What is Functional Medicine?
“An individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness.”
At Vibrant Health, we combine the best parts of functional medicine with traditional medicine. Functional medicine shifts from the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach. At Vibrant Health YOU are addressed not just your symptoms. Dr. Jager spends time with you, listening to your history, before giving you a diagnosis. Your evaluation will include a deep diving into your personal genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors, benifiting your long-term health.
The goal is to uncover the root cause of symptoms/ disease rather than just manage your symptoms so that true healing can take place.
Most chronic diseases respond best to prescribed lifestyle medicine; including dietary changes, sleep recommendations, exercise regimens, stress-reducing activities, and supplements.
Hallmarks of Functional Medicine Approach
Patient Centered Care
By listening to you Dr. Jager learns your story and brings a tailored treatment that addresses your unique needs. Together we establish goals to promote your health beyond the absence of disease.
Science-Based Healthcare Approach
Dr. Jager is trained to consider the complex web of interactions. By examining your history, physiology, and lifestyle, the root cause of your illness can be treated. Functional medicine focuses on both internal (mind, body, spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors and analyzes their impact on your health.
Integrating Best Medical Practices
Functional medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices with what is sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; uses the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; prescribes a combination of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, and stress management techniques.
Traditional medicine
Functional Medicine
Standard of Care Evaluate Symptoms and Underlying Disease and Treatment Options
yes
yes
Patient Focus
350 patients per provider
2,500 patients per provider
Evaluation Time
90 min. Expanded evaluation time to compile a comprehensive patient history and perform in-depth exam
12-20 min. Limited evaluation with a brief exam
Scope of Evaluation
Determine root cause using expanded evaluation to uncover the underlying factors of an individual’s current health.
Disease focus evaluation only on recognized conditions as defined by the pre-determined classification of disease (ICD-10).
Testing
Advanced testing and analysis requires a number of factors including;
comprehensive stool
genomic and functional analysis
nutritional analysis
hormonal testing
comprehensive lipid and metabolic testing
Standard of care only testing determined by ICD 10 diagnoses and approved by CMS or local insurance company
Preventive Medicine
Helps minimize the potential of future diseases
Early detection of disease
Treatment
Expanded follow-up time of 30-60 minutes to review your extensive lab testing and formulate an individualized care plan
Routine follow-up of 12-15 min to review lab testing