How to Find a Good Functional Medicine Doctor in Boston

 When looking for a functional medicine doctor in Boston, MA, you may be surprised to find the options are extensive. 20 years ago, the term “functional medicine” was barely known. While it’s not yet a common household word (although we’re working on it!), it is at least gaining in popularity. And in some areas of the country, there’s an encouraging demand for functional medicine practitioners, Boston being one of them.

But how do you know if you’re getting a functional medicine doctor in Boston who will be a good fit for your needs? We’ve outlined a few things to consider in your search for an alternative care provider.  

Credentials and Experience

First things first, are they properly licensed, certified, and trained? Some practitioners may use the term “functional medicine” as their approach to patient care, but this doesn’t automatically mean they are licensed physicians (MDs or DOs). If they are a physician, find out if they’ve also completed additional courses and certifications in functional medicine. While it’s likely they have, it’s always a good practice to verify their qualifications.

Insurance & Logistics

Many functional medicine doctors do not participate in traditional insurance plans. If this is a concern, consider searching for “functional medicine doctors that accept insurance near me” to find providers who work with your specific insurance carrier. If they do, check on your specific carrier (hint, hint…we do!).

Also, find out specifics about office visits – what are office hours? Will they prescribe routine medications and how are refills handled? If you’re currently on a medication, it’s important to know how the potential doctor would handle the oversight and treatment of the prescription medication.

Fees

Understanding the costs associated with functional medicine treatment is crucial. This includes factors like:

• Copays: How much will you pay for each office visit?
• Cash Discounts: Do they offer a discount for paying in cash?
• Membership Options: Are there membership plans available?

Financial Flexibility

If managing costs is a concern, don’t hesitate to discuss options with the doctor’s office. This might include:

• Testing Flexibility: Can certain tests be replaced by dietary adjustments to avoid unnecessary expenses?
• Supplement Options: Are there more affordable alternatives for prescribed supplements?
• Medication Costs: Can the doctor prescribe generic medications when possible?

By understanding the fees and exploring flexible options, you can find a functional medicine doctor who fits your budget and healthcare needs.

Philosophy of Health

Finding a functional medicine doctor in Boston that aligns with your health philosophy is crucial. Here are some key areas to consider:

• Focus: Do you prioritize addressing physical symptoms or are you open to exploring the mind-body connection? Some functional medicine doctors integrate emotional and spiritual aspects into their approach.
• Conditions: If you have specific concerns, like functional medicine for various chronic diseases or women’s health, ensure the doctor has experience managing those conditions.
• Treatment Approaches: Understanding their views on functional medicine vs holistic medicine can help determine if they align with your preferences.
• Nutrition: Does the doctor integrate functional medicine nutritionists into their practice? This could be valuable if dietary changes are important to you.

Beyond Philosophy:

While philosophy is essential, other factors matter.

• Location: Consider searching for functional medicine Massachusetts if you’re open to seeing a doctor outside of Boston.
• Expertise: If you have an autoimmune condition, researching top autoimmune doctors alongside functional medicine practitioners could be beneficial.

Finding the Right Fit

Your comfort level with the doctor is equally important.

• Personality: Do you feel comfortable communicating openly? You should be able to discuss your concerns, intuition about your health, and treatment ideas without feeling dismissed.
• Communication Style: Many doctors create content like podcasts, YouTube videos, or blogs. Exploring these can give you a sense of their personality and communication style.

Making the Decision

An initial consultation is the best way to assess if a doctor aligns with your philosophy and personality.

Five Journeys Functional Medicine Practice in Boston MA

Ready to Connect?

Once you’ve had a chance to research functional medicine doctors in Boston, MA (“functional medicine Boston MA” can be a helpful search term!), and feel confident about your decision, we’d love to hear from you. Schedule your initial consultation today – in person or virtually – to see if Five Journeys might be the perfect fit for your healthcare journey.