What Is a Functional Medicine Doctor and What Do They Do?

If you have heard the term functional medicine doctor, you may be wondering what that actually means. Patients often ask me whether functional medicine doctors use different tests, prescribe medications, recommend supplements, or approach health differently from their regular doctor. These are important questions because the term “functional medicine” is used broadly, and not every provider has the same training, license, or approach.

I am Dr. Sorina Simion-Rodgers, founder and Medical Director of Bionuu, a Functional Medicine Clinic in Denver. I have worked in medicine for decades, with a background in Family Medicine and Psychiatry and more than 20 years of experience in Integrative and Functional Medicine.

My Approach to Functional Medicine

For me,functional medicine is not about rejecting conventional medicine. I find that Functional and Integrative Medicine are sometimes viewed as being opposed to conventional, or allopathic, medicine. That is not how I practice.

Although Functional Medicine may take a different approach to understanding health and managing illness, I use conventional medicine when it is appropriate, and I value it for its undeniable contributions to human health. I believe the two approaches can complement each other.

Functional Medicine is about looking at the body as a whole, a unit of interconnected systems, rather than looking at one organ or one system at a time. It is also about looking at more of the patient’s story and understanding how different aspects of their health may be connected.

When someone comes to see me because they are tired, experiencing digestive problems or pain, struggling with their weight, noticing hormonal changes, or simply not feeling like themselves, I do not want to look at those symptoms in isolation. I want to understand when they started, how they have changed over time, how the person is sleeping, what medications and supplements they take, what their previous laboratory results show, what other health concerns they have, what their family history looks like, and whether anything significant changed before the symptoms appeared.

By looking at the whole picture, I can better understand the individual patient and determine what may need further evaluation. My goal is not to replace conventional medicine, but to bring together the information available to me and develop an individualized approach to the patient's health.

What Is a Functional Medicine Doctor?

A functional medicine doctor is a physician who uses functional medicine principles as part of medical care. The word “doctor” matters here because not everyone who practices functional medicine is a medical doctor.

Functional medicine education is available to different licensed healthcare professionals. A physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, dietitian, chiropractor, naturopathic doctor, or another licensed professional may receive functional medicine training. Their ability to diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, order certain tests, or provide specific types of care depends on their original professional license and the laws where they practice.

This is why I always recommend looking at a provider’s basic credentials first. Find out whether the person is a medical doctor, what degree and active license they hold, what their original medical training was, what additional functional medicine education they completed, and what si their experience.

What Does a Functional Medicine Doctor Do?

The simplest way I would describe my approach is this: I try to understand what may be contributing to a person’s health concerns rather than looking only at the symptom in front of me.

In practice, that means listening carefully to the patient’s health history, looking for meaningful patterns and connections, reviewing previous medical information and laboratory results, determining whether additional testing could provide useful information, and then developing a personalized care plan based on what we actually learn.

The process is intentionally detailed because each step provides context for the next. I do not want to begin with a predetermined conclusion and then try to make a patient’s symptoms fit that conclusion. I want to understand the full picture first and then use that information to determine the most appropriate approach to care.

I Start With Your Story

One of the most valuable things I can do as a physician is listen. That may sound simple, but patients often tell me that they have never had enough time to fully explain what they have been experiencing. A symptom rarely exists in isolation, so I want to understand the context surrounding it rather than reduce the visit to a single complaint.

If you tell me, for example, that you have been tired for the past year, I want to know more than simply that you have “fatigue.” I may ask when it started, whether it developed suddenly or gradually, whether you wake up feeling tired or lose energy later in the day, how well you sleep, whether your weight or appetite has changed, and whether you started any new medications around the same time.

I may also ask about snoring, changes in mood, digestive symptoms, menstrual changes when relevant, previous thyroid or blood sugar testing, iron or nutrient levels, recent illnesses, and any other changes that occurred before the fatigue began.

Each answer provides additional context, but I do not assume that there is one hidden cause behind everything. Fatigue can have many possible explanations, and sometimes several factors may be involved at the same time. The goal is to narrow down those possibilities and determine which ones actually make sense in your particular situation.

