Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend supplements from high quality and reputable manufacturers that can only be purchased with a practitioner’s recommendation. The treatment protocols have specific dosages based on the exact ingredients in that specific supplement. If you want to do your own research on different supplements, we welcome you to do so but we do not provide any other recommendations nor advise on other specific blends or brands. If you decide to purchase supplements from other manufacturers, please be sure to research them carefully. Not all ingredients are equal, and there is no guarantee of their quality when you purchase supplements elsewhere.

Per your request, we will provide a superbill to you that lists the procedure and diagnosis codes for your test that you may then submit to your insurance company. Note, however, that most insurance companies will not reimburse for supplements. The practice makes no guarantees regarding reimbursement.

The new client consultation is an assessment of your health and includes recommendations on what tests are required to understand the state of your health in greater depth. The new client consultation fee does not include any follow-ups, test kits, or supplements. It does, however, include extensive wellness resources, including handouts with additional guidance.

We do not bill insurance companies for functional medicine services. In some cases, your insurance may reimburse you for some laboratory tests, but usually not for functional medicine tests.

Payment is due at the time of consultation. If paying by credit card, the card number is required to be on file with our office prior to consultation. Checks are accepted if cleared prior to consultation.

Our method of diagnosis and treatment addresses the most common chronic symptoms of weight gain, fatigue, depression, hormone imbalances, and digestive problems that are typically misunderstood/misdiagnosed by conventional medicine practitioners who attempt to address the symptoms, rather than their root cause.

We use natural health protocols to test and identify the dysfunction of the core main body systems. Typically, these main systems have become compromised long BEFORE the appearance of symptoms.  The lab tests are used to determine the required treatment protocol to return your body's function back to its normal state.

Initial new patient consultations are 1 hour long.
Existing client follow up consultations can be scheduled for 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes, as needed.

Initial treatment programs range anywhere from 3-6 months depending on the degree of your health condition.

Results vary by individual. Some people feel dramatic improvement within the first month, others may take a bit longer. Our standard programs designed for a minimum of 6 months' duration. Remember, your body didn’t start to fail overnight. Years of stress and illness take its toll and it takes time to restore. On average, it takes about one month to repair for each year you’ve suffered from a specific problem.

The number of recommended lab tests depends on your individual situation, including the types of issues you struggle with and the length of time you've been experiencing them, but the range is generally 1-4 lab tests per patient. If you prefer to forgo testing, we can still try to address your problems, but there is less of a  chance that the treatment will be as tailored or effective.

If for any reason you cannot make your appointment, please let us know within 48 hours, so we can reschedule accordingly. A $50 cancellation fee will be charged if the appointment is canceled with less than 48 hours' notice.

While retesting isn’t required, it is recommended that a patient retest at the 6-month mark to measure improvement and adjust protocols if needed. Once a patient has achieved their desired health results, we recommend annual testing to ensure your body systems continue functioning at their best.

The initial consultation is one hour long and costs $300.00. Follow up consultations may be scheduled for 15, 30, 45, or 60-minute increments and cost $75, $150, $225, or $300 respectively.

I do not intend to replace your physician, but rather to complement your medical treatment plan physician by doing what your physician doesn't do.

I do not treat illnesses that can be successfully treated by regular medicine, or acute conditions that require immediate medical intervention.

Epigenetics is the system that determines gene regulation in humans.

Epigenetic science is guiding the development of therapies that counter abnormal gene expression. Everyone has genetic mutations, but the presence of mutations doesn't necessarily mean gene dysfunction or disease. Genes code for the production of certain substances, such as proteins or enzymes, and their respective deficit or abundance can result in certain abnormalities. Fortunately, in many cases, it is possible to adjust the results of those mutations by adjusting our environment, lifestyle, nutrition, and adding certain nutrients or natural substances to our diets.

One of the examples of using epigenetics is Dr. Walsh's approach of targeted individualized nutrient therapy treatment, which is aimed at correcting chemical imbalances and altering the levels of key neurotransmitters in the brain.

Functional Medicine focuses on the optimal functioning of the entire body and its organs. It addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented, holistic approach and leveraging an understanding of the underlying conditions and individual patients’ history that contribute to the manner in which the disease has manifested.  Genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors all have a direct influence on long-term health and chronic health issues.

