How to Choose a Functional Medicine Doctor

January 18, 2018 Kassandra Kuehl

Hey YOU!

While behind the styling chair on the daily, your services at Beauty Ecology Organic Salon are fueled by being a lifelong Functional Medicine student and lifestyle coach.

Ive witnessed hundreds of women's frustration and struggle when trying to find answers to a hormonal imbalance, hair loss and chronic fatigue.

I hear ya......YOU simply want a practitioner that see's them uniquely.

Enjoy this post originally shared by Dr. Jill Carnahan as she shares TOP TIPS.

Most relate to the frustrating situation of making an appointment to see their doctor, only for the appointment to start an hour or more later. Then, after a very rushed visit, being sent home with a prescription and no new insight into what exactly is happening with their health.

This is a cycle that focuses on symptoms, ignores underlying causes, and it’s not one person’s fault. Our conventional medical system arose from the treatment of acute illnesses. It’s a good thing, too! Our modern medicine successfully treats many acute and infectious diseases.

The problem is now when most people get sick, it’s no longer an acute illness that sends them to the doctor. Chronic conditions are on the rise and proper diagnosis and treatment of these diseases requires more than a 15-minute appointment.

Comprehensive medical histories, lab work, and a broad understanding of the body and its metabolic processes are needed. I like to think of it as detective work.

Clues are collected and a diagnosis is revealed. Because finding the root cause of symptoms is the foundation of integrative and functional medicine treatments involve completely addressing underlying issues; infectious, toxic, genetic, nutritional, metabolic, and others.

When you address the root cause, there’s a much better chance of reversing or eliminating the condition altogether.

Here are my tips for finding the doctor best for you and I hope it helps you on your journey to better health!

Types of Functional Medicine Practitioners

There are different types of practitioners that specialize in integrative and functional medicine.

Medical Doctor (M.D.) – A doctor who first went through traditional medical school and then added training and education in integrative and functional medicine. They will have the most flexibility in ordering tests and prescribing medications.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) – This is a doctor who, like an M.D. has a wide range of services they are able to offer. This means they can prescribe medication, and are even able to become surgeons. They generally focus on the body as a whole.
Nurse Practitioner (N.P.) – Many people don’t realize that nurse practitioners in many ways have similar abilities as doctors. They are able to own and operate their own practices and can also prescribe medications.
Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) – While chiropractors are generally thought of a those who primarily treat orthopedic dysfunction, they are also able to practice functional medicine. They cannot prescribe medications and usually have a medical doctor they work with or recommend if you need a traditional treatment.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.) – These doctors are more focused on alternative therapies and cannot prescribe medication. The abilities of an N.D. vary by state.

All of these practitioners carry different benefits. Ultimately, it’s up to you to find the best fit for your life.

Key Characteristics of a Functional Medicine Doctor

Here are the key characteristics of a good functional medicine doctor:

They recommend a plant based organic often grain free diet.
They don’t make grandiose promises.
They specialize in complex chronic conditions such as autoimmune disease.
They see themselves as your partner in health.
They outline expectations so you know what to expect all along the way.
They help you prioritize decisions such as testing and changes that need to be made.
They make you feel comfortable and unjudged.
They spend the time with you.

The Red Flags

The don’t seem to weigh the cost/benefit of tests or overly recommend expensive testing. For example, sometimes you can eliminate items from your diet as opposed to having testing done. Be sure to be honest about your financial limitations so they can work with you to find the best solution for your health and your wallet.

They don’t think diet is very important.
They recommend overly expensive and excessive supplements.
They recommend harsh or dangerous detoxes.
They promise you cures.
They make you feel uncomfortable or don’t listen to you.
They make you feel powerless or discouraged.

Finding a Functional Medicine Doctor Who Specializes in Your Condition

When you’re looking for a functional medicine doctor, start in your local area with a general Google search. You may or may not find a good few options easily. Be sure to check for any reviews by searching the specific doctor’s name. If you have a certain condition, sometimes you can find a list of doctors who specialize on websites and support groups sites devoted to that condition.

For example, many autoimmune conditions have their own websites of resources that will help you find a doctor more quickly. You may even find forums where previous patients discuss how they liked a particular doctor.

Here’s a quick step-by-step process for how you might narrow your search when looking for an integrative or functional medicine doctor:

Google integrative and functional medicine doctors in your area. If you live in a city with lots of neighboring towns, be sure to try searching in some of the areas near you. For example, I’m located in Louisville, CO which is close to both Boulder and Denver. If you live in the Denver area be sure to check: Boulder, Aurora, Centennial and more.
Do a search based on your condition. If you have a condition, search in your area but also beyond. Sometimes it’s worth it to travel a bit if it means you’ll find someone who specializes in your condition.
Check reviews. Once you find a couple of doctors you’re interested in, check for any reviews available.
Once you’ve made a preliminary list, narrow it down or consider making an initial appointment with one or two. You can get a good idea about how you’d like a doctor from listening to interviews, Youtube videos, podcasts, and reading blogs.
Make an appointment. The only way you’ll know you’ve found the doctor perfect for you is if you make an initial appointment. I believe your doctor should make you feel at ease and help you understand what needs to be done to be your healthiest self.

Consider Telemedicine

We live in a time where you are no longer limited to medical care within a certain radius of your home. Telemedicine is a fast growing industry that pairs patients with doctors all over the world. Benefits of telemedicine include:

Access to a specialist without the cost of travel – With telemedicine you have access to a wider range of doctors than you would in your local area. Plus, you don’t have to travel to their office and can complete appointments with your computer.
Convenience – Often appointments are done over Skype in the comfort of your own home and then tests are ordered to a local laboratory.
Possibly more affordable – Sometimes telemedicine is actually more affordable because it doesn’t require office time and it makes visits more efficient.
Enhanced patient compliance – Many find they are more willing to interact with a doctor via telemedicine due to the convenience and comfort.

If you find a doctor you think is perfect for you, consider telemedicine. Even if that doctor doesn’t advertise it on their site, it might be worth asking if it’s something they offer. Technology is rapidly expanding our options and telemedicine is yet another way we can think outside the box for better health.

Resources for Finding an Integrative and Functional Medicine Doctor

Here are a couple of websites that can point you in the right direction:

In 2017, Dr. Josh Axe, a functional chiropractor compiled a list of the Top 50 Functional and Integrative Medicine Doctors.

You can find the original post HERE.

Do you live in Minnesota and in search of a good Functional Medicine minded practice? Email me, and I'd be happy to help you source.

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