Frequently Asked Questions
Is Functional Medicine Scientific?
The evaluation and treatment methods used in Functional Medicine are based on clinical studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals. The field of Functional medicine was initially developed by Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a former professor of biochemistry at the University of Puget Sound, a previous Director of Nutritional Research at the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, and an internationally recognized leader in the nutritional medicine field for over 25 years. Dr. Bland’s interest and expertise in biochemistry and physiology led to a deeper and more accurate understanding of the factors that shift our body’s function from health to disease. Over time, many scientists and clinicians have been contributing from their experience to the field of Functional medicine.
What Training Do Functional Medicine Providers Receive?
Functional medicine providers are providers that have received a core foundational education in medical/healthcare education. The education for Functional Medicine builds on training for licensed healthcare providers, with a background in caring for patients. These providers then receive a specialized, post licensure training and certification, equipping them with a root-cause, patient centered approach to healthcare. Functional medicine providers learn about the external and internal factors that contribute to diseases. They learn how to identify these factors and how to address them by using specific recommendations from lifestyle, nutritional, and herbal medicine.
Can A Functional Medicine Provider Replace My Primary Care Provider?
No. The Functional Medicine approach is focused on improving the patient’s health and function, but it does not replace the need for primary care. In some cases, it might be important to manage the patient’s conditions by using prescription or surgery, which a primary care provider or a physician offers.
What Can I Expect During A Functional Medicine Visit?
At Tailored Functional Wellness, LLC we start with a 15-20 minute consultation. This allows us to find out what your health concerns and goals are and if we are equipped to help you. There is no fee for this consultation. Once we have that consultation, we can determine if we can be of service in helping you. Next, there is an evaluation. During the evaluation process, you will be asked about your previous and current lifestyle, diet, and your external environment (work, home, etc.). You will also be asked about the function of different organs and we might look at your labs, if available. During this meeting, we will go over your health concerns and the possible factors that might be aggravating your conditions. In other words, we will try to understand ‘what’ is driving your inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance, damage to the cells, and conditions. Throughout the process, I will provide you with guidance and education so you can move towards better function and health.
Does Insurance Cover Functional Health?
Medical insurance was initially designed to cover emergency care, such as surgery after an injury. In many cases, providers who work under the insurance companies are still functioning in the same way. That is the reason why many patients are dissatisfied with the medical care they are receiving.
While primary care services are important, it is almost impossible to complete and full evaluation and understand the external, internal, environmental, and nutritional factors that are aggravating your condition or are keep you ill in the time allotted by hospital systems and insurance companies.
To spend 1-on-1 time with you, conduct a comprehensive assessment, develop treatment protocols that are personalized to your body, and educate you – we typically need between 30 to 60 minutes per visit. Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not allow spending extended time with patients and many insurance companies will only cover prescription drugs or surgery.
If you have a Health Saving Account (HSA), Tailored Functional Health, LLC will be able to provide you with the documentation you would need to submit the services to your HSA for reimbursement.
Remember, this is your body and we believe that you should be the one to decide the type of care that you deserve to get to improve your health.
As Jim Rohn once said, “Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.”