Functional health focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms. It looks at how different systems in your body interact and aims to restore balance through personalized care, which may include lifestyle changes, nutrition, and targeted supplements.

While traditional medicine often focuses on diagnosing and treating specific diseases, functional health takes a broader approach. It seeks to understand how various factors like diet, environment, and genetics contribute to your health, aiming for long-term wellness by addressing these underlying causes.

Lab tests provide valuable insights into your body's current state and help identify any imbalances or issues. This information allows us to create a personalized plan that targets your specific health needs, optimizing your overall well-being.

The practice does /does NOT file for insurance reimbursement. All services are paid for by the patient at the time of service. You may pay cash, credit card, HSA card, or Flexible Spending Card. We will provide you with a superbill with all the necessary codes, so that you may file for reimbursement with your insurance company.

As the patient, it is in your best interest to know and understand your insurance plan benefits. It is important that you know your benefits prior to visiting. Regardless of your individual insurance coverage or type, as the person seeking medical treatment, you are ultimately responsible for all charges.

All outstanding balances must be paid in full prior to the next office visit or receiving supplements.

Coverage can vary depending on your insurance plan. While we provide a SuperBill that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement, we recommend checking with your provider to understand what is covered. Please refer to our Disclaimers and Policies Page for more information.

We understand that the cost of lab testing is an important consideration for many patients, as insurance coverage can vary significantly between plans. While we recommend lab testing because it provides objective and actionable data essential for tailoring a personalized health plan, we recognize that these costs can add up, particularly if your insurance does not cover them.

To better understand your potential out-of-pocket expenses, we suggest contacting your insurance provider directly. They can provide detailed information about what tests are covered under your plan and any associated co-pays or deductibles. Additionally, we can provide you with a detailed list of the recommended tests and their billing codes, which can assist you in your discussions with your insurance company.

Please feel free to reach out to our office if you need any assistance or further information to facilitate these discussions with your insurance provider. Our goal is to ensure you have all the necessary information to make informed decisions about your healthcare.

During your first appointment, we will take a detailed look at your health history, lifestyle, and current concerns. We may recommend lab tests to gather more information. Together, we'll create a personalized plan that may include dietary changes, supplements, and other lifestyle adjustments to support your health goals.

The timeline for seeing results can vary from person to person. Some individuals notice improvements in a few weeks, while others may take a few months. It depends on your unique health situation and how well you follow the recommended plan. Consistency and patience are key.

Our primary goal is to ensure that you receive the best possible care, which includes recommending the right supplements, as well as providing guidance on nutrition and lifestyle modifications to support your health. We use supplements as a complementary therapy to enhance your overall well-being. It's important to understand that while supplements can be beneficial, they are not always a substitute for other necessary treatments.

There are some medications that patients absolutely need, and our job is to ensure you are receiving holistic care. This includes encouraging you to discuss prescription medications with your primary and specialty providers. We believe in creating a comprehensive treatment plan that integrates all aspects of your health.

Based on my extensive experience, I've learned that each patient's needs are unique. We will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the most effective and safe treatment plan for you. This means carefully considering your medical history, current health status, and any other treatments you may be receiving. Additionally, we will discuss how nutritional choices and lifestyle changes can play a vital role in your health journey.

Although it is rare for me to reach out directly to a provider, please know that my role is not to contradict their care. My job is to work in collaboration with the care you are receiving, optimizing your overall wellness. Rest assured, we are committed to providing care that is both safe and effective.

If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment plan, please book an appointment and we can discuss in further detail.

Supplements can be a valuable part of a functional health plan, especially if you have specific nutrient deficiencies or imbalances. They work alongside dietary and lifestyle changes to support your body's needs. However, they are recommended based on your individual health assessment and lab results.

Yes, functional health can be beneficial for managing chronic conditions. By focusing on the root causes and promoting overall wellness, it can help improve symptoms and quality of life. However, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to ensure comprehensive care.

“Test, don’t guess.”

In functional health, we recommend lab testing to gain a comprehensive understanding of your health. This involves analyzing samples, such as blood or urine, to uncover any imbalances or issues that might not be obvious through symptoms alone. These insights help us tailor recommendations for supplements and lifestyle changes to support your specific health needs.

Please note that since we operate on a debit/credit-only basis, we will provide you with a SuperBill after your lab tests. You can submit this to your insurance for potential reimbursement. For more details on insurance, please see our Disclaimers and Policies Page.

