What is Functional Medicine?
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How is it different from standard care?
Standard care is the current practice of mainstream medicine. If you have an illness, you go to the doctor and he or she will prescribe a medicine.
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In contrast to the standard care model of traditional western medicine, Functional Medicine does not apply a standard protocol to each problem. This is not “one-size-fits-all” medicine. It is not medicine that just treats the symptoms.
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In Functional Medicine, if you have an illness, we try to identify the root cause of the illness.
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Lifestyle is a big factor; research estimates that 70-90% of the risk of chronic disease is attributable to lifestyle. That means what you eat, how you exercise, what your spiritual practices are, how much stress you live with are all elements that must be addressed in a comprehensive approach.
Through a unique partnership between patient and doctor, the Functional Medicine approach produces a comprehensive plan for maximizing the health of the individual. In addition to alleviating symptoms or slowing the progression of disease, the corrected imbalances and lifestyle changes resulting from the Functional approach can promote wellness and vitality for the whole (mind, body and spirit) patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the process involved?
A: When you (pediatric patient only) sign up for a Functional medicine consultation, you are given a set of health questionnaires to complete. They include your health history from birth, family history, stressful events, changes in residence, your daily activities and diet.
These are reviewed by the provider prior to the initial tele consultation.
During the first visit, your history is reviewed with you, followed by a physical evaluation and then treatment options are discussed. If any lab work is needed, this will be discussed at this visit.
Q: Will follow up visits be needed?
A: At least one follow up visit is advised to review the clinical condition. Further follow ups depend on the clinical situation.
Q: Which labs are generally used?
A: Some routine tests can be done at LabCorp or Quest labs. We use Genova Diagnostics and Doctor’s Data for the specialty tests.
Q: Are lab tests covered by our Insurance?
A: This depends on your insurance policy. Please check with your insurance about them
Q: Are commercial insurances accepted?
A: Since we spend a considerable amount of time with the patient and even prior to the visit reviewing history, it will be cash pay.
Q: What kinds of treatment options are generally followed?
A: Treatment options do not include medications most of the time.
They may include
​Pharmaceutical grade supplements
Lifestyle modifications
Customized Yoga programs, Meditation
Essential oils and massages
Energy healing
Ayurvedic remedies
Q: How long is the initial consultation?
A: Initial consultation includes pre visit review of medical questionnaire submitted and tele consultation. Hence, the total time will be about an hour
Q: How do I sign up for the consultation?
A: Please call our office to schedule an appointment
