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Naturopathic Medicine

Why a Concierge Functional Medicine Doctor Means Well-Rounded, Personal Care

Functional medicine is an individualized, patient-centered approach to health care that seeks to address the underlying causes of disease rather than merely focusing on treating symptoms. Instead of simply suppressing discomfort with medications or quick fixes, functional medicine doctors and practitioners work alongside patients to investigate the origins of their health challenges—often taking a deeper look at factors such as nutrition, genetics, lifestyle habits, and environmental influences – to restore balance within the body’s interconnected systems and support overall wellness (1 ).

A key tenet of functional medicine is the acknowledgment that the human body is a complex network of systems, each operating in concert. When one of these systems becomes unbalanced—be it the gastrointestinal system, endocrine (hormonal) system, or immune system—ripple effects can occur elsewhere. Functional medicine, therefore, starts by examining each patient’s full health history, performing comprehensive lab assessments, and taking the time to understand the emotional and environmental factors that may contribute to ongoing symptoms (2 ). By accurately identifying triggers and root causes, functional medicine providers can tailor treatments that aim not only to alleviate discomfort but also to support overall resilience and prevent future ailments.

Under this framework, treatment often includes a blend of nutritional guidance (sometimes referred to as functional nutrition), lifestyle modifications, supplementation, and stress management strategies. These approaches are bolstered by the support of a functional medicine team, which might comprise physicians, nurse practitioners, health coaches, and other specialized professionals. The goal is to help people achieve lasting wellness instead of short-term symptom relief.

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Difference Between a Functional Medicine Doctor and Specialist

A functional medicine doctor is typically a healthcare professional (e.g., MD, DO, ND) who has undergone additional training in functional medicine principles. This training involves a deeper exploration into the biochemistry, genetics, and lifestyle factors that can affect a patient’s health.

A functional medicine doctor generally takes a broader, systemic view—examining factors like diet, sleep, stress levels, toxin exposures, hormone panels, and more.

A specialist, on the other hand, is often more narrowly focused on one area. For instance, a dermatologist primarily addresses skin issues, while a cardiologist deals with conditions of the heart. Specialists play a vital role in the healthcare system by offering in-depth expertise within a specific niche. However, some specialists have also trained in functional medicine so they can integrate a more holistic approach. In such cases, a functional medicine specialist might combine specialized knowledge with systemic thinking, examining how an issue in one organ system could be shaped by, or could shape, other body systems.

Difference Between Functional Medicine and Functional Health

Functional medicine is the practice led by trained health professionals who use advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment strategies to support the body’s biochemistry and physiology at a foundational level.

Functional health, in contrast, can be considered a broader concept encompassing the personal, day-to-day components of health management. This may involve a more general, lifestyle-focused approach, sometimes guided by health coaches or nutrition experts, who emphasize dietary choices, exercise routines, sleep quality, and stress reduction as cornerstones of well-being. 

While functional medicine is delivered by clinically trained practitioners, functional health interventions can involve certified health coaches, nutritionists, or other allied professionals who help patients or clients incorporate supportive lifestyle modifications.

How to Find a Trustworthy Functional Medicine Specialist Doctor?

The process of finding a trustworthy functional medicine doctor or specialist can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to this field of healthcare. Here are some tips to guide your search:

  • Check Certifications: Look for practitioners certified through reputable organizations like the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM 3). This ensures they have undergone specialized training.
  • Research Background and Experience: Some doctors might be trained in family practice, internal medicine, gynecology, or pediatrics before they pursue functional medicine. Understanding their core expertise can help you feel more confident in their recommendations.
  • Seek Testimonials and Reviews: Online reviews or word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family can give you firsthand insights into a practitioner’s approach, bedside manner, and success rates.
  • Consultation or Introductory Calls: Many functional medicine clinics offer discovery calls or initial consultations. Use this opportunity to gauge whether the practitioner’s philosophy aligns with your needs and health goals. (check the Concierge MD discovery call)
  • Inquire About Collaboration: Since functional medicine is often a team-based approach, you might want to see if the doctor collaborates with a nutritionist, a functional health coach, or other specialists to provide comprehensive care.

