Question 1

What is Elah Health?

Accepted Answer

Elah Health is a practice founded by Dr Maretha Rossouw, offering lifestyle oncology, personalised healthcare and survivorship support, as well as health coaching, in person in Somerset West and by secure video across South Africa. It fills the gap between formal cancer treatment and the day-to-day lifestyle guidance most patients never receive.

Question 2

Who is Dr Maretha?

Accepted Answer

Dr Maretha Rossouw (MBChB, Stellenbosch 2004) is a South African General Practitioner with 17+ years of clinical experience. She holds postgraduate diplomas in Family Medicine and in Diabetes (with Distinction), a certificate in Lifestyle Oncology, and is a certified health coach (diploma student) and certified breast cancer rehabilitation therapist. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and draws on that lived experience in her work alongside her clinical experience.

Question 3

Is Elah Health a specialist practice?

Accepted Answer

No. Dr Rossouw is a registered General Practitioner with additional training in lifestyle oncology and health coaching. She is not a registered medical specialist, and Elah Health does not replace your oncology team.

Question 4

How does a telemedicine consultation work?

Accepted Answer

Submit a consultation request through the booking link. Bookem confirms your appointment and prompts you to add it to your calendar. Join the video call at your scheduled time through the secure Bookem link. After the consultation, Dr Maretha sends a summary, action plan and any necessary referrals or prescriptions.

Question 5

Is telemedicine legal in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Telemedicine consultations are regulated by the HPCSA under Booklet 10 and held to the same clinical standards as in-person care.

Question 6

What technology do I need?

Accepted Answer

A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet, private space.

Question 7

Is my consultation private and secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Consultations use a secure video platform and are treated with the same confidentiality as an in-person visit. Your data is handled in accordance with POPIA.

Question 8

Can I get a prescription via telemedicine?

Accepted Answer

Some prescriptions can be issued via telemedicine. Others require a physical examination first, in which case Dr Maretha will refer you appropriately.

Question 9

What is lifestyle oncology?

Accepted Answer

Evidence-based guidance on nutrition, exercise, mental health, and integrative support for people living with or after a cancer diagnosis.

Question 10

What does a DNA wellness consultation involve?

Accepted Answer

We use genetic testing to understand how your body handles nutrients, detoxification, and metabolic processes, then translate that data into practical everyday guidance.

Question 11

Do I need to have cancer to use Elah Health?

Accepted Answer

No. Personalised healthcare services are open to anyone seeking evidence-based lifestyle guidance.

Question 12

Who can benefit from health coaching?

Accepted Answer

Health coaching is suited to anyone wanting personalised support to improve health and make sustainable lifestyle changes. This may include people navigating cancer treatment or survivorship, chronic health conditions, menopause, fatigue, stress, or changes in nutrition, movement and sleep. Collaborative goals and accountability help turn information into daily action. Coaching complements, but does not replace, medical care.

Question 13

Will you replace my oncologist?

Accepted Answer

No. Elah Health works alongside your oncology team to support the aspects of your care that fall outside their scope.

Question 14

How much does a consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

A first consultation with Dr Maretha is R700 and a follow-up is R650. Coaching: Initial Consultation R700; Single Follow-up Session R650; Short-Term Kickstart Package R2 400; Comprehensive Programme R7 900.

Question 15

Do you accept medical aid?

Accepted Answer

Consultations are currently paid privately and you can claim back from your scheme yourself. From February 2027 the practice will be able to bill medical schemes directly.

Question 16

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Book via our booking link: elah-health.bookem.com.

Question 17

Where is the practice located?

Accepted Answer

You can see Dr Maretha your way. Consultations happen via secure video call from anywhere in South Africa, or in person at the practice at Caledon Corner, 60 Caledon Street, Somerset West. Red-light therapy is available in person only.

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