Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine for Better Health
Get tailored a path to better health. Address the root cause
of your health problems using functional medicine.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a thorough investigation into the root cause of disease and disorder.
It’s a natural, science-based approach to health that uses conventional testing and data collection to determine the root cause of a disease or disorder. Part of the data collection is an exhaustive medical review of a patient’s medical history, including examining a patient’s genetic, biochemical, lifestyle, and physiological factors.
Core to this approach is the belief that patients have distinct body chemistries, living conditions, work environments, diets, and stressors. As such, each gets a personalized treatment plan to restore and optimize their health.
It’s a whole system approach to your health and wellness.
How is functional medicine different from conventional (allopathic) medicine?
In conventional medicine, doctors treat the symptoms. This is like treating the diseased leaves on a tree. Relief may come with this approach, but the underlying root cause is not addressed. It leaves patients vulnerable to continued health decline.
In functional medicine, doctors see diseased leaves as a sign of disease or dysfunction within the tree or at its roots. Not only do the treatment plans from a functional medicine doctor provide relief from symptoms, but they also address the source of the disease, fortifying patients against continued health decline.
What does a functional doctor do?
A functional medicine doctor takes a holistic approach to healthcare by focusing on the underlying causes of a patient’s health issues.
They spend more time with patients to gather detailed information about their medical history, lifestyle habits, and environment to create a personalized treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and stress management techniques.
Rather than just treating symptoms, the goal of a functional doctor is to identify the root cause of a patient’s health issues and provide targeted treatment that promotes overall wellness.
This approach helps patients achieve better health outcomes and improve their quality of life.
At SuMa Medicine, I develop a personalized health journey for you using a three-step process.
Step 1: Intake & Intention Setting
I begin with understanding why you want to add functional medicine to your health journey. Are you looking to improve your health for a longer, happier life? Are you seeking help with a chronic illness? Or, do you want help with fertility planning for a healthy pregnancy?
Step 2: Health History Review & Plan Creation
I review your medical history, perform comprehensive medical and genetic testing, and assess your unique lifestyle including diet, movement, and sleep. I also evaluate environmental factors that may affect your health. This process provides a complete understanding of your health, allowing me to create a personalized plan to address your specific needs. Treatment plans may include medications, supplements, vitamins, dietary advice, exercise routines, sleep recommendations, and lifestyle changes. Integrative medicine, such as acupuncture and stress management, may also be recommended.
Step 3: Monitoring & Ongoing Care
At SuMa Medicine, I believe that functional medicine is a journey toward better health. I am committed to monitoring your progress closely as you embark on this journey. Our goal is to tailor your health plan to suit your unique needs and ensure that it leads to measurable improvements in your health. As I track your progress, we’ll make adjustments to your health plan as needed. This approach gives your a personalized, proactive approach to your health and wellness.
Why should I see a functional medicine doctor?
If you’re struggling with chronic health issues and feel like you’re not getting the answers you need from traditional medicine, seeing a functional medicine doctor may be a good option.
A functional medicine doctor takes a personalized approach to healthcare, focusing on the underlying causes of your health issues and creating a tailored treatment plan to address them. By addressing the root cause, you may experience more significant and long-lasting improvements to your health.
Additionally, functional medicine doctors can provide support for overall wellness, including nutrition, exercise, and stress management, to help you feel your best.
Is a functional doctor the same as a holistic doctor?
Functional medicine doctors and holistic doctors share some similarities, but they are not the same.
Both approaches consider a patient’s lifestyle, environment, and emotional well-being to develop a personalized treatment plan.
However, functional medicine doctors use evidence-based medicine and diagnostic testing to identify the root cause of a patient’s health issues. They then use a combination of conventional medicine and integrative therapies to treat the underlying cause.
Let’s tailor your path to better health using functional medicine.
SuMa Medicine’s holistic approach gets to the root cause of your health problems.
Can functional medicine doctors write prescriptions?
Yes, functional medicine doctors can write prescription medications when necessary.
While functional medicine doctors tend to take a more holistic approach to healthcare, they are also trained in conventional medicine and can prescribe medications as needed.
However, functional medicine doctors may also recommend alternative therapies, lifestyle changes, and nutritional supplements to address underlying health issues, which may reduce the need for prescription medications over time.
Do functional medicine doctors work with primary care physicians and specialists?
Yes, many functional medicine doctors work in conjunction with other healthcare providers, such as specialists and primary care physicians, to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care.
They may refer patients to specialists for further evaluation or collaborate with primary care providers to manage a patient’s overall health. Functional medicine doctors also use a patient-centered approach that emphasizes communication and collaboration among all members of a patient’s healthcare team.
Is functional medicine covered by health insurance?
Functional medicine is not yet widely accepted by insurance providers because it takes a personalized, patient-centered approach to healthcare, which can involve more time-consuming consultations and specialized testing.
Additionally, insurance providers typically only cover treatments that are deemed medically necessary, and functional medicine may not fit into this traditional definition of healthcare.
Because of this, SuMa accepts direct billing and payment options. Please note that I do not currently accept third-party health insurance.
However, certain medical tests may be covered by insurance providers. It is the responsibility of the patient to contact their insurance company to determine what is and is not covered under their specific plan.
I have seen many doctors before seeing Dr. Mary Davis, and I would say between her knowledge, willingness to find solutions and not band aids; as well as leaving her ego at the door, and of course her incredible heart, Dr Mary Davis provides “exceptional care”. It is quite refreshing to find a Dr. who listens with every fiber of her being and brings the patient in as a part of the discussion and the journey toward the healing process.
Dr. Davis was able to get my life back on track and everywhere I go, people tell me that I look amazing! There isn’t a Dr. in the city of Pittsburgh that could come close to her knowledge and bedside manner. Dr. Davis is a Rock star!