Item descriLab tests provide a detailed look at what's happening inside your body. They help identify any imbalances or issues that might not be obvious through symptoms alone. This information allows us to create a personalized plan to address your specific health needs.ption

We may recommend a variety of tests, depending on your health concerns. Common tests include blood panels to check for nutrient deficiencies, hormone levels, inflammation markers, and metabolic function. Other tests might assess gut health, food sensitivities, or toxic exposures.

• Basic metabolic panel: measures eight different substances in the blood, including blood urea nitrogen, calcium, carbon dioxide, chloride, creatinine, glucose, potassium, and sodium

• Blood culture: detects bacteria or fungi in the blood

• Complete blood count: measures hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells

• Glucose: measures the body’s response to sugar

• Lipid panel: detects the amount of cholesterol and other fats in the blood

• Liver function: may include albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, prothrombin time, and total protein

• Pregnancy: used to determine if the patient is pregnant

• Thyroid function: used to determine if the thyroid gland is functioning properly

• Urinalysis: checks the urine for appearance, bacteria, color, crystals, odor, pH, and substances that aren’t normally in urine (5) 

In the world of Functional medicine, most practitioners have identified tests that go above and beyond the conventional norm. Based on an interview with integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Ronald Hoffman, MD, founder of the Hoffman Center in New York, he often recommends one or more of the following tests to provide even more information to create the most effective treatment plan:

• Ferritin: a sensitive marker of iron status

• Glucose tolerance test (GTT) with insulin: determines how quickly glucose is cleared from the blood and if insulin is too high (metabolic syndrome) or too low (type 1 diabetes)

• Gluten panel: used to determine gluten intolerance or celiac disease

• Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C): provides a record of average blood sugar over 120 days

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP): measures a highly sensitive marker of inflammation and cardiac risk

• Homocysteine: measures the amount of homocysteine in the blood to determine if there’s B vitamin deficiency

• LDL particle testing: measures the number and type of LDL particles that impact cardiac risk

• Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR): looks for MTHFR mutations that may impact how the body processes folate (vitamin B9) (3)

• Omega 3:6 ratio: measures the types of fatty acids in red blood cell membranes reflective of diet and predictive of many degenerative diseases

• Oxidized LDL: looks for heightened free radical activity within the arteries

• Saliva cortisol: measures a sensitive measure of stress and adrenal gland status

• Vitamin B12: measures B12 levels in the blood

• Vitamin D: measures D levels in the blood

“These tests are essential and yet not commonly performed in conventional medicine,” explained Dr. Hoffman.

Preparation depends on the specific test. For some tests, you might need to fast for a certain period or avoid specific foods or medications. You will be provided with detailed instructions from the lab facility to ensure accurate results.

All lab testing on Fullscript is cash-pay only and is not reimbursable with insurance. This includes direct insurance reimbursement and retroactive reimbursement through a Superbill.

Fullscript doesn’t determine HSA/FSA eligibility for lab tests. Patients should check with their plan administrator to confirm HSA/FSA coverage.

The time it takes to receive lab results can vary depending on the specific tests ordered. Generally, results are available within a few days to a couple of weeks. The lab facility will email the results directly to you once they are ready. Afterward, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss them together.

Once we have your lab results, we will review them together. Based on the findings, we will develop a personalized plan that may include dietary changes, supplements, or other lifestyle modifications to address any imbalances or issues identified.

Most lab tests are minimally invasive and carry little risk. Common procedures, like blood draws, may cause slight discomfort or bruising at the site. We take every precaution to ensure your safety and comfort during the testing process.

Yes, lab tests are a powerful tool in functional health. They provide crucial insights into your body's functioning, helping us identify and address root causes of health issues. By using this information to guide your care, we can create a more effective and personalized approach to improving your health.

Telemedicine appointments will be conducted similarly to our in-person visits, so please plan to spend up to an hour on your device. We recognize the importance of your time and strive to maintain efficiency and punctuality with every appointment; however, occasional delays may occur. If your appointment has not started within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, please contact our office by phone or email.

If you are scheduled for a telemedicine visit, our office will send you a text or email with a link to your video appointment in advance. Please click the link 5 minutes before your scheduled start time. Should you encounter any difficulties joining the session, please call our office for assistance with troubleshooting.

