Functional medicine and integrative medicine have been quickly gaining popularity in recent years. Both disciplines are highly regarded by world-renowned health care practitioners, such as Dr. Mark Hyman and Dean Ornish, and functional medicine has found a home in many renowned medical centers, such as Cleveland Clinic. Many believe functional and integrative medicine are the future of medicine. Physicians are beginning to take a more holistic approach to treating patients, no longer just concentrating on treating a disease. Dr. DeCaria realized after her medical training that chronic pain is a lifestyle disease in many ways and decided to pursue further education in integrative and functional medicine. This has allowed her to provide a unique approach to chronic pain. Although functional medicine and integrative medicine have similarities and overlap in several areas, there are a few factors that make each discipline somewhat unique.
What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine refers to the blending of eastern and western disciplines of medicine. The physician works to treat the whole person rather than just the disease. The mind, body, and soul of a patient are taken into consideration to promote healing and well-being. Through the Faculty Scholars Program at Northwestern Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. DeCaria was taught from renowned acupuncturists, chiropractors, ayurvedic practitioners, massage therapists, mind-body experts, and nutritionists.
Integrative medicine uses a combination of modern healthcare practices to diagnose and treat a patient. Treatments may include such modalities as acupuncture, yoga, or massage, which are often a part of the treatment plan at Revitalize Medical Center. Integrative medicine physicians believe poor lifestyle choices are the root cause of many modern chronic diseases but that they are also reversible with the right tools.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine also focuses on lifestyle medicine but also employs a systems-oriented medical approach that works to identify and understand the root causes of a disease with a heavy emphasis on the role of gut health on chronic disease, including pain. The relationship between patient and doctor becomes a partnership and involves a detailed dive into one’s personal history. Much like integrative medicine, functional medicine treats the individual rather than the disease. Often, functional medicine will look at the role hormones, gut health, and environmental toxins, viruses, and exposures play in the development of chronic conditions such as pain. Dr. DeCaria has received training in functional medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine.
Why Is Integrative & Functional Medicine So Expensive?
Functional medicine practitioners range from a variety of educational backgrounds, including chiropractors, massage therapists, nutritionists, nurse practitioners, as well as physicians (MDs/DOs). Due to decreasing insurance reimbursements, increasing overhead costs, and the time required to practice integrative and functional medicine, the overwhelming majority of medical doctors and functional medicine practitioners do not accept insurance for functional medicine and integrative medical care. Often, functional medicine 3-6 month programs can cost upwards of $5,000-10,000 and integrative medicine clinics charge $500+ per visit.
Dr. DeCaria feels strongly that this type of healthcare should be integrated into conventional medical care. She has developed a model to make this type of care affordable. Revitalize Medical Center has partnered with other integrative practitioners who do accept insurance, offer functional medicine lab testing through insurance, and do our best to make your care as affordable as possible. We accept most major insurance plans (see our full insurance list here https://www.revitalizemedcenter.com/insurance/) and also offer a self-pay program.
Interested in personalized medical care for your chronic pain?
Call Dr. DeCaria today at 847-834-4018 and visit us in our Glenview and Evanston, IL locations to experience a unique approach to managing chronic pain.
Disclaimer:
This website (including all pages and blog posts) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. To schedule an appointment at Revitalize Medical Center, please call (847) 834-4018.