Is a functional medicine provider right for you, and how to find one

This approach to medical care seeks to treat the underlying causes of illness, but may be difficult to find or afford. Here’s what you need to know about functional medicine providers.

WRITTEN BY

Nicola Bridges

Updated: 09/23/2025|12 min read

Many people are fed up with standard medical care. With the majority of physician appointments lasting 15 minutes, visits feel rushed, which means concerns may be left unspoken by patients, dismissed by providers, or mismanaged. Patients aren't the only ones who are frustrated---one study showed that more than half of physicians say they need more time to provide quality care.

It's not surprising that more patients are turning to functional medicine, a holistic approach with more in-depth visits and comprehensive treatment. Functional medicine focuses on prevention and root causes rather than just symptoms, gives you greater input in your healthcare decisions, and considers various lifestyle-related remedies instead of defaulting to medication.

Practicing functional medicine requires specific certification, but not necessarily a medical degree. In addition to MDs, DOs, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, many nurse assistants, chiropractors, and acupuncturists pursue this training, which they integrate into their existing clinical field.

Overall, there are significantly fewer functional medicine practitioners in the U.S.---around 94,000 have been trained in the last 35 years compared to almost a million MDs. And, since this field isn't uniformly regulated, you need to work to find a reputable, certified doctor or provider. Additionally, insurance may not cover some of the testing or interventions in functional medicine, which can make it costly.

Use this guide to understand functional medicine and find a qualified practitioner who fits your needs.

What is functional medicine?

Functional medicine is a more personalized, systems-oriented approach that treats the root causes of disease to restore healthy function. Put simply, functional medicine aims to remove triggers for illness.

Practitioners typically look at the "whole person"---their physical, emotional, and mental health---considering lifestyle, diet, environment, behavior, genetics, and hormones. They assess every biological system, from bone and skin to muscle and cardiovascular to cognitive and immune health.

To achieve this comprehensive picture, they may test health markers beyond standard medical tests, such as vitamin D3 levels, glucose intolerance, and C-reactive protein. They may also perform non-standard tests---for example, thermography tests (non-invasive, radiation-free digital infrared thermal imaging)---to detect abnormalities early, as well as for screening or monitoring. Based on test results like these, they craft treatment programs tailored to the individual patient, often long-term.

But treatment isn't always "do as I say." Functional medicine practitioners often discuss a variety of naturopathic and standard treatment options. This tends to give patients more choice and time to consider their care pathway without feeling pressure to defer to their doctor because they "know best."

Functional vs. conventional medicine: What's the difference?

Though functional and conventional medicine have some overlap, they differ in overall focus, personalization, cost, and number of practitioners.

Conventional medicine is prone to being disease-centered, focusing on the illness or condition and how to treat or manage it, rather than the patient as a whole. Care tends to be standardized, with doctors prescribing similar medications or protocols for everyone with the same condition.

Functional medicine is more patient-centered. In addition to conventional considerations, such as presenting symptoms and test results, it examines the patient's nutrient profile, allergies, sleep habits, nuances of their health history, and more, creating a more complete account of health. This encourages patients to collaborate with their practitioner to develop care plans that address underlying causes rather than just symptoms.

For example, a conventional doctor might prescribe acid-blocking medication for heartburn, while a functional medicine doctor might personalize a treatment plan by investigating possible causes such as nutrition, fitness/exercise, mental health issues, and stress levels. Or when treating anxiety or depression, instead of prescribing medication, functional medicine approaches typically include mind-body therapies, personalized nutrition plans, and exploration of other physiological factors that may impact mental health. Functional medicine practitioners also leverage their deeper understanding of a patient's holistic health profile to focus more on preventing future conditions rather than waiting until the condition has developed.

On a macro level, being a functional medicine patient can have an enduring positive impact. A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association compared patients treated at a traditional family medical center with those seen at a functional medicine center. After six months, the functional medicine group exhibited significantly more improved outcomes and health-related quality of life.

