Finding a good doctor is easy when everything is going well. However, when health issues arise, you’ll be hard pressed to find a medical professional who delivers the standard of care you expect and deserve. It’s time for a healthcare revolution.
An estimated 133 million Americans – nearly half the population – suffer from at least one chronic illness, such as hypertension, heart disease and arthritis. By 2030, this number is expected to reach 170 million. Source: American Hospital Association
America’s mainstream healthcare system is failing you. It is reactive instead of proactive. Generalized instead of personalized. Partial instead of thorough. All of these issues can be combated with the proper implementation of Functional Medicine.
Defining Functional Medicine
In the most basic terms, Functional Medicine is a healthcare approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of a medical condition rather than simply treating the symptom(s). It’s about providing solutions that account for every aspect of your health.
In the case of Hypothyroidism, a traditional primary care provider or Endocrinologist would prescribe you medication and send you on your way. On the other hand, a Functional Medicine professional would prescribe the appropriate medication and take things a step further by working to figure out AND treat your thyroid issue triggers such as nutrient deficiencies, autoimmunity, inflammation, chronic infections, etc.
In the world of Functional Medicine, it’s about understanding how the systems of the body work independently and cohesively. This includes gastrointestinal, hormonal, cardiovascular, metabolic and everything in between! Functional Medicine monitors the details that matter, resulting in comprehensive healthcare that covers it all.
Debunking Common Functional Medicine Myths
Although many people have heard the term Functional Medicine, most have common misconceptions about its approach and the qualifications it requires to become a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. Two popular myths circulating among the general population are 1) Functional Medicine is all about supplements and 2) Functional Medicine is overly expensive.
Let’s talk supplements. Some practitioners have a tendency to be overly dependent on supplements, which is something you should be aware of and avoid. The right Functional Medicine professionals view supplements as a tool that can help patients achieve optimal health. They should be used in combination with lifestyle changes (top priority) and medications.
The ultimate goal is NOT to be on a lot of supplements or medications but sometimes,there are scenarios in which we need ongoing support. Everything used in the right amount and the right time will yield the best results.
Let’s talk cost. Seeing a Functional Health Practitioner is an investment but you can’t put a price on living a healthier and happier life. Not to mention, people rack up a ton of bills on seeing specialists who may or may not solve your health issues before referring you to more specialists.
One of our Omnia Health patients had previously seen a Rheumatologist who prescribed Humira, which currently costs about $7000 per month. That doctor was so ingrained in the “system” that he had no idea what things truly cost. On a side note, the Functional Medicine experts at Omnia were able to resolve that patient’s health issues, removing the need for Humira. It pays to see a qualified Functional Medicine doctor.
The Broken American Healthcare System
When you have to see 30 people a day, only order testing for what the insurance will cover (or what your company allows you to order and never even discuss a patient’s nutrition, sleep, exercise or stress?
Physicians, particularly those in primary care, are just trying to do their best and keep their heads above water. These medical professionals in the mainstream healthcare system have to deal with the stress of:
- Meeting a daily quota of seeing 30 patients
- Dealing with the constraints of only ordering testing that’s covered by insurance
- Not having the time or resources to properly address foundational health issues such as nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress.
All of these factors start to take a toll on the doctors’ ability to do their job, along with their mental and emotional well-being. Burnout is on the rise, resulting in medical professionals leaving in droves. This isn’t a COVID problem — this is a national problem. As a country, the United States spends more than the vast majority of first world countries, yet has some of the worst health outcomes.
The American healthcare system is not set up for the benefit of the patient OR the physician. Dr. Jacqui pursued her medical degree in the effort to help her patients and do what is in their best interest. However, that’s impossible to accomplish in the 7-minutes you get with each patient.
Maybe if doctors were allowed to take the time they need to truly understand the individual and their health, physicians wouldn’t dismiss so many patients’ concerns. Dr. Jacqui experienced having to work under those conditions and after pursuing Functional Medicine and opening her own practice, Omnia Health, she refuses to ever look back.
What Makes The Functional Medicine Approach Better?
As a Functional Medicine Physician, Dr. Jacqui felt like she could help people in the way she had always wanted to by treating more than just the disease. Functional Medicine, namely the training through the Institute of Functional Medicine, A4M and the Adapt Academy, allowed her to understand the body in a more holistic way and to learn the very best approach to comprehensive testing.
In the mainstream healthcare system, they run the same basic panels year in and year out, which doesn’t give you even a glimpse of what is truly going on in your body. The practice of Functional Medicine involves strategically thorough testing and lifestyle evaluation, providing the level of care you deserve.
Ready to experience the benefits of Functional Medicine for yourself? Schedule your consultation with Omnia Health today.
