You’ve probably heard the term ‘functional medicine’ and it either piqued your interest or went in one-ear-and-out the other.
The name is not exciting by any means. It’ss easy for your eyes to gloss over since the name sounds like a technical sales pitch. I’ve written in other blogs about what it is and how it differs from Western or conventional medicine that most of us in the US are used to.
But what is the process like?
Every FM (functional medicine) doc operates differently. Due to its individualized medicinal practice, every patient is treated differently depending on their condition and circumstances.
However, I’ll explain my basic process for a functional medicine patient.
STEP 1: YOUR ‘INITIAL CONSULT’ 60min
First you book online or with one of our team members. Then you’ll automatically be sent a confirmation email. In it will contain access to your patient portal via a teal ‘Manage My Appointment’ button along with your new patient paperwork.
HEALTH HISTORY, TIMELINE, SUPPLEMENTS + PREP WORK
It’s important that you fill this out ASAP! It can take anywhere from 20-90 min to fill out depending on the complexity of your case. The more information you give the better we will be able to help you. It’s easy to forget to fill this out so it’s better to do it right away! (Check your junk if you don’t see it).
This is such an important part of your healing journey that often gets overlooked. No one understands your health better than you do. If you don’t take the time to share all the details with me, how can I truly help you unravel the mysteries of your health? I won’t know unless you tell me so please take the time to put thought and detail into your responses so I can get familiar with your case in as much detail as possible before our meeting. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out.
We also ask that you write out and email us the following:
1. A timeline that includes:
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- the onset of your symptoms
- any diagnoses given
- the start/stop date of any medications (antibiotics, depression or pain meds, immunosuppressants, cortisol shots, etc)
- surgeries
- traumas (car accidents, loss of a loved one, abuse, etc)
- major life events (moving, breakups, divorces, new jobs, etc).
If it pops into your mind while you’re filling it out, include it on the timeline.
2. Any lab work that has been done by other practitioners within the last 3-6 months. A LOT can change within this time period so most likely we will need to do updated labs but this can give us a history of what’s been happening in the recent past.
3. A picture of all the supplements you currently take lined up next to each other, so we can see the brand that makes it too.
Please fill out your paperwork and send us the email with the above information at LEAST 48 hours before your appointment. This ensures we have ample time to get familiar with your case and prepare for the appointment. If it’s not filled out ahead of time, we may have to cancel your appointment. All functional medicine sessions are done virtually!
THE PURPOSE OF THE IC
The purpose of the functional medicine initial consult is to discuss your goals of working together and identify your top 3-4 health concerns. We also go over your diet in detail, including how you are eat and what you eat. You’ll receive personalized diet recommendations and our guide on how to eat for better digestion, energy, and hormone balance.
We’ll also decide which lab tests to order. I might suggest some supplements right away, but I usually wait until we have your lab results, as they can affect your test outcomes or alter which supplements are best for you. Even though most people want to feel better immediately, it’s crucial that we follow a specific order to get the best, most accurate results.
WEEKLY CHECK-INS
The price of the initial consult also includes three weekly check-ins for the first month. These check-ins help keep you accountable, ensure you get your labs done, and assist you in incorporating your new diet recommendations into your life. If making diet changes were easy, we wouldn’t see so many people struggling with weight loss, blood sugar, and hormone issues. That’s why I started offering weekly check-ins—to help you navigate any challenges you might encounter along the way. These can be done via video call or a regular phone call based on what suits your schedule.
STEP 2: GETTING YOUR LABS DONE
READ THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FUNCTIONAL + CONVENTIONAL TESTING HERE
TEST PRICING
The tests I recommend for each patient can vary based on your symptoms, budget, and what you’ve tried previously. However, I almost always start with comprehensive bloodwork and a stool test for all patients.
COMPREHENSIVE BLOODWORK
The comprehensive bloodwork might be covered by your insurance if your doctor is willing to order all the necessary tests. Alternatively, we can order the tests directly for around $330. All you need to do is make a morning appointment with Labcorp, print the requisition we send you, and get the bloodwork done. Then, you can submit a superbill to your insurance company to see if they’ll reimburse you.
STOOL TEST
I use GI Effects, which costs up to $480. We ship the kit to your home, and once you receive it, you’ll go online to activate it, pay, and enter your insurance information. You’ll pay $199 upfront, and after they bill your insurance, you may receive a bill for any remaining balance a few weeks later.