I Look at Your Health Timeline

I often find it helpful to look at a patient’s health history as a timeline. This allows me to see not only what is happening now, but also how their health has changed over time.

The timeline may include previous illnesses, surgeries, injuries, pregnancies when relevant, infections, medication changes, changes in weight, sleep or stress, previous diagnoses, environmental exposures or changes, family history, and earlier laboratory results.

The sequence of events can be important. For example, if digestive symptoms began after a major illness, sleep problems developed after a medication change, or fatigue became worse around the same time that other health markers were changing, I want to understand whether those events may be related.

A timeline does not mean that one event necessarily caused another. Instead, it helps me recognize patterns, identify possible connections, and determine which areas deserve further investigation. I believe functional medicine should encourage curiosity and careful investigation without making assumptions or jumping to conclusions

I Look at How Different Aspects of Health May Be Connected

The body is made up of different systems, but those systems do not function independently of one another. Sleep can affect appetite, mood, energy, and blood sugar. Stress can interfere with sleep. Medications can influence digestion, energy, sleep, or nutrient levels. Hormonal changes may affect sleep, mood, body composition, or energy, while pain can limit physical activity and indirectly affect strength, sleep, and metabolic health.

These relationships are one reason I do not want to look at a single symptom without considering the broader picture.

At the same time, I am careful not to assume that everything is related. The fact that a connection is possible does not mean that it is necessarily relevant to your health. If a symptom requires direct medical evaluation, that takes priority. A whole-person approach should add context to good medical care, not distract from it.

For example, if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, sudden neurological symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, or another medical emergency, the priority is appropriate emergency medical care. Functional medicine is not a replacement for emergency or conventional medical care.

I Review Your Previous Lab Results

I encourage patients to bring copies of their previous laboratory results whenever possible. I prefer to review the actual reports rather than rely on a message that simply says, “Everything was normal.” This allows me to see exactly what was tested, when the testing was done, what the results were, and whether there have been any meaningful changes over time.

Depending on your individual health concerns and medical history, I may review results such as:

• Complete blood count
• Blood sugar
• Hemoglobin A1C
• Cholesterol and other lipid markers
• Thyroid markers
• Liver function
• Kidney function
• Iron markers
• Nutrient levels when appropriate
• Hormone levels when appropriate
• Inflammatory markers when appropriate
• Other previous testing related to your health concerns

Laboratory results should not be interpreted in isolation. A single number rarely provides enough information on its own. I consider the results together with your symptoms, medical history, medications, physical examination when applicable, other test results, and the reason the testing was performed.

Looking at results over time can sometimes provide useful information and help identify meaningful patterns. However, a change from one test to another does not necessarily indicate that there is a medical problem.

“Normal” Lab Results Do Not Always End the Conversation

Patients sometimes come to me and say, “My lab results were normal, but I still don’t feel well.” I believe that deserves a thoughtful response.

Laboratory reference ranges provide important information, but a person’s health cannot always be understood simply by determining whether every result falls within the laboratory’s reference range. At the same time, I do not believe in telling patients that a normal result is somehow abnormal simply because they continue to have symptoms. Doing so can create unnecessary concern and lead to testing that may not provide useful information.

Instead, I consider whether the appropriate tests were performed, whether enough information was collected, whether any results have changed significantly over time, and whether the laboratory findings are consistent with the person’s symptoms and medical history.

I also consider whether there may be another medical explanation for the symptoms and whether additional testing is likely to provide useful answers. Sometimes additional testing is appropriate. Sometimes it is not.

I Decide Whether Additional Testing Is Actually Useful

Functional medicine has developed a reputation for ordering numerous specialized tests, but that is not how I believe testing should be approached.

I do not believe that every patient needs every available panel. Testing should help answer a specific clinical question. Before recommending a test, I want to understand what information it may provide and whether the results could reasonably influence what we do next.