What Is Integrated Functional Medicine?

Integrated functional medicine refers to a healthcare approach that synthesizes principles from both conventional medicine and functional medicine to offer a truly holistic service. Instead of operating in silos, different specialists—ranging from family physicians and internists to nutritionists, acupuncturists, and even behavioral health specialists—collaborate to explore every angle of a patient’s health. This ensures that while evidence-based, conventional treatments are utilized when necessary (such as antibiotics for bacterial infections or surgery for acute conditions), functional and integrative strategies also come into play.

An integrated functional medicine clinic might combine modern diagnostic tools with ancient modalities—like acupuncture or Ayurvedic principles—depending on patient preferences and clinical evidence. The goal is to optimize patient outcomes by ensuring every possible resource is leveraged. Because the body is so deeply interconnected, integrated functional medicine aims to build robust health from the inside out, addressing underlying causes while offering supportive therapies that help restore balance and vitality.

Can You Get Family Functional Medicine?

Yes, it is increasingly common for functional medicine clinics to offer family functional medicine services. This means entire families—from children to grandparents—can benefit from a preventative and personalized health approach under one roof. 

Pediatric functional medicine, for example, addresses childhood nutritional needs, immune health, and potential developmental challenges through a gentler, root-cause-focused lens. Meanwhile, adult members of the family might receive help with hormone imbalances, autoimmune conditions, or metabolic concerns. 

By bringing the whole family’s health into focus, it becomes easier to adopt shared nutritional guidelines, stress-management techniques, and exercise routines that support well-being for everyone.

Get a Full in-home Health Assessment

Our in-home health assessment includes a medical evaluation and a series of diagnostic tests that look at over 60 biomarkers to build the most comprehensive picture of your health.

What Does Functional Medicine Service Include?

A functional medicine service typically begins with a detailed intake process that might include an in-depth questionnaire about your health history, lifestyle patterns, sleep habits, dietary preferences, mental health status, and environmental exposures. This is often followed by comprehensive lab testing that can reveal imbalances or deficiencies not always captured by standard blood panels. 

From there, you might receive a customized plan involving dietary guidance, nutrient supplementation, exercise recommendations, stress management strategies, and—where necessary—pharmaceutical or surgical interventions. 

While functional medicine emphasizes natural and holistic approaches, it does not rule out the use of medications or medical procedures when they prove essential.

Is Telemedicine Included as Part of Functional Medicine?

In many cases, yes. Telemedicine has risen in popularity and accessibility, and functional medicine has readily embraced this technology. Many functional medicine providers now offer virtual consultations or ongoing follow-ups, making it easier for patients to access care regardless of location. Telemedicine can be particularly helpful for individuals with mobility issues or those living in remote areas without access to local functional medicine experts. 

Beyond convenience, telemedicine often includes electronic health records, messaging portals, and video consultations, ensuring continuity of care even when in-person visits are not feasible.

Are Lab Tests, Reading, and Diagnosis Part of Functional Medicine?

Lab tests are a central aspect of functional medicine. Providers often use specialized tests that go beyond the standard clinical labs to look at hormonal profiles, microbiome health, nutrient levels, heavy metal toxicity, and more. This deep dive helps identify root causes of health issues, allowing the doctor or functional medicine specialist to tailor an intervention plan precisely. 

Moreover, expert reading and interpretation of these lab results are crucial. A functional medicine doctor might pick up subtle abnormalities that, although still within a “normal” range, signal the early stages of imbalance.

What’s the Cost of Functional Medicine Treatments?

Costs for functional medicine treatments can vary widely based on factors such as the complexity of your condition, the extent of lab testing, and the level of support provided. Initial consults can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, especially if comprehensive lab panels are included. Follow-up appointments or packages might also vary in cost, particularly if they include ongoing coaching, nutritional counseling, or additional testing. 

Insurance coverage for functional medicine services is inconsistent; while some insurers might cover doctor visits, many specialized tests might not be included. It is always best to contact your insurance provider beforehand and to ask the functional medicine clinic about financing or payment options.

