Integrative Medicine — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions Dr Kloppenburg is most commonly asked — covering integrative medicine, complementary cancer care, safety, evidence, consultations, and specific therapies. Each answer is written to be a standalone resource.
In brief: Integrative medicine combines evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional medical treatment under the supervision of a GMC-registered physician. It does not replace conventional care. Dr Kloppenburg offers 60-minute remote consultations for cancer patients, post-treatment survivors, and people with chronic conditions throughout the UK.
About Integrative Medicine
What is the difference between integrative medicine and alternative medicine?
Integrative medicine combines evidence-based complementary therapies with conventional medical treatment — it does not replace conventional care. Alternative medicine, by contrast, is used instead of conventional treatment. Dr Kloppenburg practises integrative medicine: all complementary therapies she recommends are used alongside, and coordinated with, your oncologist's or GP's treatment plan, never in opposition to it.
Is integrative medicine evidence-based?
The evidence base varies by therapy. Some integrative therapies — including mistletoe therapy (Viscum album), IV Vitamin C, and medicinal mushrooms — have a substantial body of peer-reviewed clinical research, including randomised controlled trials and Cochrane reviews. Others, such as homeopathy and certain mind-body approaches, have a more mixed evidence base but are used for symptom management and wellbeing support under medical supervision. Dr Kloppenburg is transparent about the quality of evidence for each therapy she recommends.
When should I consider integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine may be appropriate if you are undergoing cancer treatment and wish to manage side effects, support your immune system, or improve quality of life alongside conventional care; if you have completed cancer treatment and are seeking survivorship support; if you have a chronic condition such as Long COVID, chronic fatigue, or an autoimmune condition and feel conventional medicine alone is not addressing your needs; or if you are a healthcare professional seeking a safe, medically supervised referral pathway for a patient.
Does integrative medicine interfere with conventional cancer treatment?
This is the most important safety question. Some complementary therapies can interact with chemotherapy or other medications — this is why medical supervision is essential. Dr Kloppenburg reviews all medications and supplements before recommending any integrative therapy. She follows a structured drug-herb interaction protocol and will always coordinate with your oncologist. Therapies are timed to avoid interference with treatment cycles where relevant.
About Dr Kloppenburg
Is Dr Kloppenburg GMC-registered?
Yes. Dr Saskia Kloppenburg Vieth is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC number 7541548). She is a specialist in General Internal Medicine and holds additional postgraduate qualifications in Homeopathic Medicine (MFHom, Faculty of Homeopathy), Nutritional Therapy (MSc, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya), Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (MSc), and Neurolinguistic Programming (Master Practitioner). You can verify her registration at the GMC website.
Does Dr Kloppenburg work within the NHS?
Yes. Dr Kloppenburg is a permanent specialty doctor at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (RLHIM), which is part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The RLHIM is the UK's largest NHS integrative medicine centre. Her private remote consultations through drkloppenburg.uk are separate from her NHS clinical work but operate under the same GMC standards and clinical governance framework.
What is the relationship between drkloppenburg.uk, integratedmedicine.co, and wellbeingmedicalgroup.com?
drkloppenburg.uk is Dr Kloppenburg's personal professional website. integratedmedicine.co is the website of the Integrated Medicine clinic. wellbeingmedicalgroup.com is the Wellbeing Medical Group, of which Dr Kloppenburg is a co-founder. The remote consultations booked through drkloppenburg.uk are with Dr Kloppenburg personally.
What does MFHom mean?
MFHom stands for Member of the Faculty of Homeopathy. The Faculty of Homeopathy is the professional body for medically qualified homeopathic practitioners in the UK. MFHom is awarded to doctors who have completed formal postgraduate training in homeopathic medicine and passed the Faculty's clinical examinations. It is distinct from lay homeopathy qualifications and indicates that the practitioner is a registered medical doctor with specialist homeopathic training.
Consultations and Booking
Are consultations available in person?
No. All consultations with Dr Kloppenburg through drkloppenburg.uk are conducted remotely via secure video call. This makes her services accessible throughout the UK without the need to travel to London. The remote format is fully compatible with the clinical assessment and treatment planning she provides.
How long is a consultation?
All consultations are 60 minutes. Initial consultations are used for a comprehensive review of your medical history, current treatment, medications, and integrative medicine goals. Follow-up consultations review progress, adjust treatment plans, and address new concerns.
How do I book a consultation?