At Bionuu, testing is selected on an individual basis as part of our integrative and functional medicine approach. Depending on a person’s medical history, symptoms, and individual needs, this may include standard blood work, hormone testing, nutritional and metabolic markers, toxicology testing, evaluation of gut health, genetic testing, or other specialized tests.

Not everyone needs all of these tests. Sometimes the most useful information is already available in a patient’s previous medical records. I would rather use a recent and relevant result than repeat a test simply because a patient has come to a functional medicine clinic.

Thoughtful testing is part of personalized medical care. Automatic testing is not.

I Look at Medications and Supplements Together

I ask patients to provide a complete list of everything they are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, powders, gummies, hormones, and other supplements. The dose of each product and how often it is taken are also important.

Patients sometimes tell me about their prescription medications but forget to mention supplements because they think of them differently. From a medical perspective, I need to know about both.

Supplements can interact with medications, cause side effects, affect laboratory results, or contain ingredients that are also present in other products a patient is already taking. Reviewing everything together helps me understand the complete picture and identify potential concerns or unnecessary duplication.

I also do not believe that taking more supplements automatically means receiving better functional medicine care. Sometimes adding a supplement may be appropriate, while at other times, simplifying what a person is already taking makes more sense.

I Ask About Nutrition, but I Do Not Recommend the Same Diet for Everyone

Nutrition is an important part of health, but there is no single “functional medicine diet.” I do not believe that every person needs to avoid the same foods or follow the latest restrictive eating plan.

I ask patients about what they actually eat because understanding their usual eating habits is more useful than hearing an idealized version of what they think they should be eating. I may ask whether they skip meals, whether they are getting enough protein and fiber, how much water they drink, whether certain foods consistently make their symptoms worse, whether their appetite has changed, and whether there are medical conditions that affect what they can safely eat.

From there, I can make general nutrition recommendations based on medical history, symptoms, health goals, and laboratory information.

This is different from creating a formal diet plan. In many cases, a few practical changes that a person can realistically maintain are more useful than a complicated set of dietary rules.

I Ask About Sleep Because It Can Affect Many Aspects of Health

If you are not sleeping well, I want to understand what that actually means for you. Sleep problems can take many different forms, and the details are important.

I may ask what time you go to bed, how long it takes you to fall asleep, whether you wake up during the night or earlier than intended, whether you snore, whether you feel rested in the morning, and whether you experience sleepiness during the day. I may also ask whether you use alcohol, medications, or supplements to help you sleep.

Poor sleep can affect energy, mood, appetite, concentration, blood sugar, stress levels, and many other aspects of health. However, I do not want to simply tell a tired patient to “get more sleep” without first understanding the problem.

If someone appears to be getting enough hours of sleep but still wakes up feeling exhausted, that changes the questions I need to ask. It may indicate that the quality of sleep is poor or that another issue deserves further evaluation.

I Ask About Stress Without Blaming Everything on Stress

Stress can have an important effect on health, but telling someone “you’re stressed” should never be a reason to stop investigating a genuine health concern.

I ask about stress because mental and physical health are closely connected, something my background in psychiatry has made especially clear to me. Physical health can affect mental well-being, just as mental and emotional health can affect physical well-being. However, that does not mean that every physical symptom has a psychological explanation.

Patients deserve to have both possibilities taken seriously.

If a health concern requires medical testing or further medical evaluation, it deserves appropriate attention. At the same time, if sleep problems, anxiety, grief, work-related stress, or other circumstances may be affecting a person’s health, those factors deserve attention as well.

I Consider Your Environment and Daily Life

Your health is influenced by more than what happens in a medical office. Your home and work environment, level of physical activity, smoking or alcohol use, sleep schedule, daily routines, and possible environmental or workplace exposures can all provide important information when they are relevant to your health concerns.

Not every patient needs an extensive evaluation of environmental exposures, and I do not ask these questions simply to make the evaluation more complicated.

I explore these areas when a patient’s symptoms, medical history, or circumstances suggest that they may be relevant.

I Look for Priorities, Not Just Problems

When people have been dealing with health concerns for a long time, they may come to me with a long list of symptoms and questions.

