What to expect at your first functional medicine visit
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the pursuit of holistic well-being has taken center stage. That is why I (Dr. Osmer) have pursued extensive training in Functional Medicine. Designed to delve into the root causes of health issues, our Functional Medicine approach is tailored to provide personalized care that goes beyond the surface. Perhaps you have been thinking about scheduling a visit but are unsure what to expect. The purpose of an initial Functional Medicine visit is to get to know you, understand your goals so that we can determine if you are a good fit for this approach, and to start working towards those goals. The cost of this visit is low (at $100 as of the time of this writing on 1/14/24) to provide an exchange of energy. I am often asked if I do free consultations and the answer is no. The reason is because I would probably spend all of my time doing free consults! If you are looking for really good healthcare from me but you want it for free or for cheap, I am not the right fit for you. After 10+ years of doing this work, I have come to a place of feeling confident in what I offer and the results speak for themselves! As our office has gotten busier with inquiries and scheduled appointments, we needed to create a system to help streamline the process so that we can take care of as many people as possible but not let the quality drop off. The key is to follow the system. My house my rules, right?! In this blog, you will find out what those steps are!
1. Scheduling Your Appointment:
Getting started on your journey to optimal health is as easy as a click or a call away. Prospective Functional Medicine patients have the flexibility to schedule their initial Functional Medicine appointments online or by reaching out to our office directly. Whether you prefer a face-to-face consultation or the convenience of a virtual visit, we're here to accommodate your needs.
2. Completing Essential Paperwork:
To ensure that your initial Functional Medicine visit is as comprehensive as possible, we've streamlined the paperwork process through SimplePractice. Upon scheduling your appointment, you'll receive essential forms that will be reviewed ahead of time. This step is crucial in allowing us to understand your health history and any specific concerns you may have. Please have this paperwork filled out 1 business day before your visit!
3. Uploading Test Results:
As part of the preparatory process, patients are encouraged to upload any relevant testing they would like reviewed as a part of the reason you are pursuing this approach. Most often this is any testing or imaging you have had in the last 6 months to a year. This can be conveniently done within SimplePractice after completing your paperwork or by emailing the documents to our office at info@flowchiro.com. Taking this proactive step saves valuable time during your visit.
4. Come to Your Visit: Whether it is Telehealth or In Person
During your initial Functional Medicine visit, we will take the time to understand your health goals, review your comprehensive health history, and make tailored recommendations. These recommendations may include lifestyle interventions, nutritional guidance, supplementation, and potentially additional testing based on your unique needs.
5. Follow-Up Instructions:
As a crucial part of your personalized care plan, we will discuss follow-up instructions based on the testing ordered or recommendations made during your initial visit. The timing of these follow-ups will be tailored to ensure that you receive the support you need on your journey to optimal health.
The primary objective of your initial Functional Medicine visit is two-fold. Firstly, it serves as an opportunity to determine if a Functional Medicine approach aligns with your needs and goals. Secondly, it allows our team to gain a clear understanding of your unique health requirements, paving the way for a more targeted and effective care plan!