Frequently Asked Questions
How is your approach different from conventional medicine?
Instead of just masking symptoms, we work together to find out why you're feeling this way. We treat your whole body as one connected system, not just separate parts.
Will my care plan be customized for me?
Absolutely, because everyone's path to health is unique. We look at your genetics, environment, daily habits, and stress levels to create a plan made just for you.
Can I expect a quick fix?
No, we don't do "drive-thru medicine" where you expect instant results. Restoring your health is a journey we take together.
Who is a typical Next Chapter Functional Medicine patient?
Anyone who is ready to take an active role in their health and healing.
Complex Chronic Disease: We help people with complex chronic diseases such as autoimmune disease, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid disease, depression, and anxiety (to name a few) approach their health with the goal of healing from the inside out. As health improves, many of our patients are able to reduce their reliance on medications. We collaborate with our patients' primary care physicians and specialists before any medications are discontinued or adjusted.
The "Not Feeling Right" Group: We also assist patients who are otherwise healthy, but just “don’t feel right”. These patients may have seen multiple doctors and been told their labs are normal, yet they continue to struggle with fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, mood changes, or other persistent symptoms. We use our advanced diagnostic testing to get to the underlying cause of these issues. Our focus is on identifying underlying imbalances and developing personalized recommendations that support lasting improvements in health and well-being.
What does the healing process look like?
We work together to remove things that harm your health, like highly processed foods or toxins, and replace them with things that help you thrive, like real food, good sleep, and healthy movement.
What if my specific needs are outside your scope of practice?
If you need care that I can't provide, I will happily connect you with another functional medicine specialist who can give you the exact help you need.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not bill insurance directly. You are welcome to pay by check, credit card, or your HSA debit card. Upon request, we are happy to provide you with a "superbill," a detailed medical receipt that includes the procedure codes, diagnosis codes, and the fees charged for your visit. You can submit this superbill to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement, though we cannot guarantee what they will cover. Please note that we do not submit claims or contact insurance companies directly; that will be your responsibility. Finally, we do not participate with or bill Medicare, and you cannot submit superbills to Medicare for reimbursement.
Why don't you accept insurance?
Insurance contracts often dictate how much time doctors can spend with patients and what treatments are covered, which usually leads to rushed, shortened visits. I believe you deserve better. Stepping outside of the insurance model gives us the freedom and time to truly listen, dig deep into your health puzzle, and create a highly personalized care plan just for you. Regarding your lab work: Most routine blood work provided by Quest (our default lab) can be billed directly to your insurance plan. If you don't have great lab coverage, don't worry! We have negotiated a lower, fixed cash price with Quest for our routine labs. Many patients find that this negotiated cost is actually less than their insurance copay, and paying upfront gives us the freedom to order a truly comprehensive workup without worrying about insurance denials. Some advanced specialty labs may not be covered, so it's always a good idea to check with your insurance company regarding your specific out-of-network deductibles and reimbursement. Kindly note that because every plan is unique, it is not the responsibility of Next Chapter Functional Medicine to understand your individual insurance coverage.
What do your treatments look like?
We focus heavily on lifestyle changes, like targeted nutrition, restorative sleep, movement, stress reduction, and healthy relationships. I may also recommend specific supplements or botanical medicines. Because I am a fully licensed physician, I can also prescribe conventional medications if they are necessary. My approach beautifully blends both functional and traditional medicine, always prioritizing your unique goals and building a foundation of mutual trust.
Will you be my primary care physician (PCP)?
I provide specialized functional medicine care, so I do not act as your primary care physician. You will still need an established primary care doctor for your routine yearly physicals, wellness visits, and any urgent or after-hours medical needs. This ensures you are fully supported no matter what comes up!
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