Trying to address everything at once can quickly become overwhelming. Instead, I prefer to identify which concerns are most important and decide what should be addressed first.

For one person, improving sleep may be the immediate priority. For another, it may be low energy, digestive symptoms, or changes in several health markers even though they generally feel well.

Identifying priorities helps us create a plan that is focused, realistic, and manageable rather than trying to change everything at once.

Once we have identified the priorities, the plan becomes easier to understand and follow.

At Bionuu, I generally begin by focusing on a few important areas and introduce additional recommendations over time when appropriate, rather than asking someone to change every aspect of their life at once.

What Might a Functional Medicine Care Plan Include?

There is no single functional medicine care plan that I recommend to everyone. Your plan depends on what we learn from your evaluation and what is most relevant to your individual health needs.

It may include:

• General nutrition recommendations
• Sleep recommendations
• Physical activity goals
• Stress-management strategies
• Laboratory testing
• Follow-up laboratory monitoring
• Supplements when appropriate
• Medications when appropriate
• Changes to existing medications when medically appropriate
• In-clinic services when appropriate
• More focused protocols for specific health concerns
• A recommendation to see another medical professional or specialist when needed

An important part of the care plan is understanding why something is being recommended.

I want my patients to understand what we are focusing on, why it matters, where they should begin, what changes or possible side effects they should watch for, and when we should evaluate their progress again.

In my opinion and experience, this is much more useful than leaving a medical visit with a long list of instructions without understanding their purpose.

Is Functional Medicine the Same as Holistic or Integrative Medicine?

The terms functional medicine, integrative medicine, and holistic medicine are often used together and, in everyday conversation, are sometimes used interchangeably because there is considerable overlap among them. All three approaches may look at the patient as a whole rather than focusing only on an isolated symptom or organ system. They may consider medical history, nutrition, lifestyle, sleep, stress, environmental factors, and the ways different aspects of health may influence one another. Functional, integrative, and holistic approaches can also include conventional, or allopathic, medical evaluation and treatment when appropriate.

The differences are mainly in emphasis rather than strict boundaries. Functional medicine often places particular emphasis on identifying and understanding factors that may be contributing to a health problem. Integrative medicine emphasizes combining conventional medical care with other appropriate complementary approaches, while holistic medicine is a broader term that reflects the philosophy of considering the whole person rather than treating one symptom or body system in isolation.

In my practice at Bionuu, I use all three approaches, functional, integrative, and holistic medicine, because I believe they complement one another. I look at the patient as a whole, explore the different factors that may be influencing their health, and use conventional medical evaluation and treatment as well as other appropriate approaches when they may be helpful. I do not see these as competing forms of medicine, but as different and often overlapping ways of providing individualized patient care.

Is a Functional Medicine Doctor a “Real” Doctor?

Yes, if the person is an MD or DO with an active medical license.

The term “functional medicine doctor” generally describes a physician who incorporates a functional medicine approach into patient care. It does not replace or change the physician’s medical degree, training, or licensure.

It is important, however, to understand the difference between a functional medicine doctor and a functional medicine provider. The term “provider” may be used by professionals with very different types of education, training, and licensure. Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals may receive education or training in functional medicine, but their qualifications and legal scope of practice are not the same.

For example, not every functional medicine provider is legally authorized to diagnose medical conditions, order certain tests, or prescribe medications. These abilities depend on the professional’s license and the laws of the state in which they practice.

For this reason, I encourage patients to look at a practitioner’s actual professional credentials, education, and licensure, rather than relying only on terms such as “functional medicine doctor” or “functional medicine provider” on a website.

What Is the Difference Between a Functional Medicine Doctor and a “Regular” Doctor?

I do not particularly like placing functional medicine doctors and “regular doctors” on opposite sides because, in many cases, they are not two different types of doctors.

I am a medical doctor, and my conventional medical education and training are an essential part of how I practice medicine every day. Practicing functional medicine does not replace or erase that training. Instead, it adds another way of gathering, organizing, and interpreting information about the person in front of me.

