Functional Medicine FAQs

Functional Medicine services provide a science-based approach to supporting overall health and wellness. The goal is to identify, help care for, and prevent acute and chronic conditions using a patient-centered model that addresses the disease's root cause. We do not treat the disease itself.

Instead of taking a siloed approach with symptoms, we help improve patient outcomes by looking at the human body as a whole system. Patients and doctors work together to promote optimal wellness, with a personalized approach based on the patient’s biochemical, genetic, and modifiable lifestyle factors.

Care through our Functional Medicine programs target the manifestations of disease while focusing on the relationship of various body systems. Each treatment plan is founded on the six pillars of health to resolve nutrient imbalances, reduce toxic load, decrease stress levels, and more – working with the natural healing systems in the body.

Learn more about Functional Medicine →

A Functional Medicine doctor takes a root-cause approach to health, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying factors contributing to disease. They use advanced diagnostic testing, personalized nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplementation to optimize health and prevent chronic conditions.

Traditional medicine typically turn to medications and surgical procedures to manage symptoms. Our Functional Medicine approach takes a more in-depth look at the underlying health conditions contributing to the symptoms. Our primary focus on the root causes makes it possible to promote true healing instead of hiding symptoms with temporary fixes. Many patients have experienced positive results from our Functional Medicine – avoiding medications and working with the healing elements in the body.

Mainstream medical tests and treatments don’t look at the root cause of diseases. Instead, most medical treatments are focused on alleviating symptoms. In comparison, functional medicine looks at many factors that can affect health, including:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Environmental toxins
• Mold exposure
• Metabolic imbalances
• Genetic risks
• Physical activity

Learn more about Functional Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine →

Functional Medicine addresses the individual as a whole, which means that various health problems can be addressed through a personalized lifestyle plan. Many people gravitate to our Functional Medicine approach to address a specific health concern and then find that this holistic approach has a domino effect of improving many areas of their health and wellness.

Our team at Back On Track 2 Wellness has years of experience in diagnostics, assessments, and implementation of health models to search for the root cause of chronic diseases. Our Lifestyle Medicine services are available for a variety of conditions, including:

• Autoimmune conditions
• Chronic pain
• Fatigue
• Digestive problems
• Mood disorders
• Inflammatory issues
• Blood Sugar swings
• Heart disease
• Hormonal imbalances

This is just an overview of a few of the conditions that can be supported through our functional and lifestyle medicine approach. If you would like more information, then we invite you to contact us to see if we can help with your specific health concerns.

Most insurance plans do not cover Functional Medicine services, as Functional Medicine is considered above and beyond the current standard of healthcare. However, Functional Medicine is fully HSA and FSA approved.

The mainstream medical community has raised plenty of questions about the effectiveness and reputability of Functional Medicine. This comes down to differences in philosophy and beliefs. While conventional/mainstream medicine focuses on prescriptions and symptom management, Functional Medicine focuses on addressing the root cause of health issues and conditions through a holistic approach.

A large "downside" of Functional Medicine is that many people struggle with the changes required by Functional Medicine. There is no "magic pill" that cures all. Functional Medicine requires the patient to dedicate themselves towards lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise.

Not just anyone can be a Functional Medicine doctor. In order to be a Functional Medicine doctor, a practitioner must hold a doctorate degree in their primary field, whether that's as a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.), or another similar degree.

Primary care practitioners typically only spend 5-10 minutes with patients, which is why many patients' biggest complaint is not feeling seen and heard.

At Back On Track 2 Wellness, we typically spend between 60 and 120 minutes for new patient consultations, ensuring there is plenty of time to explore the complexity of the issues. Follow-up appointments usually last between 30 – 60 minutes. Your personalized appointment is never rushed. We dedicate the time needed to understand your unique health concerns.

Our Functional Medicine approach is science-based, which is why lab work and advanced testing can be beneficial during the health discovery process. The cost of lab tests varies depending on the needs of each patient. Our team works hard to manage costs. The overall cost of our Functional Medicine services is often a fraction of the price that is paid in the traditional healthcare system due to rising costs in the medical industry.

Additionally, our Functional Medicine labs are typically much more comprehensive than labs ran by your primary care practitioner. More biomarkers, more results, better health.

Learn more about Functional Labs vs. Medical Labs →

For those seeking a proactive, long-term approach to health, Functional Medicine is considered an investment for your future health and often worth it. Patients frequently experience significant improvements in chronic conditions, energy levels, and overall well-being.

During your initial appointment, the conversation is focused on building an in-depth health profile based on your current circumstances and history. Dr. Todd will talk to you about your personal medical history, family medical history, lifestyle, symptoms, and a variety of other details that need to be gathered during the initial assessment. If lab work or more testing is required, then he will provide recommendations.

Additionally, immediate lifestyle changes are discussed to help you start on a path of healing as soon as possible. These lifestyle modifications might include dietary changes, nutraceutical/supplement support, and other modifiable lifestyle factors that are contributing to the underlying disease.

Each person is unique, which is why there isn’t a cookie-cutter solution to address your individual health concerns. Some people notice immediate, dramatic improvements in their health within the first few weeks. Other people need a bit more time before their symptoms start subsiding.

Remember: your current health issues didn’t develop overnight. Years of chronic disease and poor lifestyle factors have led to where you are today. The body needs time to heal, so you may not notice immediate results. Through the consistent, dedicated, and disciplined application of our Lifestyle medicine program, it’s possible to restore function.

As a general rule of thumb, it takes a month of healing and repair to overcome every year you have experienced this specific health issue.