Functional Medicine Testing: What You Need to Know

At the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM), we understand the importance of both traditional and functional medicine testing in providing complete healthcare. We believe in a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating health issues, which is why we integrate functional medicine testing into our practice.

Functional medicine testing, which goes beyond diagnosing diseases to understand the root causes of health issues, aligns perfectly with our mission to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions. We use this form of testing to gain a detailed understanding of our patients’ health by examining their genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors.

We aim to identify the root causes of health issues, assess biochemical imbalances, integrate genetic information, consider environmental factors, and provide personalized recommendations. We address chronic conditions holistically, helping identify patterns and connections not apparent in traditional testing. This allows us to provide targeted interventions that address chronic conditions such as fatigue, digestive disorders, and hormonal imbalances.

We also use functional medicine testing to emphasize prevention. By detecting imbalances before they manifest as symptoms, we can provide early interventions and lifestyle modifications to prevent the onset of disease. This proactive approach enables us to not only treat existing health issues but also optimize overall health and well-being.

We typically recommend comprehensive testing at the start of your functional medicine program with us. This helps us establish a baseline and identify potential imbalances or abnormalities that may lead to health issues.

• Monitoring Progress: For those with chronic conditions or undergoing treatment, follow-up testing is often necessary. This allows us to track the effectiveness of our interventions and adjust protocols as needed. Depending on your specific condition and response to treatment, we may schedule these tests every few months or annually.

• Changes in Health Status: We may also recommend additional functional medicine testing if there are significant changes in your health. For instance, sudden weight loss or gain, the onset of new symptoms, or a decline in overall health could all warrant additional testing. This helps us assess for new imbalances or adjust treatment plans as necessary.

• Individualized Needs: Every patient is unique, and so should their testing frequency. We consider your specific health goals, rate of progress, lifestyle habits, genetic predisposition to certain conditions, and financial constraints when determining your testing schedule.

• Interpretation and Planning: Our team collaborates with you to interpret test results and determine the optimal testing schedule. We offer personalized advice based on your health history and current health status. We monitor your individual circumstances to guide the frequency and timing of your testing.

Functional medicine testing is an ongoing process that evolves as your health journey progresses. Regular communication and monitoring are thus crucial to ensuring we provide the most effective and personalized approach to your healthcare.

Most functional medicine tests are not covered by insurance as they are cutting-edge and not yet utilized in traditional medicine. Insurance coverage for these tests can happen but it can be complicated and varies greatly. The coverage largely depends on the insurance provider and the specifics of your policy. All tests are paid for in advance and you can then submit to insurance for potential reimbursement.

Each test has a varying degree of complexity. Testing and test kits are provided by a number of different laboratories and companies that COEM works with. All associated costs are discussed upfront and you will always know the maximum out of pocket cost prior to paying for a test or test kit.

At COEM, we prioritize your health and wellness. We are committed to providing transparent information about the costs of functional testing, enabling you to make informed decisions about your health care. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston SC, Ladson SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.