Who can be a functional medicine provider?

Both MDs (medical doctors) and DOs (doctors of osteopathic medicine), as well as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, can practice functional medicine as well as evidence-based care. Compared to MDs, DOs also receive additional musculoskeletal system training.

While they can't replace an MD, DO, NP, or PA, the following healthcare providers may also incorporate functional medicine principles, but aren't medical doctors. Be sure to consider what's right for your situation.

• Acupuncturists
• Chiropractors (chiropractors are not required to attend medical school; those who say they are functional medicine doctors are not the same as MDs or DOs who have functional medicine training in addition to a medical degree)
• Dentists 
• Mental health professionals
• Naturopathic doctors
• Pharmacists
• Physical therapists
• Registered dietitians

When is functional medicine typically a good option?

Functional medicine can be most helpful for complex, chronic, or enduring conditions. This can include:

• Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. A retrospective 2020 study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) receiving functional medicine therapies alongside conventional treatments saw a statistically significant reduction in pain compared to those undergoing standard treatments.
• Digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), food sensitivities, and inflammatory bowel conditions. For example, beyond medication and elimination diets, functional medicine care for IBS often explores functional foods (which may have beneficial health effects beyond their nutritional value), herbal remedies, nutraceuticals (compounds from food that provide health benefits), and therapies such as biofeedback techniques and electrical stimulation for stress management.
• Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid disorders, adrenal dysfunction, and menopause symptoms. Rather than using solely medication, functional medicine typically targets nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and gut health to address these conditions.
• Metabolic conditions, like insulin resistance, prediabetes, and weight management challenges. Approaches focusing on functional foods and lifestyle modifications are a key part of functional medicine care for such conditions.
• Unexplained symptoms and conditions unresolved by traditional approaches that don't fit a clear diagnosis. Functional medicine practitioners typically investigate a variety of potential root causes, such as nutritional factors, stressors, and other lifestyle factors.

What to expect from a functional medicine provider

Visits with a functional medicine provider may feel very different from the care you're used to, as appointments tend to be longer and more collaborative, and involve more testing.

Initial consultation

The first visit can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours. The provider wants to understand you as a whole person. Expect a detailed discussion about your health history, lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep, stress), environmental exposures, family history, and health goals, as well as an advanced physical exam.

Comprehensive testing

The practitioner will order tests to gather the biomarkers and data needed to create your treatment plan. These may include:

• Exhaustive metabolic panels
• Inflammatory marker assessment
• Hormone testing (cortisol, thyroid, sex hormones)
• Stool analysis to assess gut health
• Nutritional assessments
• Food sensitivity and allergy tests 
• Heavy metal testing
• Genetic testing

Follow-up care

Functional medicine can be a bit of a commitment. Expect bimonthly, monthly, or quarterly appointments and ongoing monitoring. Along the way, functional medicine practitioners usually modify treatment protocols and track objective markers (like lab results) along with subjective symptom responses.

Collaborative approach

Instead of being given instructions to follow, be ready to actively participate in your care. Talk honestly about what is and isn't working, and know that you may be asked to track symptoms or maintain food diaries.

How much does it cost to see a functional medicine provider?

Functional medicine costs vary significantly based on location, practitioner credentials and expertise, and the practice's overhead. On average, expect to pay around $400-$500 per hour, with initial consultations ranging from $200 for a 30-minute visit to more than $400 for a 90-minute visit. Many practices offer packages or membership plans that include a set number of visits over time for a fixed price.

Additional costs include initial lab work ($600 to $800 or more, depending on the complexity of your health issues) and functional tests like stool testing, food sensitivity analysis, and hormone panels ($200 to $700 or more per test). Some practices charge a $100 intake fee for patient portal setup and administrative onboarding.

Do functional medicine providers accept health insurance?

