Today everyone is looking for an alternative to traditional medicine and trends say that functional medicine is beautiful at its wholesome, root-oriented, individualized treatment of health issues. Functional medicine is mainly a treatment of the causes for the diseases in fact more than the symptoms. It attracts the people that are looking for a little more global perspective of their health when they so frequently blend the finest in modern science with the old world art of treatment in a way that connects even at a cellular level.
As both functional medicine doctors and clinics have been popping up literally all around us, it becomes a daunting task to select the most appropriate provider. Here you can read more tips on how to choose the best functional medicine physician.
1. Understand What Functional Medicine Is
Before we jump into this process of selecting a doctor, it is important to understand functional medicine first. Functional medicine doctors think about the whole person, not just the symptoms. Their approach takes treatment plans to the next level, factoring in not just your health care needs, but your genetics, environment, lifestyle and diet. That many modality approach often includes lab tests, dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and in some cases supplementation or integrative therapies.
Explore this method only if it is in line with your health goals and espouses your beliefs.pick a doctor
2. Look for Qualifications and Certifications
A functional medicine doctor should be medically trained, either as an MD (doctor of medicine) or DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine). Most functional medicine practitioners have even more specialized training in functional medicine, such as IFM (Institute for Functional Medicine) certified practitioners. This means that the doctor has completed extensive, advanced training in the principles of functional medicine.
3. Consider Experience and Specialization
Functional medicine is a wide umbrella, however, and many doctors treating chronic fatigue or autoimmune disorder, gut health, Candida overgrowth, or hormonal imbalance can provide vastly different approaches to their specialties. If there is a certain health concern you may have, see if the doctor you are considering tends to that area. As an example, if your issues are more on the digestive spectrum, you may seek out a functional medicine doctor qualified in gut health or gastrointestinal conditions.
4. Check Reviews and Referrals
Trustworthy recommendations are golden when it comes to choosing a functional medicine physicianAsk friends, family, and coworkers whether they have any tips to share based on similar experiences. Google or health websites such as Healthgrades make it easy to look up a given doctor, learn about the doctor, and see what patients say about the doctor and the doctor-care quality.
5. Schedule a Consultation
It is one of the most effective methods for finding out whether that particular doctor is a good match for you. The majority of functional medicine doctors have an introductory consultation or Discovery Call. Take this opportunity to meet the doctor, ask about his/her approach and talk about your health issues.
You also want to see if the doctor listens, answers your questions, and puts you at ease. A decent functional medicine doctor needs to be friendly, accessible, and also ready to team up with you on the recovery path.
6. Evaluate Communication Style
Like any relationship in health care, the communication between functional medicine customers and the actual specialists stands for a crucial factor in relation to success throughout prophylaxis and also treatment options.
Pay attention to how well the doctor explains things in your initial meeting. Do they take the time to ensure you understand their recommendations? Are they open to discussing different treatment options?
7. Consider Insurance and Fees
Functional medicine is often associated with longer consultations and advanced lab tests, which usually are not covered by insurance. Question the payment structure, fees, insurance acceptance, etc. before paying a visit to the doctor. Because some functional medicine practitioners work on a fee-for-service basis, it is important to understand what you will be paying for (and how much).
8. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, You should feel comfortable, respected and heard when you go to a healthcare provider. Seek out another doctor if the consultation feels off: Bedside manner, process for addressing your concerns or communication style might not be a match with the provider. Your healthcare experience should be one that inspires you to make choices that are in your best interest.
9. Look for a Collaborative Approach
Functional medicine works best as a collaboration between patient and doctor. You need to be able to work with your doctor and he/ she should respect your feedback and input in the treatment plan. They should make you a partner in your treatment and provide you with guidance and support, and not merely tell you what you need to do.
10. Review the Long-Term Plan
Functional medicine doctors may approach healing and health in the long-term, writing out goals for your care over time. Inquire about the anticipated length of time for your treatment and how improvement will be assessed. An attentive physician will tell you realistic expectations and measurable outcomes to see how you feel over time.
Conclusion
Finding the best functional medicine doctor comes with research, a reflection of wise search and self. With insight into functional medicine, qualifications, reviews, and an open dialogue with the doctor, you can find who is best for your unique health needs. So ask questions if you have them, listen to your body and trust your intuition and take your time to really find someone who will be there to help take you where you want to go on your journey to health and wellness.
