What you can expect when working with a Functional Medicine provider

Let’s paint a picture of what going to the doctor may look like for you in the conventional health care model. You see your PCP because you don’t feel like yourself, you feel off whether its digestive issues, hormones seem off, or just an underlying issue that you’re finally getting help for. You sit in the waiting room for 20 minutes then when you finally see your doctor, you spend about 15 minutes chatting about your issues. They run some basic labs, maybe do some other testing, and when you go back and see them, “everything is fine, all your labs are normal, it’s just aging, or here take this pill or take a multivitamin, see how it goes, come back in 6 months. Meanwhile, you’re even more frustrated with your body, you don’t feel heard, and you continue down the path of the medical system trap.

This story is why so many people are looking to take their own healthcare in their own hands. This is where functional medicine steps in. I know, because this is my story too, and why this website exists. TRUE healthcare is what functional medicine is. The common misconception about FM is that it denounces modern medicine in favor of WOO-WOO approaches like aromatherapy, herbs, fasting, crystals and what not. This is all simply not true. What functional medicine is actually, is truly listening to the client, their story, their ailments, then find areas to work on, do some testing if needed and follow up to see the progress until the patient achieves true healing.

The first visit may look like this…. You’ll spend an hour or so telling your story, the provider will get a detailed history of any health problems you are experiencing. It could be as simple as sleep disruption, gut issues to chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular issues. They will then connect the dots and identify some root causes to paint a bigger picture of what is happening in your body. They may do some lab testing if you don’t have any recent labs available, so they can have more information to create a better treatment plan for you. This is where it can be a lot different. Conventional lab testing that your PCP may order doesn’t always give a complete picture. FM providers order more thorough and comprehensive lab testing to get a better look at you. Comprehensive hormone testing (DUTCH testing), GI map stool test for gut health, vitamin and mineral testing, thorough thyroid panels, inflammation levels etc. They also look at more narrow approaches for optimal health, not disease detection only.

After testing and the initial appointment they will then plan a follow-up visit that’s usually about 45 minutes to an hour long to discuss and create a plan WITH YOU. These visits will include an emphasis on dietary changes, and exercise plans which honestly are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. They may also suggest some supplements to help treat and prevent illness, as well as prescription medications when necessary or indicated. The kicker with this is that they will work with you to get you off these meds, not keep you on them or add to them. This is all a healing process, not a one-and-done approach that conventional medicine takes. The follow-up visits could take a few months, or you could set up an ongoing plan. This type of healthcare is a collaboration between you and your provider.

Why functional medicine is so unique is that it is proactive, it doesn’t wait for disease to develop, it looks for dysfunction early before something escalates. FM is a more holistic approach, it takes in all aspects of your physical, emotional, and environmental well-being. It is personalized medicine. It is based on your labs, your lifestyle, and what your goals are. It is also in your own timeline.

If you are ready to finally feel well again. Please seek out a functional medicine provider. Your body will thank you!