Patient Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions from patients about using The Health Nav.
Your questions, answered
Everything you need to know about using The Health Nav.
The Health Nav is designed to make finding and booking healthcare professionals simple and transparent. Whether you're looking for an exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, or other physiologist, women's health specialist, or other qualified practitioner, our platform connects you with verified, accredited professionals in your area. We understand that navigating your health journey can be overwhelming, which is why we've built a comprehensive directory that puts you in control of your care.
Below, you'll find answers to the most common questions patients have about using our platform—from creating an account and booking appointments to understanding practitioner credentials, managing your bookings, and making the most of your health journey. Our goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to find the right care at the right time.
If you can't find what you're looking for in these FAQs, feel free to contact our support team. For more information about how our platform works, visit our How It Works page or learn more about The Health Nav. You can also explore our vetting process to understand how we ensure all practitioners meet our high standards.
No. The price you see on the practitioner's profile is the total cost for the session. There are no registration fees or platform taxes added at checkout. Your payment covers the full clinical time, the exercise prescription, and any follow-up notes provided by your specialist.
Yes, you can. Many people book on behalf of parents or dependents. Whoever makes the appointment, this will be under your account. We would recommend that, if possible, you make an appointment to set up an account in your name. This helps to prevent confusion for your initial assessment.
Yes. When you book through The Health Nav, your appointment is instantly secured in the practitioner’s calendar. You will receive an immediate email confirmation with the time, your booked practitioner and the location of your appointment.
We understand that health can be unpredictable. Most practitioners on The Health Nav operate a 24-hour cancellation policy. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance: Usually eligible for a full refund or a fee-free reschedule. Cancellations under 24 hours: May incur a late-cancellation fee (often 50% or 100% of the session cost) to compensate the clinician for their reserved time. Please check the specific Booking Terms on your chosen specialist's profile before confirming."
Coverage for Exercise Physiology is growing rapidly in the UK. Many private health insurers now recognise EP services, especially for chronic disease management. We recommend checking your specific policy or asking your practitioner for their provider details before booking.
While a Physio helps with initial pain and acute injury, an EP focuses on the next stage: building your foundation. They help you transition from rehabilitation to long-term health maintenance, ensuring your injury doesn't return, and your overall physical performance improves.
Unlike personal trainers, Exercise Physiologists (EPs) are university-qualified allied health professionals. They specialise in clinical exercise interventions for people with chronic medical conditions, injuries, or disabilities. They are registered with bodies like the AHCS or BASES, ensuring they meet rigorous clinical standards.
At The Health Nav, we only list practitioners who meet the audit for clinical practice in the UK. You can verify a specialist's qualifications directly on their profile through two primary methods: AHCS Registration: Most Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEPs) are registered with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS). You can check their unique registration number on their profile, which confirms they meet the national standards for healthcare science practitioners. CASES Accreditation: Many of our specialists hold Chartered status or accreditation with CASES (The Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences), specifically through the Clinical Exercise Physiology UK division. Academic Credentials: To become a Clinical Exercise Physiologist in the UK, you need to demonstrate 6 years of clinical experience, have an undergraduate BSc in Sports and Exercise Science or a related and an MSc in a clinical exercise-related field, with specific training in pathology and Exercise as Medicine. Our Vetting Badge: Every profile on our platform features a Verified badge. This means we have manually checked their registration, degree, and insurance, so you don’t have to.
The choice depends on which stage of recovery you are in. Both are university-qualified professionals, but they specialise in different phases of your health journey: See a Physiotherapist for the 'Acute Phase': If you have a brand-new injury, sudden pain, or have just had surgery. Physios focus on diagnosis, pain reduction, and manual therapy (hands-on treatment) to get you moving again. See a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) for the Chronic & Management Phase: If you are managing a long-term condition (like Diabetes, Heart Disease, or POTS) or if you’ve finished initial physio but aren't back to full strength. CEPs focus on 'Exercise as Medicine' using scientific loading to improve your heart health, metabolism, and long-term physical resilience. If you have an immediate new injury or diagnosis, start with a Physio. If you need a longer-term plan that will factor in your lifestyle and manage your long-term health, see a Clinical Exercise Physiologist.
Your Initial Assessment is a 60-minute clinical evaluation designed to bridge the gap between your medical diagnosis and a safe, effective exercise/rehabilitation plan. Unlike a standard gym induction, this session focuses on functional capacity and clinical safety markers. What is covered: Medical History: Analysis of your diagnosis, medications (e.g., Cardiac or GLP-1s), and consultant notes. Biometrics: Baseline checks of blood pressure, heart rate, body composition, and (if needed) blood glucose or oxygen levels. Functional Testing: Testing your strength, balance, and your exercise zones for exercise intensity. After collecting the data, you will have your clinical exercise prescription plan tailored to your needs.
Yes, but the focus is different from a Women's Health Physiotherapist. They often work together as a team to provide full-spectrum care: See a Women’s Health Physiotherapist for: Internal pelvic floor assessments, treating incontinence, prolapse diagnosis, and acute postnatal recovery (0–6 weeks). They focus on restoring the basic function of the pelvic floor and core. See a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) for: Functional Women's Health. This includes strength training during pregnancy, returning to high-impact sport postnatal, and managing the metabolic and bone-density changes during Menopause and Perimenopause. If you need a clinical diagnosis or internal treatment, start with a Specialist Physio. If you want to use exercise to manage hormonal health, bone density, or return to peak fitness safely, a Clinical Exercise Physiologist is the specialist you need.