FAQ

Integrative medicine  

• Addresses the whole person (mind, body, and spirit), not just the disease or set of symptoms they may have
• Sees the physician-patient relationship as central to the healing process
• Carefully examines the unique set of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that affect each person’s long-term health
• Makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative, for which there is scientific evidence for effectiveness and safety
• Uses treatments tailored to the individual’s unique needs, using natural and less invasive interventions whenever possible
• Neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically
• Appropriately uses both conventional and alternative methods to facilitate the body’s innate healing response, bringing greater harmony and balance

Functional medicine

• Looks “upstream” to consider the complex maze of interactions in a person’s history, physiology and lifestyle that can cause illness
• Is a clear contrast to conventional medicine’s downstream approach of focusing on symptoms and isolated organ systems
• Takes into account the interactions of the body’s systems, including digestive function, detoxification function, hormone function, and immune function/inflammation
• Uses customized laboratory testing as well as prescribed combinations of medications and/or botanical medicines, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, and stress-management techniques

We can provide integrative and functional medicine guidance for many health problems, including:

• preventative health evaluations for early detection of disease risk
• digestive conditions, such as GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gluten sensitivity, and food allergies/sensitivities
• hormone imbalances, including thyroid and adrenal issues
• women’s health issues (such as PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome, and menopause)
• men’s health issues (such as prostate health, energy levels, and libido)
• sleep disorders, fatigue, headaches
• stress management
• mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression
• weight and nutritional concerns
• chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and arthritis
• pediatric conditions, including gastrointestinal issues, recurrent ear and sinus infections, allergies, headaches, mood disorders, and ADHD

We treat gastrointestinal issues, recurrent ear and sinus infections, allergies, headaches, mood disorders, ADHD and many other pediatric conditions.

We don’t accept health insurance or Medicare, and here is why. 

The success of our work together is built upon developing a meaningful relationship with you, spending enough time identifying all the factors affecting your health and finding the best possible course of action.

We will provide you with a superbill (a summary of diagnostic and procedure codes) that you can submit to your HSA, flex spending, or insurance for possible reimbursement.

We accept cash, debit and credit cards, including HSA and flexible spending cards. A credit card is required to schedule a visit. We do NOT accept insurance, however we can provide an itemized receipt suitable for submission to HSA or flex spending accounts.

I am a consultant in Integrative and Functional Medicine and ask that you continue your relationship with your primary care doctor for routine medical care.

After conducting an initial evaluation, we will discuss what laboratory testing seems prudent.  This may involve collecting blood spot, urine, stool or saliva samples at home, or taking a test kit to a local lab draw station for blood samples.  Conventional lab studies are frequently covered by insurance.  Functional medicine tests may be partially covered, but you may want to check with your insurance carrier about specific tests.  It is possible to start an effective plan without extensive testing. 

I am board certified in family medicine and maintain an active medical license in Iowa.  So, I am able to prescribe medications, if necessary, to augment natural and less invasive modalities.

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