Q. What is Functional Medicine?
A. Functional medicine is a specialty within integrative medicine that focuses on the interaction of genes, environment and lifestyle factors to determine the underlying causes of illness or disease. This might require several rounds of conversations with your provider to determine the root cause of an illness and to find the best treatment option.
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Q. What type of provider will I see?
A. You’ll see a NP who has completed allopathic medicine training and is board certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She has also completed a functional medicine certificate and is an Adapt Kresser Institute certified (AFMP) functional medicine practitioner. Additionally, she has done a certificate in Ayurveda through Yogamu University.
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Q. What should I expect my visit to be like?
A. You’ll receive the same services as you would from a conventionally trained primary care physician or a specialist. The difference is your treatment plan will be customized with lifestyle changes, such as supplements. You’ll also receive comprehensive education in areas that can help you live well, such as nutrition, sleep and stress management. Count on being asked lots of questions about your health and lifestyle choices, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, relationships, spirituality and critical life events. This information will help your provider develop a personalized treatment plan for your care.
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Q. Do you take insurance?
A. No, office visits are not covered by insurance, however a super bill will always be provided with the providers’s NPI to request insurance reimbursement.
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Q. What type of tests or labs will be performed?
A. Testing and labs depends on your initial evaluation and what tests you’ve already had done, however you can expect blood labs, stool tests, food sensitivity testing, etc. to name a few. Our individualized care means we take into consideration your needs, preferences, and budget. The cost of laboratory tests recommended during the Assessment process can range from $200 – $800. Supporting you in this process is our top priority—all testing is customized specifically for you and we also offer flexibility by staggering the tests over time for affordability. This cost does depend on the complexity of your condition, level of diagnostics required, and what your insurance may (or may not) cover.
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Q. Are any of the lab tests covered by insurance?
A. Some of the lab tests we use are covered by insurance, subject to any deductible or copay. If cost is a concern, we can provide you with a list of common labs so you can check with your insurance about coverage. Some outside labs don’t bill insurance; in this case, the expense is paid out-of-pocket.
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