What Functional Medicine Specializations Are Available Today?

Functional medicine practitioners often extend their core training into specific niche areas. This ensures patients have access to highly personalized care tailored to the intricacies of various chronic conditions or specialized concerns.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of specialties, often addressed by functional medicine providers:

Nutrition

  • Holistic dietary plans
  • Personalized meal protocols
  • Elimination diets (identifying and removing allergenic foods)
  • Anti-inflammatory eating strategies
  • Micronutrient-focused interventions
  • Gut microbiome support
  • Blood sugar regulation through dietary change

Hormonal Imbalances

  • Perimenopause – Addressing shifting hormones, mood changes, and irregular cycles.
  • Menopause – Supporting bone density, mental clarity, and hot flash relief.
  • Post-Menopause – Long-term hormone balance, heart health, cognitive support.
  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) – Insulin sensitivity, ovulation regulation, and hormone balancing.
  • Low Testosterone – Strategies for energy, muscle mass, and libido support.
Woman lying in bed, sick, blowing her nose in a tissue

Infectious Disease

  • Influenza – Immune system boosting, supportive care, nutritional interventions.
  • Epstein Barr Virus – Chronic fatigue support, immune modulation, antiviral strategies.
  • Pneumonia – Overall immune fortification, post-infection recovery protocols.
  • Shingles – Pain management, nerve support, and antiviral support.
  • Cytomegalovirus – Immune support for those with reactivation or chronic symptoms.

Autoimmune Disease

A variety of autoimmune conditions can be addressed, including:

  • Celiac Disease – Support for gluten-free diets, digestive healing, and nutrient absorption.
  • Lupus – Comprehensive immune support, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and stress reduction plans.
  • Scleroderma – Addressing connective tissue health, vascular support, and nutrient optimization.
  • Raynaud’s – Strategies for improving circulation and controlling flare-ups.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis – Joint support, inflammation management, and gut health.
  • Lyme Disease – Chronic infection management, detox support, and immune modulation.
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – Child-friendly protocols, focusing on inflammation relief and nutritional needs.
  • Fibromyalgia – Pain and fatigue mitigation, stress-management techniques, sleep optimization.

Cardio-Metabolic Conditions

  • Weight Gain – Personalized dietary, exercise, and stress-reduction strategies.
  • Obesity – Comprehensive metabolic evaluation, behavior change support, nutritional planning.
  • Hypothyroidism – Assessment of T3, T4, TSH, and autoimmunity (Hashimoto’s), with customized thyroid support.
  • Hyperthyroidism/Grave’s Disease – Balancing thyroid hormone levels, immune system regulation, stress management.
  • Pre-diabetes & Diabetes – Glycemic control, nutritional modification, and potential supplementation.
  • Hypertension – Lifestyle strategies to reduce blood pressure, addressing underlying metabolic dysfunction.
  • High Cholesterol – Lipid panel assessment, nutritional and supplement interventions, stress management.

Joint Pain

  • Arthritis – Inflammatory control, joint-protective nutrients, weight management if necessary.
  • TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) – Bite alignment, stress reduction, anti-inflammatory protocols.
  • Chronic Injuries – Rehabilitation, tissue regeneration support, supplementation for healing.
  • Sciatica – Physical therapy, posture correction, inflammation management.

Neurological Disease

  • Alzheimer’s – Brain-supportive nutrition, inflammation management, cognitive training exercises.
  • Dementia – Lifestyle strategies for cognitive function, sleep health, and nutrient optimization.
  • Parkinson’s Disease – Dopamine pathway support, gut-brain axis evaluation, targeted supplementation.

GI Conditions

  • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) – Individualized elimination diets, gut microbiome balance.
  • SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) – Targeted antimicrobial protocols, prokinetics, dietary plans.
  • Crohn’s Disease – Inflammation reduction, nutritional therapy, gut healing supplements.
  • Ulcerative Colitis – Anti-inflammatory diet, immune modulation, potential probiotics.
  • H. Pylori – Testing and eradication protocols, gut lining repair.
  • E. coli – Rebalancing the gut flora, addressing potential sources of infection.
  • Intestinal Hyperpermeability (Leaky Gut) – Targeted nutrients to reinforce the gut barrier, probiotic support.
  • Chronic Constipation/Diarrhea – Identifying triggers, nutritional and probiotic strategies, motility support.
  • GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) – pH balancing, dietary modifications, stress management.

