Most functional tests are cash-pay only. Some labs may be partially reimbursed when submitted to your insurance company on your own. Good PPO insurance may cover labs partially. It’s an investment in root-cause and preventative care to prevent procedures and prescriptions.

Functional testing looks deeper and earlier — before symptoms get serious. It’s more proactive than reactive, and focuses on why you’re sick rather than what label to give it. Visits also average 30-60 minutes to explain your health thoroughly.

Functional testing is grounded in peer-reviewed science from a wide range of disciplines, including nutritional biochemistry, systems biology, genomics, microbiome research, psychoneuroimmunology, and chronic disease epidemiology. It uses the most current data on how the body functions as an interconnected system.

Functional testing is especially effective for chronic conditions — the kinds of things that don’t always get better with a quick prescription. That includes:

• Gut issues (IBS, bloating, constipation, SIBO)

• Autoimmune conditions (Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis)

• Hormonal imbalances (PMS, PCOS, menopause, low testosterone)

• Fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, depression

• Skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis)

• Blood sugar issues (pre-diabetes, insulin resistance)

• High cholesterol and high blood pressure

• Long COVID and post-viral syndromes

• Hidden infections: lyme, parasites, and mold

• And much more!

It can also be used preventatively to optimize health before symptoms appear.

That depends on the person and the condition. Some people feel better in a few weeks (especially with digestive or energy issues), while others take months to fully rebalance complex systems. Unlike a band-aid, functional health is about real, lasting change — so it requires commitment and consistency.

Conventional labs often look for disease thresholds — meaning you're either "in range" or you’re not. Functional labs look for optimal ranges and early dysfunctions that happen before disease sets in.

Dr. Macie does not prescribe any medication. We work with your body to balance systems and support organ function. The goal is to promote long term health by identifying root causes.

It’s time-intensive, not built for 7-minute insurance visits. It takes deeper testing and longer appointments. That’s why it’s not common in insurance care.

That said, it is growing rapidly. Clinics like the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, Mayo Clinic’s integrative programs, and many MDs are now blending functional medicine with their practice.

Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, Dr. Aristo and Elroy Vojdani, MD, and Dr. David Perlmutter, MD are a few leaders in functional medicine.

Most conventionally trained doctors are trained to diagnose and treat acute disease using drugs and procedures — and they’re amazing at that. But they aren’t trained in nutrition, root-cause physiology, gut health, or environmental exposures. They label disease and dysfunction but typically do not use natural methods to prevent it.

Medical schools rarely teach nutrition. Food is the foundation of our health and acts as information in the body. Functional medicine fills those gaps with deeper testing and a broader understanding of how our physiology interacts. It can be supportive to your regular primary care visits with your medical doctor.

It can feel expensive up front because it’s often not covered by insurance. But it’s an investment in getting well and prevention, not staying sick. Many people accept their gut issues, acne, skin issues, chronic fatigue, PCOS, or other symptoms as permanent diagnoses. They may not know that they can heal. Over time, many clients save money by reducing medications, ER visits, surgeries, and lost productivity.

You can also start small: one targeted lab, a blood panel, a focused nutrition plan, or simple lifestyle changes can go a long way.