Functional medicine has caught on with its clients mainly because they want more specific ways to achieve wellness rather than just alleviating symptoms of illness. But one common aspect that raises concern is the cost.
This blog addresses some of the costs without prejudice to functional medicine such as consultations, tests undertaken, and possible returns on investments in the long run. Whether it is functional medicine to deal with chronic health challenges, or considering functional medicine as a service for wellness, there is a need to familiarize ourselves with the financials.
What is the Average Cost of Functional Medicine Consultations?
The average cost of functional medicine consultations typically ranges from $200 to $600 per visit, depending on various factors. This amount depicts the amount of time and focus per patient as it is typical of functional medicine practitioners to devote more time than an average physician assessing one health.
The first evaluative consult often lasts from one hour to one and a half hours. It consists of health profiling and demographic information a functional doctor wishes to know. Subsequent visits are shorter, but they are also focused visits, unlike the conventional clinic visits which constitute mostly waiting and consultations with doctors.
Furthermore, these costs may also depend on other factors, including, but not limited to, the practitioner’s skill level, the region’s rate, and your health conditions’ specifications. Functional medicine entails the inclusion of specialized laboratory diagnostics during treatment plans, which increases the demand for functional medicine out-of-pocket expenses.
Are Functional Medicine Lab Tests Covered by Insurance?
Most functional medicine lab tests are not covered by insurance, leading patients to pay out-of-pocket for these specialized diagnostics.
Functional medicine focuses on providing treatment strategies that are customized to each particular patient. These treatment strategies often include some advanced diagnostic testing procedures that standard health care plans do not normally cover. Such tests may include hormone level benchmark tests, gut micro-flora tests, and tests to determine overall nutrition status to name but a few, and these tests may cost as little as $100 and at most $3,000.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this. Some insurance will pay for some of the basic tests if they are medically proven essential by the physician recommended. It is always beneficial to speak to one’s provider regarding what is on the list. This being said, many patients feel that the cost of these tests is well justified in saving them from future complications, as they are more in line with their actual health status and changes.
How Do Functional Medicine Costs Compare to Conventional Healthcare?
Functional medicine tends to have higher upfront costs than conventional healthcare, but it can potentially save money in the long run. This is because the treatments tend to be catered toward the individual and a lot of time is taken when assessing each patient by the practitioners. However, over time, it can result in savings. It is a medical approach that works on the prevention of, rather than cure of diseases, thus reducing repeat cases, medications, or surgeries in the future.
For instance, a person with severe digestive problems may spend years and thousands of dollars attempting to alleviate symptoms through mainstream medicine, when functional medicine would address the problem at its source to restore health and reduce costs associated with health care down the line. If we consider the long-term effects, functional medicine will prove to be useful for there will be fewer medical expenses that people will incur.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Functional Medicine Treatments?
Several factors influence the cost of functional medicine treatments, including the practitioner’s expertise, the complexity of the health issue, diagnostic tests, and geographic location.
One of the biggest cost-driving factors is practitioner expertise. More experienced or more requisitioned practitioners charge higher rates. Some contributions come also from the type of disease since more advanced or chronic ones are usually more expensive as they entail more tests and longer therapy duration.
Functional medicine goes beyond the limits of conventional healthcare; therefore, diagnostic tests will incur higher costs as they will be more specialized and advanced. On top of that, the geographical incidence of practice also matters on the pricing whereby those in urban areas charge more than their rural counterparts. Such supplementation, as well as treatment and therapy on an individual basis may be additional costs depending on what was required of you.
Is Functional Medicine a Cost-Effective Solution for Chronic Illnesses?
Functional medicine can be a cost-effective solution for chronic illnesses, especially when viewed as a long-term investment in health.
The first payment for stool analysis, physician/treatment, supplementation costs, and other advisable fees may be expensive but thankfully are the last. Functional medicine focuses more on the prospective health rather than-out-of-pocket money for treatment by searching the causes of chronic diseases like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, chronic fatigue, etc. These measures help to resolve health issues in a better way, thus minimizing the prospects of chronic medication as well as doctor and emergency visits.
For instance, a patient suffering from an autoimmune disease and adopting a functional medicine approach may not have as many flare-ups and complications as before which can save a lot of health care costs over a certain period of time. In the long term, this holistic healing practice will enable you to save your money as it encourages better health outcomes.
How Much Do Functional Medicine Supplements Typically Cost?
Functional medicine supplements can range from $20 to $100 per bottle, depending on the quality, brand, and specific formulation. Some functional medicine practitioners have been known to integrate specific supplements as part of their treatment regimens. The price for these supplements is very dependent on the manufacturer, the type of suitable medicine and how much of it is to be consumed. Pharmaceutical supplements are known to generally cost more due to their production standards but their effectiveness and safety outweigh the expenses.
Patients may require more than one single supplementation which tends to increase patients’ average cost per month. Due to the varying functional medicine practices, some of them will involve the use of supplements for a long period which of course increases the cost. By putting in all the efforts to balance the body the need for supplementation forever may not be necessary.
Does Functional Medicine Offer Financing or Payment Plans?
Many functional medicine practitioners offer financing payment plans or options to make treatment more affordable.
Because of the high initial costs associated with functional medicine, certain clinics offer a variety of payment methods to help patients access treatment. These plans allow the patients to ease the burden of the payment of consultation, lab tests, supplements, and other services by paying for them gradually instead of in one installation.
Consider also asking for any information regarding interest-free payment plans or financing through CareCredit and the like. Such options help people most especially working class people with busy schedules to seek out practices thereby not allowing finances to dictate the level of care, sickness, or wellness. It is always wise to check with the clinic on what options are available.
Conclusion
Functional medicine is a strategy that needs considerable preparation since the search for a solution to a health challenge is in itself an investment in the long-term health of the patient. Though the costs of first-time appointments along with lab tests and treatment can be high, many patients feel that the costs are just a fraction of the return, especially when dealing with chronic illnesses or other health complications that may surface in the future. Given the options for payment in installments as well as the expected savings over a long period of time, It is prudent to seek the recommended and initial comprehensive and personalized medical care that is functional medicine.
Having understood the financial scope of functional medicine, one is in a position to plan his or her health as a worthwhile investment and pursue good health.
