Functional medicine addresses the health of the whole person rather than just the presence of symptoms. Practitioners take time to understand each patient's unique health history, looking at the interactions between environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors that influence health and empowering patients to take an active role in their care.
As a patient, your voice is important, and a functional medicine clinician will partner with you to determine the most effective interventions. This partnership allows you to be in charge of improving your health and changing the outcomes of dysfunction or disease—on your own terms.
Download this patient handout for more information about working with a practitioner trained in functional medicine.
Preparing for Your First Appointment
Once you have determined that a particular functional medicine clinician may be right for you, there are questions you can ask before your first appointment to help understand how they run their practice and what you can expect if you decide to be their patient.
Commonly asked questions in preparing to see a clinician trained in functional medicine
Please note that IFM does not regulate or oversee practitioners’ business operations or clinic, and each clinician operates their practice differently. The questions below are a few considerations for choosing the right clinician to support you in your care journey.
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How will the clinician evaluate my current health status?
Most clinicians will take a full history of your health—from birth to present—to understand the full context of your life and health history. They may monitor standard vital signs and biomarkers. They may also ask you about your lifestyle and health behaviors, perform an advanced physical exam, and suggest other evaluations that may feel new to you. Collecting this information helps the clinician get a comprehensive picture of your health so they can serve you the best they can.
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Does insurance cover functional medicine for my current health conditions?
Each clinician may practice differently, and coverage may vary by insurance company. Many functional medicine practices are hybrid models, meaning some services may be covered by traditional insurance while others may be fee-for-service. Coverage may be full or partial, and coverage will vary from one practice to another. It is important to confirm coverage with your insurance company and ask your clinician’s office directly if insurance is accepted and what services are covered. Functional medicine is also delivered in some large institutions and academic health centers. Clinicians in these settings often take insurance.
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Do I need a referral?
While clinicians generally do not require a referral, many practices limit the number of patients they see in order to provide the most personalized care experience. Many practices are booked out in advance, so it’s important to start your search early and check with your insurance company to see if a referral is required.
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How long is a typical initial appointment?
Appointment length varies by practice and practitioner. Functional medicine can be practiced in a variety of settings, and clinicians may adapt the process to best suit the needs of their patients. Appointments may be 15 minutes or upwards of two hours for initial consultation.
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Are appointments offered in person, via telehealth, and/or online?
Functional medicine can be practiced in one or a combination of these appointment methods. Please check with your specific practitioner on what options are available.
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How much should I expect to pay out of pocket?
This depends on a number of factors, such as insurance coverage, state of residence, market prices, and demand in your area. It is important to ask for pricing before you schedule an appointment so you are aware of what you may need to pay.
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Are there limits to the number of visits I can have?
This depends on a number of factors, including your insurance coverage, current health status, and how the practice is organized. Many clinicians have patients complete three initial consultations—one to get to know you, the full context of your health, and your current concerns, another for evaluation and appropriate lab testing, and a third visit to go over your personalized care plan. However, as clinicians practice in a variety of settings, appointment time and frequency will depend on that particular practice.
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Are laboratory tests used (urine, stool, saliva, and/or blood)?
Clinicians who order laboratory tests within the scope of their practice often use the same routine lab tests but may suggest additional testing when warranted to help determine and confirm your specific root causes of dysfunction or disease.
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Are these labs typically covered by insurance?
Many standard labs are covered by insurance, but if your clinician suggests additional lab work, we encourage you to ask why they recommend the lab, if it’s covered by insurance, what information can be gleaned from the lab, and whether alternative testing methods are available. Many lab tests that are not covered by insurance are available at competitive prices from third-party laboratories. We recommend asking your practitioner about your specific case.