A conventional medical evaluation may focus on questions such as whether a patient has diabetes, whether an infection is bacterial, whether chest pain requires urgent testing, or whether a particular medication is appropriate. These are important medical questions, and functional medicine does not eliminate the need to ask them.

A functional medicine approach may add another layer to the evaluation. I may ask what was happening before the symptoms began, whether several health concerns developed around the same time, whether sleep, medications, metabolic health, nutrition, stress, hormones, or other factors may be contributing, and whether previous laboratory results provide useful information.

These are not competing approaches or separate sets of medical questions. They can complement one another. Which questions need to be asked, and how much emphasis should be placed on each approach, depends on the individual patient and the reason they are seeking care.

Does Functional Medicine Mean “Finding the Root Cause”?

You will often hear the phrase “root cause” used in functional medicine. I use it as well, but I think it is important to explain what I mean by it.

The phrase can give the impression that every health problem has one hidden cause and that, once we discover it, everything else will resolve. Human health and biology are rarely that simple. A person may have several factors contributing to a health problem at the same time.

For example, fatigue may be related to poor sleep, iron deficiency, medication side effects, thyroid problems, stress, changes in blood sugar, an infection, another medical condition, or a combination of several factors.

So, when I talk about looking for a root cause, I am not promising that there is one single explanation or a “magic answer.” I mean that I want to understand why a symptom or health problem may be occurring, what factors may be contributing to it, what has already been ruled out, and what additional information we may need.

The goal is to look beyond the symptom itself when appropriate, while remaining open to the possibility that there may be more than one explanation.

Do Functional Medicine Doctors Prescribe Medication?

Yes. A licensed physician who practices functional medicine can prescribe medications within the scope of their medical license.

Functional medicine does not mean “no medication.” There are many situations in which medication is appropriate, necessary, and an important part of medical care. In other situations, lifestyle changes, monitoring, supplements, or other approaches may also be appropriate, either alone or together with conventional treatment.

My goal is not to choose a treatment simply because it is considered “natural” or “medical.” Natural does not automatically mean safe, and prescription medication does not automatically mean it should be avoided.

Each option should be considered based on why it is being recommended, the available evidence, its potential benefits and risks, possible interactions with other treatments, and the individual patient’s medical history and circumstances.

Do Functional Medicine Doctors Use Supplements?

Yes, supplements can be part of functional medicine, but I do not believe that taking more supplements necessarily means receiving better care.

There should be a clear reason for recommending a supplement. Sometimes laboratory results, medical history, symptoms, or nutritional needs may indicate that a particular supplement is appropriate. In other cases, I may review what a patient is already taking and find that some products are unnecessary or may duplicate ingredients found in other supplements.

I want patients to understand that supplements contain active substances and are not automatically safe simply because they are available without a prescription. They can interact with medications, cause side effects, and may not be appropriate for everyone.

For this reason, it is important that your healthcare professionals know which supplements you are taking, including the dose and how often you take them.

Do Functional Medicine Doctors Order Specialized Tests?

Sometimes, but not every patient needs specialized testing.

At Bionuu, testing is selected based on each patient’s individual needs. Standard laboratory testing is often useful, while more specialized tests may be considered when they can provide information that is relevant to a patient’s symptoms, medical history, or treatment plan.

I do not believe in ordering tests simply because they are available. There should be a clear reason for ordering a test and an understanding of how the results may affect the next steps in a patient’s care.

One useful question for any patient to ask is, “What will we do differently depending on the result?”

A healthcare professional should be able to explain why a test is being recommended, what information it may provide, and how that information may be useful in making decisions about your care.

Who Might Consider Seeing a Functional Medicine Doctor?

People seek functional medicine care for many different reasons.

Some have a long-term health concern and are looking for a more detailed evaluation. Others may have several symptoms that do not fit neatly into one category, or they may have already seen other healthcare professionals and still have unanswered questions.

Some people feel generally well but want to better understand or improve areas such as metabolic health, hormonal health, nutrition, healthy aging, or long-term wellness. For example, some patients come to Bionuu for a more individualized approach to weight and metabolic health.

