Functional Medicine: FAQs

What is Functional Medicine?

The term Functional Medicine is used in different contexts in literature and online, but for this website, we are referring to licensed medical practitioners who have received training from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) or adhere to a similar set of principles.

Per IFM, “Functional Medicine is a systems biology-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease.” Each symptom may have many potential root causes so each is investigated to ensure the correct treatment is administered. Functional medicine practitioners take into account an individual’s genes, environment and lifestyle factors when determining likely causes of symptoms. For this reason, Functional Medicine practitioners take more in-depth health histories and utilize more specialized testing than conventionally trained physicians.

Isn’t Functional Medicine just another name for Integrative or Complementary Medicine?

While FM practitioners may incorporate healing modalities used in alternative and complementary such as acupuncture or mind-body medicine, Functional Medicine evolved from a small group of physicians and researchers who realized the importance of advances in nutritional science, genomics and epigenetics. They applied this new research in ways that brought impressive results for patients whose past treatments were unsuccessful. In order to train other physicians on these techniques, they systematized the approach. Today the IFM approach to applying Functional Medicine is mainly practiced through a set of tools that helps practitioners zero in on the cause of the underlying illness.

Who is a good candidate for Functional Medicine?

Because Functional Medicine practitioners are elite detectives when it comes to determining the root cause of symptoms and restoring function, they are in high demand among patients with unresolved symptoms and “tough cases” like autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia, and Lyme Disease. Those who prefer lifestyle interventions over pharmaceutical drugs to prevent or treat chronic conditions are also likely to prefer a Functional Medicine practitioner.

How do I find a Functional Medicine practitioner?

The Institute for Function Medicine has a provider directory on their website. You can search by city/state or use the “advanced search options” to find practitioners that offer online or phone consultations. Please note: Functional Medicine practitioners are in high demand. The wait time for new patient appointments may be up to 3 months. However some offer a waiting list for cancellations. You may also want to verify whether the practitioner accepts insurance and is “in network” for your particular plan.

Is Functional Medicine covered by insurance?

Whether your insurance will cover Functional Medicine office visits or lab tests will depend on the service type and your insurance. To ensure there are no surprises on your bill, verify with your insurance company that a particular functional medicine provider is “in network” for your plan.

Since practicing Functional Medicine is extremely time consuming, many Functional Medicine practitioners accept limited (Group PPO plans) or no insurance at all. That doesn’t mean that your insurance may not cover at least some of the cost as an “out of network provider.” As for lab work, if you use an “in-network” lab, your insurance will likely cover standard blood work. Some specialized functional lab tests may not be covered by insurance companies.

What can I expect on my first visit?

Prior to your first appointment, you will be asked to complete a comprehensive health/social history. Note: this is not your customary health history that elsewhere would get a cursory glance and then tossed in a file. Functional Medicine forms are designed to provide valuable insights into your genetic predispositions, environmental exposures and other clues to why you are experiencing symptoms. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to fill out these forms. (We suggest at least one to two hours if you have a long or complex personal/family medical history.)

First appointments with a Functional Medicine practitioner are typically 60 to 90 minutes long. The doctor will likely ask questions about information you provided on your intake forms, your current symptoms and recent diagnostic tests. By the end of this visit, the physician will have a plan for where to start.