Question 1

What is Elah Health?

Accepted Answer

Elah Health is a telemedicine practice founded by Dr Maretha Rossouw, offering lifestyle oncology, personalised healthcare, and survivorship support. 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) is a South African General Practitioner with 17+ years of clinical experience. She is also a breast cancer survivor — diagnosed in 2024, treated, and now channelling that lived experience into helping others.

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 integrative medicine. 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

You request a consultation via this website. Once confirmed, you receive a secure video link and join the call at your scheduled time. After the consultation, Dr Maretha sends a written summary and action plan.

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 — the parts of care that fall outside standard oncology consultations.

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 and DNA-guided wellness services are open to anyone seeking evidence-based lifestyle guidance.

Question 12

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 13

How much does a consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

[CONFIRM: consultation pricing to be confirmed with the practice.]

Question 14

Do you accept medical aid?

Accepted Answer

[CONFIRM: medical aid acceptance policy to be confirmed.]

Question 15

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Complete the consultation request form on this website. Dr Maretha or the Elah Health team will confirm your appointment within 24 hours.

Question 16

Where is the practice located?

Accepted Answer

Elah Health is telemedicine-only. Consultations happen via secure video call from anywhere in South Africa. Dr Maretha is based in Stellenbosch.

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