At Bionuu, I commonly work with adults seeking help with fatigue and low energy, metabolic and hormonal health, digestive concerns, weight management, sleep, blood sugar, cardiovascular risk factors, chronic health concerns, long-term wellness, healthy aging, and integrative cancer support.

The reasons for seeking functional medicine care can be very different from one person to another, which is why the evaluation and approach should be individualized.

What Functional Medicine Should Never Promise

I believe that discussing the limitations of functional medicine is an important part of practicing responsibly.

Functional medicine should not promise miracles or guarantee specific outcomes. I would be cautious about anyone who claims that every symptom has the same hidden cause, suggests that other doctors have simply missed the “real” problem, recommends expensive testing before taking a thorough medical history, advises you to stop medications without appropriate medical guidance, or claims that a supplement cannot cause harm simply because it is natural.

Good medical care includes recognizing that there is sometimes uncertainty. Sometimes the answer is clear. Sometimes I may have a strong suspicion that needs further evaluation or testing. At other times, we simply do not have enough information yet to know the answer.

There are also situations in which another physician or healthcare professional may be better suited to evaluate or treat a particular problem.

Patients deserve an honest explanation of what we know, what we do not yet know, and what the appropriate next steps may be, not certainty when the available information does not support it.

How Do I Know if a Functional Medicine Doctor Is Qualified?

When choosing a functional medicine practitioner, I recommend looking at the person’s professional credentials first and functional medicine training second.

Start by looking at their original professional degree and current license. Find out whether the person is an MD, DO, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, dietitian, chiropractor, naturopathic doctor, or another type of healthcare professional. These credentials represent different levels and types of education, training, and scope of practice.

Then consider their medical or professional background and any additional education or training they have received in functional medicine.

It can also be helpful to ask how they decide which tests are appropriate, whether they are licensed to prescribe medications, what they do when a health concern falls outside their scope of practice, and whether they can clearly explain the reasons behind their recommendations.

A qualified and responsible practitioner should be able to explain both what they can provide and when another healthcare professional or specialist may be more appropriate.

What Does My Functional Medicine Process Look Like at Bionuu?

When someone comes to see me at Bionuu, I begin by listening to their story.

I review their current health concerns, medical history, medications, supplements, previous testing, family history, lifestyle, and health goals. The initial physician consultation is approximately 60 minutes, which gives us time to review this information in detail and identify the concerns and questions that should receive the most attention.

However, the time I spend on an initial evaluation extends well beyond the time we spend together during the consultation. In reality, an initial evaluation often involves closer to three hours of physician time. This includes reviewing medical records and previous laboratory results, researching relevant medical information when needed, evaluating treatment and supplement options, selecting appropriate supplements and manufacturers when supplements are recommended, and developing an individualized treatment plan based on all of the information gathered during the evaluation.

Depending on the complexity of the case, I may also need to request and review additional medical records, communicate with laboratories or specialized testing companies, clarify test results or testing requirements, and communicate with the patient or other healthcare professionals involved in their care. Some cases require considerably more work behind the scenes than others.

Patients who would like to learn more about the options available at the clinic can also review our functional and integrative medicine services.

From there, I determine what information we already have and what may still be needed. Testing is selected on an individual basis and may include standard laboratory work or more specialized testing when appropriate.

I then use the information we have gathered to develop an individualized care plan based on the patient’s needs and priorities rather than following the same protocol for everyone.

The plan may include general nutrition recommendations, supplements, medications when appropriate, laboratory monitoring, lifestyle changes, and other services available at Bionuu when they are appropriate for the individual patient.

We continue to evaluate progress through follow-up visits and laboratory monitoring when needed. The care plan can then be adjusted based on the patient’s response, new information, and changes in their health rather than assuming that the initial plan should remain unchanged.

My View After More Than 20 Years in Integrative and Functional Medicine

Medicine has changed enormously during my career. New tests and treatments have become available, research continues to change our understanding of health and disease, and health trends come and go.

One thing has not changed: the patient in front of me is more than a single symptom.

