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Health

The Many Benefits of Functional Medicine

Functional medicine helps patients achieve better fundamental prevention of illness. In other words, it prevents disease before it manifests itself. This is important because the disease process has already begun before you notice any symptoms of an illness. It is a holistic approach to health. In addition, it is very effective at treating a variety of conditions.

Effects of functional medicine

Functional Medicine Denver, CO, often involves lab tests to determine what causes a disease. These tests can uncover underlying deficiencies, dysfunctions, infections, and hormone levels. They also provide more detailed information about the health puzzle and can help to determine the best treatment. Often, these tests reveal symptoms that can be treated without medication. For example, functional medicine may reduce yeast overgrowth or GI discomfort. However, some patients experience a mild withdrawal effect when they stop using functional medicine.

In contrast to conventional medicine, functional medicine treats the underlying causes of disease rather than the symptoms. Because everyone’s genetic and biochemical makeup varies from one another, the approach to treatment is individualized. Moreover, the use of genetic testing may help doctors determine the genetic makeup of a patient.

Functional medicine is evidence-based and relies on the latest diagnostic testing. However, it is essential to note that the available medical treatments will not replace conventional medicine. In some cases, traditional medication will be recommended in certain situations. For instance, people suffering from bacterial infections may still need to take antibiotics.

Cost of functional medicine

Consulting with a practitioner can determine how much functional medicine care will cost. While many practitioners are not covered by insurance, some may work with your insurance plan. This will not necessarily mean that your visit will be free, but you may be able to save money by paying out-of-pocket. In addition, some practitioners may accept health savings or flexible spending accounts.

The bundled payment model will put more power in the hands of clinical experts and let them decide what should be included in a bundle. Payment will be based on the provider’s judgment of fair value exchange. First, however, the payers will have to decide which visits are functional medicine and which are not.

Functional medicine is an excellent option for those who want to improve their health and prevent future illnesses. Its holistic approach to healthcare addresses the cause of disease rather than treating the symptoms. It can be a cost-effective alternative to conventional medicine for many patients.

A holistic approach to health

Holistic medicine is a way to improve health by focusing on the whole person rather than just the symptoms. 

Holistic and functional medicine is distinct from conventional Western medicine. Traditional Western medicine treats separate organs and systems without considering the entire body as one. Using a holistic approach functional medicine takes a more holistic approach, considering how organs work together to prevent illness and promote wellness.

Functional medicine aims to identify the root cause of any ailment, including underlying conditions, family history, and lifestyle habits. This way, doctors can treat the underlying problem rather than simply masking the symptoms. Because so many factors contribute to chronic disease, it is essential to understand the cause of an illness and treat it accordingly.

Cost

If you’ve been thinking about trying functional medicine but aren’t sure how much it will cost, you’re not alone. An available medicine doctor can help you sort through your options and prioritize tests based on your needs. However, you may have to consider the membership price before committing to it. The cost of membership for a functional medicine doctor can range from $75 to $250 per month.

The price of functional medicine may vary from person to person, but it is still cheaper than conventional medicine. However, the cost can increase if you need a lot of testing and extended visits. Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover the cost of functional medicine, but more companies are beginning to recognize the legitimacy of this alternative form of health care. If you do have coverage, however, you can make the process affordable with the help of a health savings account.

Unlike conventional medicine, functional medicine practitioners do not charge by the hour. They will not prescribe expensive prescriptions or order unnecessary tests to determine your health condition. The practitioner will also not focus on treating one specific symptom at a time. This may be a good option for people with chronic diseases and trying to save money.