Frequently Asked Questions
How is Functional Medicine Different?
Functional medicine permits you and the physician to examine the symptoms to establish the affected systems in your body. Conventional medicine merely examines individual symptoms and presumes that they're related to various body parts. The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care, promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the patient and learning his or her story, the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.
How are treatment plans developed and chosen?
The unique programs developed are based upon clients needs, interests or questions about solutions for concerns they have encountered in their journey to wellness. I also employ protocols established and endorsed by the Institute of Functional Medicine(IFM) and other respected agencies and professional organizations such as Lifestyle Medicine. Thorough investigations of current research, evidence-based publications and scientific journals are continually made to provide the 'best practice' approach to care.
How does Functional Medicine work with Primary Care ?
I can offer primary care care as your provider or work in conjunction with your primary practitioner and specialists. This is the optimal level of care. Integrative and Functional Medicine are considered specialities. I also subscribe to RubiconMD that provides me with quick access to clinical experts in over 120 specialties and sub-specialities of medicine, helping reduce additional visits to specialists.
My clients are finding improved quality of communication as well as collaborative care between their respective healthcare providers. As your advocate and provider, the first goal is to determine priorities for your health - Let's get started!
How does Concierge care differ?
Some of the benefits and services typically included this model are: same day access to provider, immediate cell phone and text messaging, convenient scheduling, unlimited office visits with no co-pay, little or no waiting time in the office, longer appointments, focus on preventive and patient-centered care, and online consultations, prescription refills, and personalized care. I offer several plans to fit most any budget.
First we need to discuss your goals or existing health issues and devise a plan together that provides results. Concierge and Direct Primary Care providers will manage a few hundred patients, whereas in conventional practices, providers are required to manage over 2,000 patients. It makes sense to have a provider that has time to do their best - for you! Call 816.284.7497 to schedule your free 20 minute discovery call!
Why did you chose Functional Medicine?
After working beside Jane Murray, MD, a highly respected physician in Functional Medicine practice, I could not consider continuing in a conventional practice. This approach to care is something I have come to respect and believe strongly in - and am simply not willing to compromise.
In order to offer the depth of care many cases require, a substantial investment of time is required for your optimal care. By making critical decisions, well thought through, a client's journey improves towards health and a sense of wellbeing, empowered by results, confidence & knowledge that lasts years.
It is better to strive to get things right at the beginning and move forward, rather than to offer multiple costly and sometimes unnecessary visits, tests and referrals because there wasn’t enough time to listen from the start.
Do you accept insurance?
I have chosen not to accept assignment with health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. To provide clients the unparalleled care they deserve, more time is spent with and on behalf of each of my patients. More importantly, addressing health in a holistic way is the best method, but insurance companies do not follow this principle. For this reason, I do not have contractual relationships with insurance carriers. I do offer feee for service rates and retainer programs that can minimize costs for my clients. We accept HSA/FSA and can provide you with statements to file to meet deductibles or to get reimbursed. Most lab work or imaging can be filed through your insurance plans.
Here, the focus of care is on carefully personalizing treatment plans by using various effective modalities. This requires attentive listening, partnernship for mutual goal setting, and detailed analysis before, during and after your visit. I research medical literature as needed for your specific conditions as each patient's presentation is a unique case.
What services can be billed to insurance?
Conventional Medicine, which insurance policies pay for disease management, is not interested in preventing illness or identifying root cause, which is the foundation of Functional & Integrative Medicines. Your insurance company may elect to pay for services such as lab work or diagnostic tests, but often do not consider supportive care focused on wellness, nutraceuticals, integrative interventions or complementary services as necessary. An itemized superbill is provided for any services that fall under "disease management" for you to submit for any out-of-network benefits or deductibles available, or to submit through your Health Spending Account (HSA/FSA).
What services are not covered by insurance?
Several lab tests ordered that are necessary for accurate diagnostics and planning of treatment - particularly those that are used to support wellness, correct inflammatory processes and mold related illness, are often not covered.
I have negotiated significant discounts for my clients labs with Rupa Health and diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, Ultrasound, EEG, X-ray). Most imaging is a covered expense that will be processsed through your insurance if you have that coverage.
Preventive and integrative therapies used in functional medicine are typically considered non-covered items. This does not reflect on validity or efficacy of these services. An itemized superbill can be created for any out-of-network benefits available, deductibles or to submit through your Health Spending Account (HSA/FSA).
I have also contracted with several healthcare finance companies that support your investing in your health as well as organizations that serve as an alternative for insurance.
Are personal information & transactions secure?
High quality medical software and supportive systems have been chosen to ensure your transactions and personal information are protected. For products on this site, you will purchase directly from the manufacturer to obtain faster service, shipping discounts and secure transactions. Your Patient Portal, appointment scheduling, emails, texts, telehalth appointments and invoice payments are all secure as required by HIPAA.