You can book by calling +44 20 4577 0314 or by submitting a request form on the Remote Consultations page. Dr Kloppenburg's team will confirm availability and send you a secure video call link and a pre-consultation questionnaire.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Please have available: a list of all current medications (including supplements), recent blood test results or imaging reports if available, a summary of your diagnosis and current treatment plan, and any questions you wish to discuss. The more information you can share, the more tailored Dr Kloppenburg's recommendations will be.
Is the consultation covered by health insurance?
Coverage varies by insurer. Please contact your health insurance provider in advance to confirm whether integrative medicine consultations with a GMC-registered physician are covered under your policy. Dr Kloppenburg can provide a receipt and clinical summary to support any insurance claim.
Safety and Clinical Governance
Are complementary therapies safe during chemotherapy?
Some are, and some require careful timing or are contraindicated with specific chemotherapy agents. Dr Kloppenburg conducts a full medication and treatment review before recommending any therapy. She follows a structured drug-herb interaction protocol and will advise on timing relative to your chemotherapy cycles. She will also communicate with your oncologist if appropriate.
What happens if I experience an adverse reaction?
Dr Kloppenburg operates under GMC clinical governance standards, which include a formal adverse event reporting protocol. If you experience any unexpected reaction, you should contact the practice immediately. All adverse events are documented and reported in accordance with GMC obligations. You should also contact your GP or oncologist if you experience any acute symptoms.
Will Dr Kloppenburg communicate with my oncologist or GP?
Yes, with your consent. Dr Kloppenburg can provide a written clinical summary of her recommendations for sharing with your oncologist or GP. She encourages open communication between all members of your healthcare team. If you are being referred by a GP or oncologist, she will provide a formal response letter.
Is my data protected?
Yes. All personal and medical data is handled in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Dr Kloppenburg's practice operates under the same data protection standards as all GMC-registered practitioners. Video consultations are conducted via a secure, encrypted platform.
Specific Therapies
What is mistletoe therapy and how is it administered?
Mistletoe therapy uses extracts of Viscum album (European mistletoe) to support immune function, improve quality of life, and potentially slow tumour growth. It is administered by subcutaneous injection, which patients learn to self-administer at home after initial instruction. Dr Kloppenburg prescribes from three preparation ranges — Iscador, Helixor, and Abnoba — selecting the preparation and dosage based on your diagnosis, treatment phase, and individual response.
What is the difference between Iscador, Helixor, and Abnoba?
All three are pharmaceutical-grade mistletoe preparations derived from Viscum album grown on different host trees. Iscador (grown on oak, apple, pine, or elm) is the most extensively researched preparation with over 200 published studies. Helixor (grown on fir, apple, or pine) is produced using a different extraction method and is often used where Iscador is not tolerated. Abnoba (grown on multiple host trees) offers a wider range of host-specific preparations. The choice between preparations is made on clinical grounds and individual patient response.
Is IV Vitamin C the same as taking vitamin C supplements?
No. Intravenous high-dose vitamin C achieves plasma concentrations that are 100–500 times higher than oral supplementation. At these concentrations, ascorbic acid acts as a pro-oxidant in tumour tissue (generating hydrogen peroxide selectively in cancer cells) rather than as an antioxidant. Oral vitamin C cannot achieve these plasma levels due to intestinal absorption limits. G6PD screening is required before starting IV Vitamin C therapy.
Which medicinal mushrooms does Dr Kloppenburg prescribe?
Dr Kloppenburg prescribes evidence-based medicinal mushroom protocols including Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor, source of PSK/polysaccharide-K), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus). These are prescribed as pharmaceutical-grade extracts, not food supplements. The choice of species and dosage is based on your diagnosis, treatment phase, and clinical goals.
Related Resources
Integrative Oncology Services
Dr Kloppenburg's full integrative oncology service offering for cancer patients.
Clinical Governance and Safety
How Dr Kloppenburg's practice is regulated and what safety standards are in place.
60-Minute Remote Consultations
How to book, what to expect, and what is covered in a remote consultation.
Fees and Booking
Consultation fees, payment options, and how to book your appointment.
Drug-Herb Interactions and Polypharmacy Safety
Understanding safety considerations when combining conventional and complementary therapies.
What Is Integrative Medicine?
A comprehensive introduction to integrative medicine for patients new to the field.
Still Have Questions?
Dr Kloppenburg is happy to discuss your specific situation in a 60-minute remote consultation. Book by phone or submit a request online.
Remote consultations · UK-wide · 60 minutes · Book via call or online request