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Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

As Five Journeys works to educate our audience about patients about how to achieve peak health and wellness, we always take the time to help people understand what functional medicine is and how it differs from traditional medicine.

For most people, the thought of a doctor conjures up mental images of white coats, gloves, face masks, and a shiny (yet germ-infested) waiting room. 

We’re starting to rewrite this image, but we can’t take full credit. We don’t have to tell our patients that traditional medicine is failing to care for their chronic health conditions–they know it all too well!

But we don’t want to just sit here and tear down the accomplishments and abilities of traditional healthcare. The truth is, many lives would be lost without traditional medicine advances.

Today, we want to discuss the best advances in traditional medicine that have originated in Boston and how functional medicine is the next step toward wellness.

Past Boston Advances in Medicine

We often talk about how the traditional medical approach is riddled with flaws–gaps that functional medicine is, thankfully, able to fill.

 

However, today we want to take a step back and be proud of the medical achievements and advances birthed in Boston.

 

1. Polio Virus & Vaccine

In 1949, the Boston Children’s Hospital scientific team created a polio virus culture, which enabled doctors to research and create the polio vaccine. Dr. John Enders received the 1954 Nobel Prize for the polio vaccine. 

 

2. Cardiac Advances

At the Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Robert Gross performed the first successful cardiac surgery in 1938. Dr. David Littmann, another Boston doctor, developed huge advancements in cardiac health–including developing the Littmann stethoscope.

 

3. Anesthesia Beginnings

The first anesthetic surgery was conducted by dentist William T.G. Morton at the Massachusetts General Hospital in 1846.

 

4. Organ Transplant

Three Massachusetts doctors led the first successful organ transplant surgery in 1954. Later, Dr. Joseph E. Murray, who led the team, was awarded the Nobel Prize. Many people have organ donors and transplant medicine to thank for their lives and health.

 

5. Immune System Functions

The immune system is easily one of the most pivotal aspects of your overall health. In the 1980s, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute team discovered the use of T cells in the immune system. T cells are turned “on” and “off” in the body, and this information has helped researchers in restoring health and finding a cure for AIDS.

 

Functional Medicine in Boston: The Next Step Toward Wellness

Now that we have an idea of where Boston medicine has been, the next question is: where are we going from here?

 

Many of these medical advancements are pillars of modern medicine: vaccines, surgeries, and immunosuppressants. 

 

At Five Journeys, we bring a new approach to healthcare to Boston: functional medicine. 

 

The funny thing is, functional medicine predates the above advances in technology and medicine. But it’s more recently gaining popularity and credibility as licensed doctors pursue alternative ways to provide the best care possible.

 

We can say with confidence that as functional medicine in Boston takes off, it’s going to be the next step in medical advances.

 

How Boston Functional Medicine Approaches Healthcare

It’s amazing to see how far medicine has come, but patients are becoming more and more fed up with how the traditional healthcare system operates.

 

First things first, it takes forever to see your doctor. Your appointment time is usually inconvenient, and you spend the majority of your visit in the waiting room. Most times, you might shrug off symptoms or pop an ibuprofen pill to relieve symptoms instead of going through all that hassle. This may provide momentary relief, but it’s going to lead to health problems only getting worse.

 

Functional medicine provides a better way of treating patients by seeing a fewer number each day and providing first-class care packages and membership options. But the core approach to functional medicine in Boston is what makes it stand apart.

 

A Boston functional medicine doctor doesn’t note your symptoms and hand you some medication to relieve them. Instead, we take the time to uncover what is causing your symptoms in the first place. We take into account how your body systems are linked together and affect each other. Plus, we also address your personal lifestyle habits, unique bodily makeup, and environmental or genetic factors.

 

This approach is why more and more people are choosing functional medicine in Boston–the next step toward wellness through modern medicine. 

 

Get Connected with Boston Functional Medicine Doctors

Ready to kiss your crummy symptoms goodbye? There’s no time like the present!

 

Invest in your health today with the next best thing in healthcare: functional medicine.

 

Click the blue banner at the top of our website to book a complimentary consultation or call 617-934-6400 to take your first steps today.

 

Source

10 Medical Advances That Happened at Boston Medical Schools and Teaching Hospitals | AAMC

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present
Healthcare and Functional Medicine in Boston: Past and Present

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted