Functional Medicine in Massachusetts: Why is it so Popular?
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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 full-body, scientific approach to health that addresses the multiple factors that contribute to a person’s wellbeing. These factors may include stress, genetics, lifestyle choices, and diet. Instead of overfocusing on treating external symptoms, functional medicine doctors address the underlying cause of health problems and help their patients heal from the inside out.

 

Functional medicine doctors view each patient uniquely and independently of each other. Instead of prescribing the same treatment for everyone, functional medicine practitioners assess each person’s unique lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors to come up with a treatment plan.

 

Some people think that functional medicine is a bunch of quackery. But that’s not correct! In reality, functional medicine is just as scientific as traditional medicine. Most functional medicine doctors go through the exact same training and certification process as traditional doctors. The main difference is that functional medicine doctors have a whole-body and holistic approach to healthcare.

 

Why is Functional Medicine Popular?

These days, people are sick and tired of spending hours in the doctor’s office, being rushed through appointments, and getting another prescription medication. That’s if you can even get in to see your doctor. 

 

Compared to our current healthcare system, functional medicine is a breath of fresh air. Functional medicine allows for a high-quality relationship between patient and doctor, which is attractive for most people. Doctors take the time to get to know each patient uniquely and develop a plan that’s customized to his or her individual health needs. 

 

Many people also prefer the noninvasive and holistic methods that functional medicine doctors use to treat their patients. Instead of jumping to medication or surgery, functional medicine providers may address the diet, analyze genetics, or work to balance the gut microbiome. While some functional medicine doctors prescribe medication, it isn’t viewed as a cure-all. 

 

Functional medicine focuses on the general well-being of an individual, not just his or her physical health. A functional medicine patient can also expect their emotional, mental, and sometimes spiritual health to be addressed by their doctor. As functional medicine doctors in Massachusetts, Five Journeys puts an emphasis on social health, encouraging our patients to develop a healthy support system.

 

Functional medicine is highly popular among those dealing with chronic illness. Unfortunately, many chronic illness patients are told that there’s no hope for treating their condition by functional doctors.

 

That’s exactly what functional medicine offers: unique, affordable, and high-quality care for everyone. 

 

What Conditions Do We Treat?

Five Journeys provides functional medicine in Massachusetts. We offer several levels of membership in exchange for everything you need for a healthy, energetic life. 

 

Functional medicine is the name of our game. We address five levels of health: structural, chemical, emotional, social, and spiritual. Our team provides diet and nutrition coaching, virtual programming, IV therapy, women’s health treatment, telemedicine, and primary care to patients in Boston or virtually. 

 

No matter what you might be dealing with, we’ve got you covered. Five Journeys is equipped to help you find complete recovery from the following (and more):

 

  • Celiac Disease
  • Leaky Gut
  • PMS
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Hypothyroidism/Hashimotos
  • Hyperthyroidism/Graves
  • Diabetes
  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • High Cholesterol
  • Lyme’s Disease
  • Chronic Illness 
  • Hypertension
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
  • Anxiety/Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Brain Fog

 

Check out a full list of Conditions We Treat.

 

How to Work with a Functional Medicine Doctor

You’ve decided that a functional medicine doctor is the right choice. Now what? 

 

No sweat. First, get connected with us. We need to get to know your unique health situation before we move forward with treatment. Start by booking a free 15-minute discovery call so we can meet you. As we work together, we want to get to know your story and what might be contributing to your health problems. Past health conditions, genetics, current lifestyle, and health goals are just some of the factors we keep in mind.

 

The next step is taking data. Using specialty lab testing and cutting-edge tech, we’ll examine your hormones, food allergies or sensitivities, heavy metal exposure, toxins, cortisol levels, and microbiome. Just to name a few.

 

After we’ve got solid numbers, it’s time to come up with a treatment plan. We may create a nutrition plan, prescribe supplements, work to decrease prescription medication safely, and identify markers to track your progress. We’ll also outsource as much as necessary, such as recommending chiropractic treatment, IVs, or mental health support. 

 

With this well-rounded and full-body approach to health, it’s no wonder that our patients see results and that functional medicine has gotten so popular!

 

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.

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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

$299

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

$179 – $400

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-$425 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