FAQs

Functional Medicine looks at the whole person with an emphasis on getting to the root cause of your health challenges. It focuses on the way food and lifestyle impact the body at a cellular level.

In my practice, I have integrated Functional Nutrition and Functional Medicine to find the root cause of your health issues. This approach includes an in-depth analysis of your symptoms. I use comprehensive questionnaires of your health history and family genetics and analysis of conventional and integrative lab tests to determine what factors may be playing a role in your particular health issues. I then use science-based protocols and nutrition to address and heal those areas so that you can achieve optimal and lasting health results.

While the detoxification program is not really intended for weight loss, generally many patients do lose an average of 4-5 lbs. a week. If they are on a detox program for two to three weeks, they can lose an average of 10 – 12 lbs. in total. The weight lost varies depending on the person and can be dependent on how toxic you are, how much weight you need to lose and your health issues. Also, the more committed and compliant you are, will have a direct effect on your weight loss during your detoxification program.

Most diets are written for the general public. In my experience, either most diets are “fads” or not “scientifically” based. Foods just like supplements and prescriptions drugs have an effect on a person’s body. My belief is that ‘foods are like drugs; they cause a chemical reaction in your body.’ Thus, based on your health issues, you are not “general” – meaning you have your own individual issues (biochemical, metabolic and behavioral) that must be addressed in order to develop a meal plan that is right for you. This is important in order to achieve progress and transformation.

My customized approach is the key to achieving results and lasting weight loss.

The best way to find out is to speak by phone for a free 10-minute dialogue. This way you can briefly explain your issues and get a feel for my approach to helping you. If we both feel that this is right for you, you can schedule your first appointment. During the first consultation, we can discuss in more depth your health issues and the next best steps for your treatment plan.

When it comes to purchasing supplements, quality is most important. Buying your supplements from a reputable source makes all the difference between absorbing the nutrients and making a positive difference in your health. That is why I recommend and carry only professional quality supplements brands that are generally not available in retail stores.

Self-diagnosing or following the latest vitamin fad can throw your body out of balance and be potentially harmful. Working with a qualified nutritionist for your supplement needs will not only save you time and money but will provide you with the specific nutrients your body truly needs for to heal and for optimal health. In addition, your health progress can be monitored going forward which will change your supplement needs.

Most probably. I complete a nutrition evaluation on all of my patients to determine if they are meeting their key nutrients and needs. It doesn’t matter how well people are eating, as I have not never seen anyone who was meeting all their nutrient needs since it can be very complicated. The value of my analysis is that there is no guess work on what supplements your body needs. During your evaluation, you will know exactly what your body needs, how much of a specific nutrient and how long you should take it.

Most probably. Since most people have had health issues for a long time, they will need multiple appointments to get back on track and healthy again. Every patient is unique and has their own health issues and challenges, and you can choose to have as few or as many consultations as suits your preference. However, to be honest it is unlikely that your health issues will be solved in one or two consultations

Some patients begin to feel better within days to weeks, while for others it may take months. This is highly specific to the individual. All of this information will be put together to determine your health challenges, goals and your customized treatment plan. From this point, you will be asked to put YOUR treatment plan in place to begin your own healing process and follow-ups will be scheduled to monitor your progress. Changes will be made to your treatment plan when necessary, based on how your body is responding to your treatment. Of course, your complete compliance is a factor in your own healing process as well. Every person is unique so every person’s healing time is unique as well.

I review any lab test results which you may have recently done with your doctor. Since I follow an integrative and Functional Medicine approach, I look at blood chemistry results with a different perspective. I specialize in preventative-based blood chemistry analysis which means that I view your blood chemistry with a tighter, more prevention-based reference range than your doctor normally does. This is important because it helps me to get to the root cause of your health issues and make the appropriate treatment plan that addresses your issues. In most cases, I will be recommending treatment plans that help to stop negative trends and prevent disease.

I am not a licensed medical doctor and cannot prescribe any lab tests. However, depending on your insurance, which labs are used, and which tests are done some conventional lab work prescribed by your doctor may be covered. Functional Medicine lab tests may be ordered directly by you based upon my recommendation but are often an out-of-pocket expense; however, some companies offer discounts when the lab is not covered by your insurance. We will discuss your options at the time of your appointment before considering any lab work.

No, nutritional supplements are generally an out-of-pocket expenses.

I do not participate with any insurance companies and am not affiliated with any health care plans and therefore do not have access to any of the medical codes. However, I am more than happy to provide you with a “super bill” which you can then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement should you have an HSA card, MSA account, or something similar. In that situation, some companies do accept nutrition and wellness services as reimbursable charges to you.

Consultations with a Functional Nutrition and Integrative approach is time intensive. Because someone may want the time slot that was reserved for you, I do keep a strict cancellation policy. While exceptions may be made for obvious emergencies, I require notice of cancellation no later than 48 hours (not including weekends) before your appointment time.

If you have any blood test results or medical records you think could be useful, please bring copies. Also on your follow-up appointment, bring any nutritional supplement bottles you take. It is helpful to see the labels for the list of ingredients.

Each case is unique. The first visit averages about 1 to 1 ½ hours and follow-ups average up 45 minutes to an 1 hour.

The “New Patient Forms” can be downloaded here. Download the pdf version, print it out, complete it and bring it with you. It is important to complete the forms prior to your scheduled appointment so it does not delay your start time.

If your “New Patient Questionnaire” is completed beforehand, plan on arriving a few minutes early. If you need to complete the questionnaire at the office, please arrive half an hour before your appointment. We try our best to stay on schedule to avoid making patients wait. To accomplish this, we need your help: please don’t be late.

New patients are typically scheduled within two to three weeks.

Yes, I am currently accepting new patients. I always welcome the opportunity to help you to get on the right track regarding your health, as long as you are committed to the process. I believe it is truly a team approach that gets the best results.