Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find your answer here, contact us.

What is functional medicine?

Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach to healthcare that focuses on addressing the root causes of illness and promoting optimal health by looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

How is functional medicine different from conventional medicine?

Unlike conventional medicine, which often focus exclusively on symptom relief, functional medicine seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of disease, considering the whole person and emphasizing prevention and wellness.

What conditions can functional medicine help with?

Functional medicine can address a wide range of chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, metabolic syndrome, fatigue, and chronic pain, among others.

What can I expect during a functional medicine consultation?

During your consultation, our practitioners will take a comprehensive medical history and physical, order relevant laboratory tests, and assess your lifestyle factors to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Is testing included in the cost of the appointment?

No, testing is not included in the cost of an appointment.  We strive to find the lowest cost yet accurate testing available and do not over order testing. We can utilize Labcorp and Quest for many laboratory orders.

Is functional medicine covered by insurance?

We are not in-network with any insurance carriers. This is intentional—and it’s one of the reasons patients come to us. By operating outside of insurance contracts, we’re able to spend more time with you, focus on root causes, and build a plan that’s based on what you need (not what an insurance company will approve).

You can still often use insurance in the following ways:

  • We can provide a superbill for you to submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
  • Many patients find that routine labs and bloodwork are covered by their insurance (plan-dependent).

Advanced functional testing (e.g., microbiome analysis, hormone panels, and similar specialty labs) is commonly not covered, but we’ll review the purpose, pricing, and alternatives before ordering anything.

How long does it take to see results with functional medicine?

The timeline for seeing results can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the condition being treated. Some patients may experience improvements in symptoms relatively quickly, while others may require more time for significant changes to occur.

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

No, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with our functional medicine practitioners. We welcome new patients and are committed to helping you achieve your health goals.

Can you be my primary care provider?

No, the NY Center for Functional Medicine is a specialty practice and as such we strongly recommend that you have a primary care physician and provide us with their name so we can collaborate wherever possible.

Can functional medicine be integrated with conventional medical treatments?

Absolutely, functional medicine can complement conventional medical treatments. Our
practitioners collaborate wherever possible with other healthcare providers to ensure a
coordinated and comprehensive approach to your care.

How do I get started with the NY Center for Functional Medicine?

Getting started is easy! Book a free 15 min virtual consultation here or send us an email at team@nyfunctionalmed.org with any questions. Don't see your symptoms or condition listed? Please reach out!