHWC approved program with the longest history of graduating top level coaches.
Do you have to be sick to have a Health Coach?
Nope! Health Coaches do not prescribe or treat patients with acute illness. We focus on the behavior change needed to make lasting lifestyle changes. Because health coaching focuses on all areas of wellness: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational, financial, and environmental, coaching can benefit anyone looking to enhance one or more of these areas.
At the time of publication, there are two NBHWC approved transition programs. Jen Lendaris, Founder of VCL is a graduate of FMCA, the first NBHWC approved program with the longest history of graduating top level coaches.
Do you accept insurance?
Currently health coaching is not universally billable to insurance.
However three are currently 3 CPT category 3 codes available for use in a healthcare setting with the goal to create the data for category 1 codes. If you are would like more information about this process, contact us here.
Do I need a referral from a licensed Health Care Provider to work with you?
NOPE! Licensed Health Care Providers should understand the value of a Health Coach and the positive impact they have with their patients so the Health Coach will often become part of a patients healthcare team.
Health Coaches and licensed Healthcare Providers will often refer patients to each other for this reason.
One example is when a patient receives a diagnosis or treatment protocol to make lifestyle changes like nutrition or exercise that they may not understand or lack support and accountability to implement. The right Health Coach will be able to help you with these transitions and be your ally in the process.
People come to coaching for different reasons of well-beings and all are welcome.
Can I take a course that provides CE's but do NOT have the NBC-HWC designation?
Absolutely! Our courses are created with the intent to provide you with skills and knowledge to promote your personal growth.
If I take a course that provides CE's, do not have the NBC-HWC designation, and earn the designation in the future, can I apply to get my certificate and units?
Absolutely! We want to encourage your development when you are ready and celebrate your new designation. For a small processing fee, we can go back and verify you met the requirements and grant you your CE's and certificate.
How long do I have access to my courses?
You will have access to any courses you purchase as long as you do not cancel your account and the course is active. If you cancel your account and create a new account at a later date, we will not be able to transfer over a canceled accounts information.