IN ORDER FOR YOU TO PARTICIPATE, YOU MUST:

Telehealth Appointment Instructions

To ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience, please follow these guidelines:

• Technology Requirements:

  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection.

  • Use a device with a camera and microphone, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

• Setting Up:

  • Find a quiet, private space for your appointment to discuss health matters confidentially.

  • Test your audio and video settings prior to your appointment.

• Appointment Access:

  • You will receive a link via email or text to join the telehealth session. Please log in 5-10 minutes early to troubleshoot any technical issues.

• Documentation:

  • Submit your telehealth consent form along with the consultation and evaluation form prior to your appointment. Ensuring these are submitted in advance will streamline the process and make our time together more productive.

  • Have any other relevant medical records, medications, or questions ready to discuss with your provider.

• Patient Responsibility:

  • It is your responsibility to meet these criteria to ensure an uninterrupted telehealth experience. Rescheduling due to technical difficulties may result in a delay in care.

• Alternative Options:

  • If you do not have access to the necessary technology or lack coverage, you may still have a visit. You have the option of a phone consultation or video consultation in this case.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to serving you through our telehealth services.

• We offer multiple payment options, such as credit/debit cards, PayPal, and Stripe

• ProActive Functional Health does not accept insurance. Please refer to Insurance Coverage Policy below.

• The practice does /does NOT file for insurance reimbursement. All services are paid for by the patient at the time of service. You may pay cash, credit card, HSA card, or Flexible Spending Card. We will provide you with a superbill with all the necessary codes, so that you may file for reimbursement with your insurance company.

  As the patient, it is in your best interest to know and understand your insurance plan benefits. It is important that you know your benefits prior to visiting. Regardless of your individual insurance coverage or type, as the person seeking medical treatment, you are ultimately responsible for all charges.

  All outstanding balances must be paid in full prior to the next office visit or receiving supplements.

Pre-payment is required to secure your telehealth appointment. Once payment is completed, your appointment will be confirmed, and you will receive a receipt along with the necessary details. We accept various payment methods for your convenience.

Please use the patient portal to schedule or modify your appointments at your convenience. We will send you a reminder 24 hours before your appointment to help you stay on track. We’re excited to help you with your healthcare needs!

For existing patients, please use the patient portal to schedule or modify your appointments at your convenience. We will send you a reminder 24 hours before your appointment to help you stay on track. We’re excited to help you with your healthcare needs!

This office requires 24-hour notice if you are unable to keep your new patient or initial visit and 24-hour notice if you cannot keep your follow-up or routine visit. If you miss an appointment or fail to give sufficient notice, you will be charged $75.00 for that missed appointment. This payment is expected before any further treatment is provided, or supplements can be purchased.

The practice does /does NOT file for insurance reimbursement. All services are paid for by the patient at the time of service. You may pay cash, credit card, HSA card, or Flexible Spending Card. We will provide you with a superbill with all the necessary codes, so that you may file for reimbursement with your insurance company.

As the patient, it is in your best interest to know and understand your insurance plan benefits. It is important that you know your benefits prior to visiting. Regardless of your individual insurance coverage or type, as the person seeking medical treatment, you are ultimately responsible for all charges.

All outstanding balances must be paid in full prior to the next office visit or receiving supplements.

Please note that we are not contracted with any insurance carriers. All individual health plans vary, and as your insurance benefits are a contract between you and/or your employer and your insurance company, it is your responsibility to know your benefits, eligibility, and liabilities prior to making an appointment.

You will be responsible for paying all charges at the time of service, as we are a debit/credit card-only practice. It may be helpful to contact your insurance customer service department to inquire about reimbursement eligibility for your visit before committing to an appointment. Specifically, ask for coverage information on your benefits and eligibility for naturopathic care. Insurance may cover all or a portion of the office visit and some labs. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover functional medicine at this time, and we do not accept Medicaid Insurance.

We are not responsible for payment discrepancies that might occur once the reimbursement check is received. It is the patient's responsibility to keep track of their deductible, maximum benefit, or other liabilities specific to their plan's coverage. (Weight loss programs are not covered by insurance).

For uninsured patients, please be aware that we do not offer a sliding fee scale. You will be treated as debit/credit pay at the time of service. All charges must be paid in full. We accept debit and credit card payments only. Please ensure that you are prepared to cover the cost of your treatment, as we do not offer payment plans or defer payments for uninsured individuals.