Mental Health

  • ADD/ADHD – Dietary modifications, supplementation (like omega-3s), behavioral strategies.
  • Adjunctive Care for Anxiety – Mind-body practices, nutrient therapy, sleep optimization.
  • Depression – Hormone assessment, gut-brain axis support, stress management, nutrient repletion.
  • Bipolar Disease – Lifestyle support, possible medication monitoring in tandem with psychiatrists, nutritional strategies.
  • Anxiety – Addressing root causes such as hormonal imbalances, gut dysbiosis, or chronic inflammation.

Allergic Conditions

  • Seasonal Allergies – Immune modulation, local honey for mild desensitization, anti-inflammatory diets.
  • Atopic Eczema – Holistic approaches to reducing itch, reinforcing skin barrier.
  • Allergic Asthma – Identifying allergens, lifestyle modifications, integrative medication approach.
  • Allergic Rhinitis – Nutritional strategies, allergen avoidance, possible immunotherapy coordination.
  • Food Sensitivities & Intolerances – Elimination diets, gut healing, immune support.

Respiratory Conditions

  • Asthma – Identifying triggers (dietary or environmental), immune support, possible elimination diets.
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) – Smoking cessation support, lung function optimization, anti-inflammatory approach.
  • Bronchitis – Immune boosting, avoiding environmental irritants, rest and hydration strategies.
  • Chronic Sinusitis – Investigating fungal or bacterial triggers, nasal microbiome support, anti-inflammatory diets.

Skin Disorders

  • Acne – Hormonal evaluation, gut health, topical support.
  • Rosacea – Anti-inflammatory diet, microbiome balancing, gentle skin-care regimens.
  • Eczema – Allergen avoidance, gut-skin axis approaches, nourishing essential fatty acids.
  • Psoriasis – Immune system support, stress reduction, targeted supplementation.
  • Wound Healing – Nutrient optimization, local and systemic therapies.
  • Topical Steroid Withdrawal – Gradual steroid tapering with supportive nutritional and skin barrier strategies.
  • Scar Tissue Regeneration – Collagen support, tissue remodeling approaches, laser therapy (if applicable).
  • Hair Loss – Hormone evaluation, nutrient correction, scalp health interventions.
  • Melasma – Hormonal balancing, brightening agents, sun avoidance strategies.

Pediatric Conditions

Pediatric functional medicine can encompass a wide range of childhood concerns, including developmental challenges, recurrent ear infections, picky eating, ADHD, eczema, and more. Through a gentler, root-cause-focused approach, pediatric functional medicine aims to address issues in their early stages, potentially reducing the likelihood of chronic illness in adulthood.

Gynecology

A functional gynecologist might help women navigate concerns such as menstrual irregularities, PCOS, infertility, pregnancy support, and menopausal symptoms. Rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical interventions, functional gynecology can include hormone testing, dietary modifications, herbal therapies, and stress management for long-term wellbeing.

Physiotherapy

Many integrated functional medicine practices offer or partner with physiotherapy (physical therapy) specialists to help patients recover from injuries, improve range of motion, or manage chronic musculoskeletal pain. The emphasis is on movement therapy, targeted exercise, and re-education of muscle patterns to fortify overall function.

Endocrinology

Functional endocrinology focuses on hormones at large—from thyroid hormones to adrenal hormones (like cortisol) to reproductive hormones (like estrogen and testosterone). A functional endocrinologist might test intricate hormone pathways and design personalized protocols to optimize hormone production, metabolism, and elimination.

Thyroid Conditions

Functional medicine thyroid specialists look beyond TSH to delve into free T3, reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, and other markers. By doing so, they can differentiate whether hypothyroid symptoms are due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune) or other functional imbalances. Their personalized plans often integrate dietary changes, stress management, and medication when necessary.

