Functional Medicine: how to choose a clinic

What to look for

• IFM-certified practitioner (IFMCP) or comparable formal training.
• Uses conventional labs first, specialty testing (GI-MAP, DUTCH, organic acids) only when it will change the plan.
• Coordinates with your primary care and specialists, not replaces them.
• Reasonable supplement recommendations — not a $400/month starter pack.

Questions to ask

• Are you IFM-certified?
• Which specialty labs do you use routinely and why?
• Do you communicate with my primary care doctor?
• What is the typical 6-month cost including labs and supplements?

Red flags

• Diagnoses "adrenal fatigue," "chronic Lyme," or "leaky gut" as blanket explanations without workup.
• Sells its own supplement brand as the primary revenue model.
• Discourages evidence-based medications without a clear reason.

Typical cost

Initial visits are typically $300–$700 with follow-ups $150–$350. Specialty labs and supplements are often the largest ongoing cost.