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Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

Functional medicine is a science-based, whole-person approach to health, gaining popularity in Massachusetts for its focus on uncovering and addressing the root causes of disease. Instead of merely treating symptoms with medication, functional medicine doctors consider factors like genetics, lifestyle, environment, and stress to create personalized treatment plans. While some may mistakenly dismiss it as unscientific, functional medicine practitioners often share the same rigorous training and certifications as traditional doctors, differentiating themselves through their holistic and patient-centered approach.

Why is Functional Medicine Popular?

Personalized Care and Doctor-Patient Connection

In today’s fast-paced healthcare landscape, people are seeking a more personalized and compassionate approach to their health. Functional medicine clinics, like Five Journeys in Boston, offer a refreshing alternative, prioritizing in-depth consultations and building strong doctor-patient relationships. Functional medicine doctors take the time to understand each individual’s unique health needs, history, and lifestyle, creating customized treatment plans that address the root causes of illness.

Holistic and Non-Invasive Treatments

Many individuals are drawn to functional medicine’s emphasis on holistic and non-invasive therapies. Instead of relying solely on medications or surgeries, functional medicine practitioners explore a wide range of treatment options, including:

  • Dietary modifications and nutritional counseling
  • Gut microbiome analysis and optimization
  • Stress management techniques
  • Lifestyle changes to promote overall well-being

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: A Growing Trend

Functional medicine is particularly popular in Massachusetts, with a growing number of clinics and practitioners offering this unique approach to health and wellness. Patients are seeking out functional medicine doctors in Boston and beyond to address chronic conditions, improve their quality of life, and take control of their health journey.

Addressing the Root Causes of Chronic Illness

Functional medicine excels in addressing chronic illnesses that often leave patients feeling frustrated and unheard by traditional medicine. By focusing on identifying and treating the root causes of these conditions, functional medicine offers hope and empowerment to those who have been told their illnesses are untreatable.

Finding a Functional Medicine Clinic Near You

If you’re looking for a functional medicine doctor in Boston or Massachusetts, a simple online search for “functional medicine clinic near me” can help you find a practitioner who can guide you on your path to optimal health.

What Conditions Do We Treat?

Five Journeys, a leading functional medicine clinic in Massachusetts, offers comprehensive healthcare solutions for a wide range of conditions. We address your health from five distinct levels: structural, chemical, emotional, social, and spiritual, ensuring a holistic approach to healing.

Women’s Health and Chronic Disease Management

Our experienced functional medicine practitioners specialize in women’s health, autoimmune disorders, and chronic disease management. We provide personalized care, addressing the root causes of your symptoms, rather than simply masking them with medication.

Conditions We Treat

At Five Journeys, we offer various services, including diet and nutrition counseling with a functional medicine nutritionist, virtual programs, IV therapy, and primary care, to help you achieve optimal health and well-being. We are equipped to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Autoimmune disorders like Celiac Disease, Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
  • Digestive issues like Leaky Gut
  • Women’s health concerns like PMS and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Chronic illnesses like Diabetes, Lyme’s Disease, and Hypertension
  • Skin conditions like Acne and Eczema
  • Mental health conditions like Anxiety and Depression
  • Other common ailments like High Cholesterol, Fatigue, and Brain Fog

No matter what you’re struggling with, our team of top autoimmune doctors and functional medicine practitioners is dedicated to helping you find relief and regain your vitality.

Check out a full list of Conditions We Treat.

How to Work with a Functional Medicine Doctor

Whether you’re leaning towards functional medicine or a broader integrative approach, the first step is connecting with a practitioner who aligns with your health goals. We’ll begin with an in-depth consultation to understand your unique story, from past health conditions and genetics to current lifestyle and aspirations. This personalized approach ensures that your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you.

Next, we’ll utilize advanced testing to gather comprehensive data about your health, including hormone levels, gut health, and potential environmental exposures. This information helps us pinpoint the root causes of your symptoms and develop a targeted treatment strategy, encompassing both functional and integrative medicine principles.

With your personalized roadmap in hand, we’ll implement a comprehensive approach that may include nutritional guidance, supplements, lifestyle modifications, and referrals to other specialists as needed, drawing from the best of both functional and integrative medicine modalities.

By addressing the underlying causes of your health concerns, we empower you to achieve lasting wellness and take control of your health journey, regardless of whether you choose a purely functional or a more integrative path.

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts 

At Five Journeys, we love helping local and virtual patients find a life of vitality that’s worth smiling—and celebrating! Whether you’re struggling with a chronic illness or need more energy, we are here to help. Read more about how we can help and take your first step by booking a free discovery call today.

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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.

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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.

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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.

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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.

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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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Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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. 

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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.
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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.
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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.
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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.
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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.
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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

Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?

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