Chronic Pain

Functional medicine can be instrumental in managing chronic pain, whether it stems from inflammation, nerve dysfunction, or musculoskeletal issues. Practitioners employ strategies like anti-inflammatory nutrition, physical therapy, mind-body techniques, and targeted supplementation or herbal remedies.

Chiropractic

Chiropractor functional medicine can combine spinal adjustments with a root-cause-focused perspective. For some conditions, especially those involving alignment or chronic back pain, chiropractic care complements functional medicine’s objective of restoring the body’s natural balance. Adjustments may aid in improving nervous system communication, alleviating pain, and enhancing mobility.

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What to Expect From a Functional Medicine Provider?

When embarking on a journey with a functional medicine physician or functional medicine nurse, you can anticipate a highly collaborative relationship. The process usually follows these steps:

  1. Comprehensive Intake: You will fill out a detailed questionnaire, perhaps even more extensive than your typical doctor’s office. This helps the practitioner grasp your unique story—covering childhood illnesses, daily routines, sleep hygiene, dietary habits, and stress triggers.
  2. Advanced Diagnostic Testing: Whether you suspect an autoimmune functional medicine concern or a functional medicine weight loss approach, specialized tests are often used. Expect blood draws, saliva hormone tests, stool analysis to check gut flora, and possibly functional evaluations like an organic acids test.
  3. In-Depth Consultations: Your first few appointments might last upwards of an hour—or even two—so the provider can delve into your health background. Your lab results will be discussed in detail, clarifying what each marker means and how it correlates to your symptoms.
  4. Customized Treatment Plan: A hallmark of functional medicine is personalization. You might receive specific dietary advice, lifestyle recommendations (including exercise routines and sleep strategies), herbal or nutritional supplements, and sometimes prescriptions if clinically indicated.
  5. Ongoing Support and Adjustments: A functional medicine approach is typically iterative. You will have follow-up appointments—via telemedicine or in-person—to monitor progress and tweak your plan as needed. This can involve retesting certain lab markers or adding new strategies if new issues arise.
  6. Team-Based Care: You may also work with a functional health coach, registered dietitian, or other specialized therapists under the guidance of your main doctor. This collaborative model ensures you receive holistic support.
  7. Empowerment and Education: Functional medicine aims to equip patients with the knowledge and skills they need for self-care. You’ll learn about how certain foods affect your inflammation levels, how stress can impact hormones, and the importance of high-quality sleep.

While functional medicine can be an investment in terms of both time and resources, many people find it invaluable for chronic or complex health issues. By addressing the root causes of disease, functional medicine paves the way for truly transformative healing. And for those seeking functional medicine near me, it’s increasingly common to find clinics that are either fully dedicated to this approach or integrate it into conventional practices.

Conclusion

As our understanding of wellness broadens, functional medicine stands out as a dynamic, individualized, and forward-thinking model of care. Whether you’re dealing with autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, lingering thyroid issues, or something else entirely, functional medicine provides a customized roadmap. From thorough lab testing and in-depth consultations to integrative therapies and lifestyle reboots, the emphasis is always on uncovering the “why” behind the “what.”

Gone are the days when you had to navigate perplexing symptoms without answers or rely solely on prescriptions that mask the warning signs. In the realm of functional medicine, practitioners are there to shine a light on the critical interplay of genetics, lifestyle habits, nutrition, and environment that shape our health destinies. By doing so, the door opens to more meaningful, lasting transformations—one that could very well rewrite not just your health story, but also your family’s collective path to vitality.

Get a Full in-home Health Assessment

Our in-home health assessment includes a medical evaluation and a series of diagnostic tests that look at over 60 biomarkers to build the most comprehensive picture of your health. We will equip you with the information you need to make informed health decisions and tailor a unique treatment plan to help you feel your best.

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References

[1] Bland, Jeffrey. 2022. “Functional Medicine Past, Present, and Future.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas) 21 (2): 22–26

[2] “Bland, Jeffrey. 2017. “Defining Function in the Functional Medicine Model.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas) 16 (1): 22–25.

[3] Ifm.org. Accessed January 14, 2025.



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