FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease, and at the same time recognizes that the body is a complex set of interconnected systems. There is a strong emphasis on analyzing the entire body when investigating underlying chronic disease conditions.
A major reason functional medicine and/or integrative practitioners do not accept insurance is due to the length of time spent reviewing a new patient’s medical history prior to an initial appointment. The first appointment can be 1-2 hours depending on the complexity of current and past health issues. This medical model is designed to investigate until the underlying triggers or causes for the health disruption(s) have been identified. When identified, these disruptors are important information in the beginning architecture of an individual plan to regain health or maintain health.
Functional Medicine is effective for a wide variety of conditions and concerns, including:
- Digestive issues: irritable bowel syndrome, food sensitivities, gas/bloating, SIBO, intestinal yeast (candida)
- Hormone regulation: menopause, perimenopause, andropause, PCOS, PMS
- Healthy aging and wellness promotion
- Lyme disease
- Thyroid and adrenal function or dysregulation, fatigue, brain fog
- Insomnia or sleep dysregulation
- Metabolic Syndrome (pre-diabetes)Environmental exposures, Heavy metal accumulation, mold exposure
- Joint pain
- Weight management
The evaluation of clinical information leads to patient centered, science-based therapies. This is where there is a relationship between the patient and provider merge, to discuss and agree on the steps and approaches to release chronic symptoms.