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fivejourneys

Marianela Lavena, MD

I always felt a calling to serve as an instrument to heal and improve the quality of life of those around me, perhaps because I grew up watching my father’s deep fulfillment through his work as a doctor. For me, working as a doctor always has been and always will be my life purpose. I find so much value in contributing to the world by helping others heal. I believe that both my medical knowledge, unconditional kindness and acceptance is important for building that safe space in which my patients can heal. I started my medical journey in Buenos Aires, Argentina for my initial schooling and the first few years of my practice. When I moved to the US in 2005, I focused on Family Medicine. During this time, I continued to learn more about the role of Functional Medicine in the realm of health and wellness. I believe strongly in the functional medicine philosophy, which focuses on identifying the root cause(s) of the issues and looking at the individual as a whole, considering structural, chemical, emotional, social, and spiritual conditions for treatment and healing. As growth is one of my guiding principles, I always look for ways I can learn and grow so I can serve others better. I have found so much of my own healing through both yoga and meditation and bring that same perspective to my patients’ journeys. When I’m not learning, meditating, or helping others, you can find me with my 4 boys and husband, seeking to love and laugh our way through life. Using food as medicine has been a big part of my family’s and my own healing. I fell in love with functional medicine many years ago, I completed my training with IFM and I applied FM principles in my previous practices. Although it was very hard to do this while working at a conventional medicine practice I was able to see lots of my patients heal and thrive while using food, supplements and Mind Body practices. I met Dr Levitan and Dr Trubow in 2019, they opened the doors of their clinic and started sharing their knowledge and experience with me. This was an amazing opportunity to get more training during those years. Now I am part of this beautiful team at Five Journeys and I share the same vision, we want to empower you to live a vibrant, happy and healthy life.
Board Certification: Family Medicine Residency: University of Arkansas / AHEC Medical School: University of Buenos Aires

Fun Facts

Marianela Lavena, MD

If you were not a doctor, what would you do?

I would be a yoga and meditation teacher or a musician.
Marianela Lavena, MD

What was the craziest thing you did in medical school?

I took a road trip with my boyfriend (now husband!) to Argentinian Patagonia.

Our Providers

Quick Links

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fivejourneys
John-Hopkins

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test looks for the inappropriate presence of bacteria in the small intestine known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or “SIBO”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Breath

COST

*$109 with insurance, $179 without insurance *This test has an initial fee of $109, if your insurance doesn’t cover the test you’ll be charged the extra $70.
fivejourneys
RealTime

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

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

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 – $184

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $400.
fivejourneys
Nordic-Labratories

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
fivejourneys
IGX

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

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

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$450-$3000

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
fivejourneys
Great-Plains

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
fivejourneys
Alletess

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.
fivejourneys
Quest

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.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
fivejourneys
Great-Plains

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.
fivejourneys
Genova

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

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

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Urine & Blood

COST

$179 – $400

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

fivejourneys
Genova

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Stool

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

fivejourneys
Genova

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.
fivejourneys
Galaxy

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
fivejourneys
Doctors-Data

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

Testing: $138
DMSA: $36

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
fivejourneys
DiagnosTechs

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

Only covered by Medicare
fivejourneys
Alletess

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.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$99 – $184

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted