Q: What is functional medicine?

Our bodies and their systems (organs, muscles, bones, etc.) are masterpieces of design. Every part has its specific functions as well as an interrelationship with the whole. When you experience symptoms, it’s your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t working at its full function. Our role is to work with you to determine what’s not functioning, why, and how we might assist you in restoring your health.

We use a holistic, supportive, patient-centered approach to healthcare that benefits patients of all ages and conditions. As functional medicine practitioners, we consider the web of interactions that occur among the following:

• Nutrition
• Digestive function
• Detoxification function
• Energy metabolism
• Hormonal function
• Structural function
• Immune system function/inflammation

We clarify the extent of any dysfunction by intensive listening (taking your history), physical examination, and laboratory tests. Once we have identified the root causes of your symptoms, we recommend specific treatments and therapies, including dietary changes, nutritional supplementation, herbal medicines, exercise and stress reduction appropriate to your lifestyle, chiropractic treatment, mind body medicine, and pharmaceutical use when necessary. We consider ourselves to be your partners in improving your health.

We also use functional medicine to assess your risk of developing certain health conditions and to prevent chronic illnesses from occurring. In this way, we move from a downstream (reactive) approach, to an upstream (proactive) approach. We can help you determine what factors are “pushing you into the river” in the first place by identifying your susceptibilities. One of our newest approaches is functional genetic testing. Although you cannot change the “hand of cards you have been dealt” genetically, with this information we can assist you in “playing your hand” in a more effective way. This approach offers significant promise regarding prevention of cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis, as well as successfully addressing a number of common maladies.

Q: Do you accept insurance?

No, I do not accept insurance however, I can provide you with a detailed statement (Superbill) to assist you with possible insurance reimbursement. If you have an insurance plan, health savings account (HSA) or flex spending account (FSA) that accepts “out-of-network” providers you should be able to submit the Superbill for the partial reimbursement.

Q: Do you see patients virtually?

Yes, I use the “virtual world” to host appointments (i.e. phone, email, and skype) and work with clients all across the globe.

Q: What to bring for your first visit?

Here is a list of what you should bring to your initial visit:

1. Completed Initial Visit Packet (attached link of my qnnaire which is pw protected). Make sure you have faxed/ mailed your packet 3 – 5 days before your visit.
2. List of all medications and supplements that you are currently taking (please bring all bottles with you if possible)
3. Bring any recent labs or imaging that you have had done in the past 2-3 years
4. Feel free to bring a friend or family member with you if you would find that helpful
5. If we will be meeting virtually, make sure that you fax/ email/ snail mail the packet prior to our Skype/ phone consult

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

Please be courteous, and provide 48 hours notice for all cancelled appointments. This helps ensure that I can meet the needs of all the patients who are waiting to get an appointment. There will be a $180 cancellation fee for no-shows.

Q: How long will it take for me to see results?

While I would love to give you a definitive answer, it really depends on several factors, including the complexity of your condition, how long you’ve been struggling with it, how much time, energy and attention you’re willing to devote to treatment, and how well you respond to your treatment plan.

In general, my program lasts between three and six months, but most patients/ clients start seeing improvement within the first month. They often elect to continue with a maintenance plan after their initial treatment plan is completed.

Q: What kind of labs can you order considering you are not a doctor?

There are certain limitations on ordering lab tests from dietitians compared to doctors. However, I have accounts to order labs tests under a few companies including Oxford Biotechnology (MRT testing), Genova, Spectracell, and CommonWealth Laboratories. There are many avenues we can explore together using these advanced panels. Often, I will recommend your physician to order specific labs, but this is discussed during your appointment. If you do not live near my office and our appointments are conducted over the phone, the test kits will be shipped directly to your home and then we will try to find a blood draw location near you.

Q: Is Aarti available for speaking engagements?

Absolutely! Please email me at info@aartibatavia.com­­­.