Homeopathy is a natural, safe, and effective treatment method, which uses micro-doses of herbal, biological, and mineral substances for the treatment of various diseases. Homeopathic medicines can be used in isolation or may be combined with other medications or treatments in order to stimulate the person's own healing power and speed up recovery.

Homeopathic doctors determine the appropriate homeopathic treatment protocol according to the patient's symptoms, physical and psychological state, based on "similar treats similar" principle.

Homeopathic medicines are usually taken orally as tablets or pellets that dissolve under the tongue or as a liquid, which can be added to water.

Homeopathy is practiced in countries all over the world. These gentle, but deep-acting medicines can be used to treat patients of all ages, across a wide range of medical conditions.

Following a 60-minute consultation, each patient will receive educational materials on proper health and nutrition, and a tailored resource guide of recipes, etc.) to assist you in your health journey.

It depends on how many test kits are recommended (typically 1-4) but we always recommend that if there are any budgetary concerns, clients start with their first test.

I take a comprehensive approach and evaluate the human body as one integrated system, trying to diagnose and remediate genetic, hormonal, nutritional, and environmental imbalances and toxicities and try to prevent and treat serious illnesses. I strive to provide long-lasting health, not just to suppress the symptoms. 

Functional Medicine uses the methods that belong to the cutting edge of modern medical science, and I use them in combination with prescribing supplements, herbs, homeopathy, nutrition, and lifestyle modification in order to optimize health and achieve the desired result.

In most cases, the samples required are saliva, urine, or stool. These tests are completed by the patient through easy-to-use test kits that are self-administered in the comfort of your own home and then sent to a laboratory for testing.

Acceptable methods of payment include personal check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and cash.

If your doctor is spending enough time with you (both in-person and afterward researching your unique case) to get to the root of your issue, using advanced testing that takes more time and knowledge to interpret, and then personalizing your treatment plan to include natural therapies, it’s not covered by insurance.

Many treatments in functional medicine are considered “alternative” because they don’t involve medication for symptoms, but rather supplement an individual’s unique needs. Functional medicine doctors understand that what works for you might not work for other people, because you have a unique genome, microbiome, and lifestyle – factors that aren’t considered in mainstream medicine recommendations.

Advanced care. Being “insurance-free” allows doctors to recommend the most advanced therapies and testing.

Personalized care. In functional medicine, we base treatments on the best possibilities for an individual with a unique genome, microbiome, and lifestyle, instead of basing our treatments simply on what the insurance company tells us they’ll pay for.

 

Time.  Insurance reimburses doctors for visits that typically last about 15 minutes. We often spend over an hour with our new patients, getting a comprehensive assessment. We need to know what is going on in your life before we can improve it.

 

Flexibility.  There are no restrictions on where or how your care can be given – in office, home, phone, or video. We can meet patients where they are.

 

1:1 personal relationship. There’s no one in between your doctor and you. It’s a true partnership. Your doctor is only working for you. She’s not caught in a triangle between you, insurance, and administration.

 

Transparency.  There are no guessing game of what’s covered, surprise lab bills in the hundreds of dollars for necessary tests that you felt should be covered. We spell out lab costs, decide together which tests are important, and let you know the worst-case pricing if the insurance doesn’t cover. We also offer much lower, direct pay pricing on many common labs.

 

First, we consider functional medicine an investment over an expense. Working to transform your lifestyle and health will continue to reward you in the future.

 

We see people from all walks of life, including hard-working people on a fixed budget. They are willing to invest in their health and to them, it’s more of a priority decision than a cost decision. They’d rather not wait and keep doing the same things, taking the same medications, but expecting a different result. The upfront investment they make both financially and effort-wise often completely changes the course of their health over their lifetime.

 

We still absolutely encourage our patients to have insurance, especially for acute medical needs. And although we don’t work with insurance directly, there are still ways to reduce the cost of functional medicine:

 

• Insurance can be used to lower the cost of many functional labs.

 

• HSA/FSA dollars are often able to be used for our medical consults (check with your carrier). This can give you more control over your health care dollars. Now, as many insurance plans have higher deductibles, many employers offer HSAs as part of the health plan.

 

• The savings we are able to pass on to patients on direct lower-cost conventional labs can offset the total cost of functional care.