OTHER TESTS
Many of these tests are not covered by insurance (except for some tests by Genova Diagnostics). They can range anywhere from $60-$600 per test. For the average functional medicine patient, we generally do 2-4 tests at the initial consultation which can be around $500-$1500 in testing.
READ MORE ABOUT FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TESTS I RUN HERE
STEP 3: TAKING THE TESTS
READ INSTRUCTIONS
Okay, this seems basic BUT It’s incredibly important to read the instructions for all your tests as soon as we send them (like even before you receive them so you can prepare)!
Some of these tests can be quite complex. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment included in your test kit once it arrives, and be sure to follow all the diet, medication, and supplement restrictions otherwise it can alter the results. Some tests require you to stop taking certain supplements for 2-3 weeks beforehand, while others may need you to follow a specific diet prior to taking the test.
Another common issue is not filling the stool test sample all the way up to the line, resulting in an underweight sample that needs to be redone. Let’s be real, nobody likes dealing with their poop more than they have to!
DO THEM ASAP
Some of these tests can take 3-4 weeks to get the results once YOU have sent in your samples so for us to get your healing journey jumpstarted, it’s important that you try to get the tests done as soon as possible. We ask that you send us a text or email once you have sent in your sample so we can be on alert for the results.
Consider this scenario —
We have our initial consultation on March 1st, you forget about the Rupa email and don’t pay the bill for 5 days. It takes another 5 days to receive the kit. You are still taking your digestive enzymes or charcoal pills so you have to wait another week for that to clear out of your system.
Right when you’re ready to take the test, you get your period and aren’t supposed to collect the stool sample during your period. Now it’s March 23rd (3 weeks later).
You send in your test results and it takes another 3 weeks to get the results. It’s now mid-April and 6 weeks after our initial consult!
A lot can change in two months in terms of symptoms and even more importantly… that’s another two more months of not getting treatment and making progress that you so desperately want.
How do I know this? Because I did that. I was that person who didn’t read the directions right away and was missing pieces from my kit, and it took me forever to feel like I was being proactive about my health.
But now that you know the process, I know that this won’t happen to you, right? Read the instructions. Do the tests ASAP. Please?
STEP 4: THE CASE REVIEW – 60 minutes
The moment you’ve been eagerly awaiting has arrived. It’s the culmination of our comprehensive testing and the key to unlocking the big picture of your health. With all the puzzle pieces in hand, we have a full picture. I’ve meticulously analyzed the data and generated a detailed report. This will provide valuable insights into your unique health profile.
Based on the test results, I create a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. This comprehensive plan encompasses various aspects of your life, including dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, and potentially further testing to confirm or rule out any findings from the initial assessment.
During the Case Review, I will walk you through the lab results and treatment plan. I will ensure you have a thorough understanding of the findings and the rationale behind the recommended interventions. It’s essential for you to be well-informed and empowered to take an active role in your health journey.
Following our initial consultation, we will schedule a follow-up appointment based on your treatment plan and desired level of support. This may be set at 30, 60, or 90 days. This allows us to track your progress, make any necessary adjustments, and provide ongoing guidance and encouragement.
The Functional Medicine Process Takes Time
It’s important to remember that the process of regaining optimal health is not a quick fix. Just as it took time to develop the habits that contributed to your current state, it will also take time to reverse course and establish new, healthier patterns.
True health is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and consistency. But rest assured, with our comprehensive approach and personalized support, we will navigate this journey together. It will set you on the path to long-lasting vitality and well-being.
I am confident that by following the recommended treatment protocols, we can witness remarkable changes and improvements in your health. If I don’t feel confident in your condition or feel like we need to refer you out, I’ll do that too!
My goal is to get you feeling your best. If we need a team to do that, count me in coach! Remember, this is your body, you’re the captain of this ship and nobody knows it better than you do.
Listening to yourself and what feels right for you is an important component of healing and finding your path on your healing journey.
I’m here to provide guidance and education along the way. But it’s up to you to do the work and find what works best for you and your body. I am committed to working alongside you as a teammate, supporting you in finding the best path forward. Your healing adventure is unique, and I am honored to be a part of it.
Ready to start your healing journey?
Your Journey to Health and Wellness Starts Here
Call/Text us at (949) 200-8820 or fill out the form below to send us an email.
