Functional Medicine in West Knoxville

glass supplements Are you tired of seeing doctor after doctor and not getting answers to your health concerns, but only prescriptions? At Volunteer Chiropractic, Dr. Dan offers functional medicine to address a wide range of health issues naturally.

“We want our practice to be a resource for people who want to feel better and live a full life if they can,” said Dr. Dan. Through functional medicine (FM), we can help patients explore more about what’s going on with their health, and try to get them back to a healthier way of life.

What Is Functional Medicine?

While conventional medicine focuses on symptom management, functional medicine seeks to identify the root cause of a disease. This patient-centered approach to disease management is completely natural and effective.

Conditions It Can Address

Here are some of the many health issues FM can address:

Adrenal disorders
Arthritis
Autoimmune disease
Diabetes
Food allergies

GI issues
High cholesterol
Thyroid disorders
Women’s health issues

What to Expect

Paperwork

First, we will have you complete a lengthy intake form that asks many detailed questions about your entire health history back to childhood. After you send the paperwork to us, we will schedule an appointment.

One-on-one meeting with Dr. Dan

Please allow at least an hour for your appointment with Dr. Dan. He will perform an exam and decide from there what labs should be ordered. He’ll determine if you’ll need any of the following:

Blood work
A urinalysis
A stool test
Genetic testing (using a cheek swab)

Identifying the proper supplements

Dr. Dan can send your blood work to a company that analyzes the lab work. That company will then take your results and recommend the proper supplements that you need for your condition.

He prefers to use Standard Process because they’ve been around since 1929 and control all the products they put out. Moreover, the supplements are all food sourced and grown in the company’s fields. There are other companies he likes to use as well and he will make recommendations based on what testing shows and strategizing a plan for you.

Functional Medicine FAQ

How does functional medicine differ from conventional medicine?

FM focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases, offering personalized health care, and spending more time with patients to understand their unique medical histories, genetics, and environments. It contrasts with conventional medicine, which often concentrates on symptom management and has shorter patient consultations due to insurance and time constraints.

As an FM patient at Volunteer Chiropractic, we will educate you to better understand your body and how it works so that you can make informed choices about your health, diet, and lifestyle. This is another way functional medicine is different than conventional medicine. We will also regularly check your vitals and chart your progress, answer any questions you may have, or offer support or suggestions as you improve your health.

Does insurance cover this service?

No, FM visits are not currently covered by insurance. There are currently no established CPT codes for billing these types of visits. Patients receive a receipt for their visits but are responsible for any submission to HSA/FSA plans, which may or may not accept them.

Why is functional medicine expensive?

FM can be initially more expensive due to extensive lab testing and the cost of health supplements. It focuses on preventing long-term health issues and the potential of more expensive treatments associated with conventional medicine. The approach includes comprehensive testing and providing the body with the nutrients it needs for proper function, potentially saving on future medical expenses.

Do I have to purchase nutraceuticals from your office?

No, it’s not mandatory to buy nutraceuticals from our office. However, Dr. Dan recommends specific brands and dosages that are usually only available through a specific company or a holistic pharmacy. If you choose to buy them elsewhere, you must bring them to our office for verification before receiving dosage recommendations.

Will I need to stay on supplements for life?

This is a personal choice. Many patients opt to continue taking supplements, which may help them maintain their improved health. This requires monthly visits for monitoring. However, continuing with functional medicine care after reaching optimal health is optional, and a patient is free to return in the future if needed. If they do so, however, they would need to reapply to become an FM patient at the clinic.

Where did Dr. Dan receive his education in this area?

He earned his certification, CFMP, from Functional Medicine University®.

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