Frequently Asked Questions
Browse the questions below to find answers to common questions about functional medicine and The Lyday Center. If you don't see an answer to your question, contact us.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that is focused on looking at the function of entire body systems to identify the root cause of an illness. Functional medicine doctors use a variety of conventional medical diagnostics and complementary techniques to diagnose and treat illness. At The Lyday Center, we look at your physical and mental health as well as your genetics, life stage, environment, prescriptions, and exposure to toxins to develop a complete picture of your health. Treatment focuses on removing toxins and building up the immune system to allow the body to take care of itself naturally. Functional medicine is particularly beneficial for treating chronic illnesses that don't respond to conventional medical treatment.
Do you take insurance?
No, but some tests may be covered by your health insurance policy. Functional testing is not covered by insurance. This includes mold urine testing, stool studies, hormone testing, nutritional testing, and food sensitivity testing.
What is covered?
Basic lab work is usually covered by major insurance providers. Prescriptions that are sent to conventional pharmacies are usually covered by insurance. Anything sent to a compounded pharmacy is not usually covered. All patients will receive a visit summary after their appointment, which can be submitted to insurance for possible reimbursement.
Patients should always check coverage with their health insurance provider for an accurate understanding of what services are covered.
How do I access my test results?
Test results are available online through our private, patient portal. You can also use the portal to communicate with the center. This is the easiest and fastest way to facilitate communication.
How long for the initial visit?
Plan to spend approximately 90 minutes at your first visit. Since functional medicine looks at the whole body and your overall health, we have a lot to cover! Subsequent visits will be shorter.
What does treatment look like after the first visit?
Treatment plans depend on the nature of the illness. If this is your first time with a functional medicine practitioner, you may require frequent visits in order to get to the bottom of what is causing your symptoms.
How do tele-visits work?
Tele-visits are a simple and easy way to access care. The video link is integrated into the health system for ease of use and can be used on any device that gets internet access. All you need is access to the internet.
How do you deliver treatment services?
The first appointment is an information-gathering session where we try to develop a true picture of what is going on in your body. After the first appointment, labs will be ordered and subsequently reviewed at the follow up appointment. Follow up appointments are typically 6 weeks after the first appointment, depending on how quickly test results arrive. Using the test results as a blueprint, we will work together to determine a follow up plan.
How long will I need to see you?
The treatment period depends upon the nature and length of your symptoms. In general, expect to spend two to three months together for every year you have been ill.
Am I going to be taking a ton of supplements forever?
The type of supplements prescribed and how long you take them for is individual to every patient. It depends on your level of health, the condition being treated, and your continued exposure to toxins and triggers. After recovering from their acute illness, many patients maintain their health with just two or three supplements a day.
How does functional medicine integrate with conventional medical care? Can I still see my primary care physician and specialists?
Functional medicine supports conventional medical care and the two can work in tandem to help you live your healthiest life. Many patients choose to continue their conventional treatment while at the same work with a functional medicine physician to develop healthy lifestyle habits, boost their immune systems, and improve their overall health and wellness.
Do you have a physical location?
At this time The Lyday Center is virtual, serving patients across the world. Eventually, we will house a vitality center where patients can receive IV vitamin treatments, sauna sessions, and hyperbaric therapies for more complete detoxification.
Can I see you even if I’m not sick?
Yes! Preventive care is a strong component of functional medicine. At The Lyday Center we also treat patients who are not ill, but want to adopt habits and lifestyle changes that will help them live a healthy, vibrant life.