About the coimbra protocol
The Coimbra Vitamin D Protocol, which uses exceptionally high daily doses of vitamin D for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases, was developed in strict observance of The World Medical Association’s Helsinki Declaration, paragraph 37 in particular,
"In the treatment of an individual patient, where proven interventions do not exist or other known interventions have been ineffective, the physician...with informed consent from the patient...may use an unproven intervention if in the physician's judgment it offers hope of saving life, re-establishing health or alleviating suffering..."
The medical community has seen over time that interferon beta therapies have ultimately shown to be unable to prevent progression of MS. Likewise, biological agents often lose their efficacy due to patient generation of anti-drug antibodies. In contrast, this protocol employs individual tailoring of daily doses of vitamin D, monitored by routine laboratory results of each patient, as well as supplementation of several minerals and vitamins which aid in vitamin D activation, neural tissue regeneration, and ultimately suppression of the disease.
Dr. Pinkleton is the 5th doctor in the United States to be trained in the protocol. She sees people with various autoimmune issues, both as a doctor to her patients in her private practice and as an online consultant for out-of-state and abroad clients.
appointments & pricing
The first appointment typically lasts 60 minutes. Here, the protocol is discussed, initial labs are ordered, and one’s starting dose of vitamin D is determined. Follow-up appointments are typically every 3 months for the first year, then move to every 4-6 months.
in-state patients
If you meet with Dr. Pinkleton while you are physically located in Washington State, you may use your insurance for Coimbra Protocol appointments if your insurance plan allows. If Dr. Pinkleton is not contracted with your insurance, or if your policy does not include her services, then her out-of-state Coimbra rates apply and she will happily give you a superbill for you to submit at the end of your visit.
out-of-state clients
If you reside outside of Washington State, Dr. Pinkleton will act as a consultant to help you navigate the protocol. As a consultant, Dr. Pinkleton will give you a receipt for your appointment. She will NOT give you a superbill, nor will she be able to fill out any forms for insurance reimbursements or HSA documentation.
All out-of-state clients are required to email the office with a request to book. Dr. Pinkleton will review your email with her team. If you are determined to be a good candidate for the CP, her office will call you back to schedule. Your email must include:
Your diagnosis and the history, or story, of how you arrived to it.
Your current symptoms.
Your current treatment plan.
Your state/country of residence.
Questions you need answered before booking with Dr. Pinkleton. Please keep these questions logistical in nature. Requests for medical advice or current treatment guidance will not be answered.
Fees:
First appointment: $325. For first appointments, a non-refundable deposit of $175 is required to book. Rescheduling more than once, rescheduling your appointment outside of the 24-business-hours window (i.e. Monday appointments must be rescheduled by the preceding Friday), or missing your appointment will forfeit your deposit. If your deposit is forfeited you will be required to pay it again before rebooking. Reschedules must be within 3 months of the original appointment, barring extenuating circumstances.
Follow-up appointments: $150, typically lasting 30 minutes. Payment is due the day of your appointment.
All out-of-state clients and in-state patients are required to keep a valid credit card on file at all times to work with Dr. Pinkleton.