Many functional medicine practices operate on a cash-based "fee-for-service" model rather than accepting health insurance. Other "hybrid" practices cover some services through insurance, while others remain out-of-pocket expenses. Functional medicine practices at large institutions and academic health centers are more likely to accept insurance.

The main reason most providers don't take insurance is that it's not financially sustainable. Functional medicine often dedicates up to two hours for new patient visits and 60 minutes or more for follow-ups versus traditional medicine's 15- to 20-minute appointments. This means seeing four to six patients daily versus 20 to 30.

Most times, insurance also only covers labs and tests it considers "medically necessary"---basically, not experimental, aligned with standard medical practice, and proven. Hence, you'll likely need to pay out of pocket for some of the extensive diagnostic testing by a functional medicine provider.

However, many practices can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Additionally, functional medicine services provided by licensed professionals are generally eligible for reimbursement with a flex spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). You may need a letter of medical necessity (LOMN) from your doctor, stating that the service is to treat or alleviate a specific medical condition. 

How to find a functional medicine provider

The functional medicine field is not uniformly regulated, so finding a qualified provider requires educating yourself on resources and qualifications. Consider the following tips:

1. Check their certification

Anyone can claim to be a "functional medicine doctor." Look for a provider with an FMCP credential. These include FMCP-M for MDs, DOs, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, and FMCP for health practitioners in qualified and specialized health disciplines. Either certification means they're an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner and have undergone training to gain the knowledge, expertise, and skills to apply functional medicine to care plans. There are other certifications that may not be as extensive or rigorous as IFM’s FMCP program, but still indicate that the provider has invested in learning the principles of functional medicine. Other reputable training programs include A4M’s Fellowship in Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, the Kalish Institute, and Functional Medicine University.

The IFM offers an online tool to find qualified practitioners. Alternatively, certified practitioners of integrative medicine, holistic medicine, root cause medicine, personalized medicine, or systems medicine fall under the umbrella of functional medicine. If additional qualifications are noted, be sure to verify them with the certifying institute. When locating a practitioner with IFM, you can view their profile and see the level of IFM training (to be listed as a practitioner, only the entry-level course is required); so those who have only taken one or two courses are listed in the online tool along with those who have attained the full certification.

2. See who they're affiliated with

If you're concerned about the cost, look for an MD, DO, NP, or PA affiliated with established integrative centers like the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, Osher Centers for Integrative Health, or the University of Arizona's Andrew Weil Center. These practitioners often incorporate functional approaches and accept insurance.

3. Look for specific language on their website

The way a provider speaks can clue you in to their approach to care. Look for things like:

• "Food as medicine"
• "Personalized medicine"
• "Mind-body connection"
• "Integrative care team"
• "Root cause approach"
• "Chronic disease management with lifestyle tools"
• "Whole-person care"

Additionally, functional medicine providers may talk about how they:

• Collaborate with other providers, such as registered dietitians, acupuncturists, and mind-body practitioners
• Emphasize patient education
• Use evidence-based, non-pharmacologic interventions, such as food-first approaches and mind-body practices
• Prioritize health issues through a personal, family, social, and medical history.

4. Watch for red flags

Be wary of functional medicine providers who:

• Order tests before seeing you
• Promise quick fixes or "guaranteed" cures
• Dismiss conventional medicine entirely
• Recommend unproven or expensive supplements
• Discourage you from seeing traditional doctors and other healthcare professionals

How to get the most from functional medicine

Functional medicine isn't for everyone, and it can take time to see or feel changes. For the best experience, go to your initial consultation prepared:

• Have clear goals: Are you looking for symptom relief, deeper lab insights, or a complete health transformation? Specific goals will help you gauge whether functional medicine is the right fit for you and set expectations with your provider.
• Do your research: Like many treatments, functional medicine therapies may have side effects, and some may not have strong scientific evidence. Seek providers who are transparent about scientific evidence support, ask questions, research, get second opinions, and know your comfort zone.
• Be patient: Results take time, and not every functional medicine treatment may work---it often involves trial and adjustments.

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