Integrative & functional medicine FAQ

Integrative medicine combines the delivery of conventional medicine with holistic practices that are science-based and evidence-informed. This type of care focuses on making lifestyle changes to help prevent or manage disease through nutrition, supplements, exercise and mind-body techniques, such as sleep, stress management, yoga and meditation. These techniques are often used in conjunction with conventional medicine treatments, such as medications.

Who practices integrative medicine?

You’ll see a doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) who completed a fellowship in integrative medicine and is board certified in their primary specialty.

Integrative primary care physicians or APCs have also completed conventional medical training. They can meet your primary care needs and help treat a variety of ailments, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, colds, flu, aches and pains.

If you need specialized care, integrative specialists apply holistic practices to their area of specialty practice, such as cardiology, gynecology, oncology, hormone replacement therapy, gut health or chronic pain. They work closely with your primary care physician and conventionally trained specialists to coordinate your care.

About functional medicine

What is functional medicine?

Functional medicine is a specialty within integrative medicine that focuses on the interaction of genes, environment and lifestyle factors to determine the underlying causes of illness or disease. This might require several rounds of conversations with your doctor to determine the cause of an illness and to find the best treatment option.

Who practices functional medicine?

A functional medicine doctor is a subspecialist who has completed integrative and functional medicine training and is an Institute of Functional Medicine certified practitioner (IFM-CP).

During your visit, the functional medicine subspecialist will collaborate with your primary care physician to reach a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan that promotes long-lasting healing.

Considering integrative medicine or functional medicine treatment

How do I know if integrative medicine or functional medicine is right for me?

These types of visits may be right for you if you:

• Want to take a holistic approach to your health care.
• Have a complex medical condition and haven’t found relief through a conventional approach.
• Prefer to avoid taking prescription medications or medications don’t seem to work well for you.

What services are provided?

You’ll receive the same services as you would from a conventionally trained primary care physician or a specialist. The difference is your treatment plan will be customized with lifestyle changes, such as supplements. You’ll also receive comprehensive education in areas that can help you live well, such as nutrition, sleep and stress management.

How do I choose between an integrative or a functional medicine provider?

While a physician trained in either integrative or functional medicine can help, you might consider integrative medicine if you feel that the conventional approach to medicine hasn’t provided relief from your pain or illness. Functional medicine might be right for you if you’re looking for an investigative approach to determine what causes your symptoms and the best course of treatment.

What should I expect from my integrative medicine primary care visit?

Count on being asked lots of questions about your health and lifestyle choices, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, relationships, spirituality and critical life events. This information will help your provider develop a personalized treatment plan for your care.

Learn about integrative medicine primary care visits.

What should I expect from my integrative or functional medicine consultation?

Your first consultation visit will be 60-80 minutes long, so you’ll have more face-to-face time with your provider than you’ve come to expect. We’ll ask detailed questions about nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, relationships, spirituality, critical life events and potentially other topics. Follow up visits are usually 15-45 minutes long.

Learn about integrative medicine and functional medicine consultations.

What other integrative services do you offer?

We provide a variety of integrative services you can access on your own or that might be recommended as part of your personalized treatment plan. Choose from chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture and integrative health coaching.

Where can I get nutritional supplements or medications?

If your treatment plan includes prescribed medications, you can pick those up at the Aurora Pharmacy of your choice. For compounded medications – drugs that are specifically mixed and prepared for you – we’ll let you know where to find them. If your treatment plan includes taking supplements, those are available online or at specialty stores.

Health care coverage

Does insurance cover office visits?

Yes, office visits are covered by insurance, subject to any deductible or copay. A 60-80 minute integrative medicine or functional medicine consultation ranges from $500 to $1,200. You also may be charged if your doctor, APC or specialist spends time outside the office visit coordinating your care.

What type of lab tests will I need?

Testing depends on your initial evaluation and what tests you’ve done already. Most labs are available through ACL Laboratories.

Does insurance cover lab testing?

Almost all lab tests are covered by insurance, subject to any deductible or copay. If cost is a concern, we can provide you with a list of common labs so you can check with your insurance about coverage. Some outside labs don’t bill insurance; in this case, the expense is paid out-of-pocket.

Classes

We offer a wide variety of classes and community events.

View our classes

More options. Less pain.

Learn about integrative approaches to back and spine care.

Know all your options