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What Is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine is a personalized, patient-centered approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying factors contributing to illness and supporting better overall health. I begin with a detailed evaluation of your genetic, biochemical, lifestyle, and environmental factors and use that information to develop a personalized approach to your care.
Functional Medicine differs from conventional approaches to healthcare in its emphasis on understanding the underlying causes of complex, chronic health conditions, while also focusing on prevention and long-term wellness.
The foundations of my Functional Medicine approach include:
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Patient-Centered Care – I take the time to understand you as an individual, including your unique health history, concerns, goals, and circumstances. Together, we develop personalized strategies to address your health concerns while supporting your overall well-being.
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Holistic Approach – I recognize that health conditions often have multiple contributing factors and that one underlying imbalance can affect multiple areas of health. By looking at the connections between different systems within the body, as well as the influence of lifestyle and environment, I work to identify patterns and contributing factors that may be affecting your health.
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Integrates Medical Best Practices – Functional Medicine can incorporate conventional medical practices, including laboratory testing, diagnostic testing, and prescription medications when appropriate, along with other evidence-informed approaches such as nutrition, targeted supplementation, lifestyle modifications, and stress-management strategies.
The Process
To provide personalized, patient-centered care, I follow a comprehensive process designed to understand your health, identify contributing factors, and develop a plan tailored to your individual needs.
1. Gather Relevant Health Information
We begin with an initial consultation, typically lasting approximately 60 minutes. During this visit, I take a detailed medical history and review your health concerns, symptoms, lifestyle, and other factors that may be relevant to your health. Depending on your individual needs, this may also include questionnaires and laboratory testing to gain a deeper understanding of your health.
2. Identify the Underlying Causes
Once I have gathered the necessary information, I conduct a thorough analysis to identify the underlying factors and patterns that may be contributing to your health concerns. My goal is to connect the dots and develop a more complete picture of your health.
3. Develop a Personalized Plan
I review my findings with you so that you understand what we’ve identified and how the different factors may be connected. Together, we develop a personalized plan focused on addressing your individual needs and supporting improved health and vitality.
4. Monitor Your Progress
Your care doesn’t end with the initial plan. I continue to monitor your progress through follow-up visits, messages or phone calls. We assess how you are responding, discuss any changes in your health, and adjust your plan as needed.
Your Patient Portal
You will also have access to a secure Patient Portal where you can review summaries of your visits, access recommendations, communicate with me through secure messaging, and view your invoices. You can also use your invoices to submit claims to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network benefits.