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What is Functional Medicine?

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine harnesses the advantages of modern science and the power of traditional, natural forms of medicine to treat the whole person.

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How Does Functional Medicine Work?

Rather than simply addressing symptoms, functional medicine focuses on treating the whole person. Your doctor will work with you directly to identify and help correct the underlying cause of your symptoms.  

By emphasizing natural modalities — including nutrition, lifestyle counseling, hormone therapy and IV injections — our naturopathic doctors empower you to play an active role in your health. By helping you optimize your immune system, our doctors help stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself and fight off unwanted illnesses. 

A diagnosis often includes laboratory testing to identify any existing deficiencies. We’ll also take a close look at your medical history and that of your family. Our doctors will learn about your home environment and any outside stressors that could be impacting your health.

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Where Can I Find a Functional Medicine Doctor Near Me?

Our team of functional medicine doctors sees patients in person at our Santa Rosa clinic, conveniently located in the heart of Sonoma County. But not all health issues require an in-person visit. We can diagnose and treat a wide variety of minor illnesses virtually.

Virtual visits are available to any patient currently in California. These visits can be managed entirely via zoom or can be paired with in-person visits — allowing you the flexibility to schedule appointments when you want them and where you want them.

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Does Functional Medicine Mean You Can’t See a Traditional Doctor?

Absolutely not. Functional medicine does not discount traditional western medical sciences. Rather, it works with conventional medicine, allowing patients to access a full range of treatment protocols. 

The doctors at Premier Integrative can work with your other healthcare providers to create the best possible treatment plan for your wellbeing.

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Can Functional Medicine Doctors Prescribe Medicine?

Functional medicine doctors are more commonly known as naturopathic doctors. During their four-year, science-based medical education, these naturopathic doctors (NDs) receive rigorous training in pharmaceutical drugs. As an ND, they can prescribe medications when allowed by state regulations. 

However, NDs don’t typically prescribe drugs at the first sign of discomfort. Rather, they are committed to identifying and treating the underlying cause of your symptoms — promoting your long-term health.

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Is Functional Medicine Covered by Insurance?

Some insurance plans cover functional medical treatments. Our clinic will work with you to acquire and submit any documentation you need to request reimbursement from your insurance.

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Will Functional Medicine Help Me Lose Weight?

Functional medicine can help you lose weight fast and keep it off. By working with you to optimize your overall well-being, our doctors help you achieve your short-term and long-term health goals. 

Throughout the course of any treatment, you may experience weight loss as your health improves. We also offer a medically supervised weight loss program which many patients have found helps them lose weight fast and keep it off.

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Can a Functional Medicine Doctor Near Me Help with High Blood Pressure?

Yes. Functional medicine can help you naturally address high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be a result of a variety of issues, including vitamin deficiencies, lifestyle choices, and external stress. 

Premier Integrative's doctors can help you optimize your nutrient levels. Together, we can identify any lifestyle modifications that could boost your overall well-being. 

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Will Functional Medicine Help You Feel Better Right Away?

Depending on the treatment, some patients report feeling better in as little as five minutes. However, functional medicine isn’t a band-aid solution. We don’t just treat your symptoms by masking them. 

Rather, we work to identify and correct the root cause of your symptoms — a process that can take time.

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Do You Treat Children?

Yes. We’re a family-friendly clinic that can treat your entire household. In addition to child well visits, Premier Integrative offers vaccine counseling. 

Furthermore, we can help you develop post-vaccination treatment strategies that help you harness the natural benefits of functional medicine.

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Can Functional Medicine Offer an Alternative to a Flu Shot?

The conventional medical advice in North America is to get a flu shot once a year. For patients who would like a natural alternative, we can help you harness the healing power of nature. 

Naturally boosting your immune system, we can reduce your chance of catching the flu. And in the event that you do catch the flu, we offer natural treatment protocols to supercharge your recovery.