what is functional medicine (FM)?

It does not align with the traditional medical model that is predominantly disease-oriented and symptom relief. 

It focuses on specific symptoms and diseases, generally responding after these symptoms manifest. The approach is mostly reactive. 

Treatments are primarily pharmaceutical-based or involve surgery. Patients often follow prescribed treatments passively, without much involvement. 

The treatment's duration usually lasts as long as the symptoms or disease management is necessary, and success is measured by the control or elimination of these symptoms. In this model, practitioners typically direct the course of treatment, and the education provided is centered on disease processes and medications.

Our approach is in the wellness model, which is based on holistic functional medicine, prioritizes overall well-being and prevention. 

It's proactive, aiming to address the root causes of health issues before they escalate into discernible diseases. 

We employ a variety of natural therapies, including lifestyle changes and nutrition, tailored to each individual. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their health decisions and lifestyle changes. 

This model is not just about managing symptoms but enhancing health and preventing diseases through holistic practices, with a focus on maintaining this throughout one's life. 

Success in this model is measured by improved quality of life and overall vitality. 

Here, I act more as a guide or coach, collaborating with patients to achieve their health goals, and I place a strong emphasis on educating them about lifestyle, dietary changes, and natural therapies. 

This empowers them to take charge of their health management more effectively.

This personalized and proactive approach resonates deeply with those who seek not just to cure illness but to cultivate enduring health and wellness.

No, and you should want it that way...Here's why:

The main reason lies in the fundamental reason of why you are searching out Functional Medicine in the first place.

Traditional medicine and their insurance plans typically cover labs & treatments that are part of the conventional medical model, which often relies on pharmaceutical solutions and surgeries—the very methods that you are most likely trying to avoid, thus turning to functional medicine. 

When you reach out to a functional medicine practitioner, it’s usually because the conventional labs, visits, and options, provided by your doctor haven’t given you the answers or relief you seek. 

Functional medicine aims to dig deeper, focusing on the root causes rather than just symptoms. (and that is not covered by insurance)

This comprehensive approach, emphasizing prevention and holistic treatment, falls outside the standard criteria for insurance coverage. 

Thus, when you choose functional medicine, it's essential to understand and accept that you're opting for a pathway focused on in-depth, personalized wellness solutions that are typically not funded by traditional insurance. 

This shift represents a commitment to exploring health strategies beyond what is conventionally available, and it's a crucial step for those who are ready to invest directly in their long-term health and vitality.

Insurance companies are fundamentally businesses, operating primarily to generate profits for their shareholders and stockholders, not your health. 

Their financial interests often dictate the treatments and procedures they choose to cover, favoring those that align with a more conventional, cost-effective approach. 

This financial model can lead to a preference for short-term solutions that may not adequately address underlying health issues but do conform to a more predictable cost structure. 

As such, the comprehensive and personalized approach taken by functional medicine, which often involves more time, non-traditional lab tests, detailed investigation, and alternative therapies, does not align well with the insurance industry’s goal of maximizing financial returns. 

This economic focus means that the true health interests of patients are not always the priority, prompting many to seek functional medicine as an alternative to gain thorough, patient-centric healthcare that traditional insurance won't cover.