I value conventional medicine and the important role it plays in diagnosing and treating disease, managing medications, responding to emergencies, and addressing serious medical conditions. My conventional medical training remains an essential part of how I practice medicine.

Integrative, functional, and holistic medicine allow me to add another perspective. They encourage me to look at the person as a whole, spend time understanding what may be contributing to a health concern, consider what has changed over time, identify what can realistically be improved, and explore whether different aspects of a person’s health may be influencing one another.

For me, these approaches are not in opposition to conventional medicine. I use conventional, functional, integrative, and holistic principles together, choosing what is appropriate based on the individual patient and their particular circumstances.

Ultimately, I do not believe good medical care should be defined by one label. It should be based on careful evaluation, thoughtful medical judgment, and an individualized approach that makes sense for the person in front of me.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Functional Medicine Doctor?

A functional medicine doctor is a licensed physician who incorporates functional medicine principles into medical care. In addition to evaluating your current health concerns, the physician considers your medical history, lifestyle, medications and supplements, laboratory results, sleep, nutrition, stress, and other factors that may be relevant to your health.

The goal is to understand the broader picture of your health and identify factors that may be contributing to your concerns rather than looking at each symptom in isolation.

What Does a Functional Medicine Doctor Do?

A functional medicine doctor takes a detailed medical history, reviews previous laboratory results and other testing, evaluates symptoms and possible contributing factors, and orders additional tests when appropriate. The physician then uses this information to develop an individualized care plan based on the patient’s health concerns, medical history, and priorities.

The specific evaluation and treatment approach will vary depending on each patient’s individual needs.

Is a functional medicine provider always a doctor?

No. “Functional medicine provider” is a broader term. Different licensed healthcare professionals can receive functional medicine training, so always check the person’s original degree, license, and scope of practice.

Can a functional medicine doctor prescribe medication?

Yes. A licensed physician practicing functional medicine can prescribe medications within the scope of their medical license when medically appropriate.

Does Functional Medicine Only Use Natural Approaches?

No. Functional medicine is not limited to natural approaches. Depending on the individual patient’s needs, it may include prescription medications, supplements, lifestyle and nutrition recommendations, standard laboratory testing, specialized testing, and other appropriate forms of medical care.

Do Functional Medicine Doctors Recommend Supplements?

They may. Supplements can be appropriate and useful in certain situations, but there should be a clear reason for recommending them. Because supplements can cause side effects and interact with medications or other supplements, patients should make sure their healthcare professionals know everything they are taking.

Does Everyone Need Functional Medicine Testing?

No. I believe testing should be selected based on each person’s symptoms, medical history, previous test results, and the specific questions we are trying to answer. Additional or specialized testing should be recommended when it is likely to provide useful information or help guide care.

More testing only means better care when warranted by the clinical situation.

Does Functional Medicine Replace My Primary Care Doctor?

No. Functional medicine does not replace the role of a primary care physician or other specialists when their care is needed. It can be used alongside conventional medical care as part of a broader approach to your health.

It is important to keep all of your healthcare professionals informed about the medications, supplements, testing, treatments, and other recommendations you are following.

How Do I Choose a Functional Medicine Doctor?

Start by reviewing the physician’s medical degree, training, and active medical license. Then consider their functional medicine education, clinical experience, approach to testing and treatment, and whether they clearly explain the reasons behind their recommendations.

A Final Thought

If there is one thing I want people to understand about functional medicine, it is that it is not about doing more simply for the sake of doing more.

It is not about ordering the largest number of tests, recommending numerous supplements, or assuming that every symptom can be traced back to a single hidden cause.

For me, functional medicine is about taking the time to understand the person as a whole, asking the right questions, using testing thoughtfully, and making recommendations based on what we actually learn.

The value of this approach is not in how complicated a treatment plan appears, but in the quality of the medical thinking behind it and how relevant the recommendations are to the individual patient.

If you are looking for functional medicine in Denver, you can learn more about our approach at Bionuu Clinic or request a consultation.

You can also read more about my background and medical training.