Getting Started with Functional Medicine

“Functional medicine is medicine by cause, not by symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners don’t treat disease – we treat your body’s ecosystem. We get rid of the bad stuff, put in the good stuff, and because your body is an intelligent system – it does the rest.” — Mark Hyman, MD

At Balance Atlanta, we serve patients of diverse ages and conditions, especially those seeking solutions to persistent health issues that have yet to respond to other treatments. Our typical client prioritizes a scientifically-grounded approach over quick fixes and values, forming a collaborative relationship with a trusted healthcare advisor. They embrace an integrated approach to wellness.

We initiate the process with a complimentary 10-minute phone consultation. If our services align with your needs, we proceed with a paid 30-minute telehealth meeting or an in-person visit to the Balance Atlanta office, whichever is more convenient. Functional medicine consultations are scheduled during non-peak office hours for enhanced convenience.

After reviewing your health history, Dr. Caroline will recommend specific laboratory tests tailored to your needs. Some tests involve blood draws at local lab centers, while others require saliva, stool, or cheek cell samples taken at home. Requisition forms, test kits, and detailed instructions are readily accessible at Balance Atlanta.

Upon receipt of test results, typically within 10 to 30 days, the doctor will analyze the data, and her assistant will contact you to schedule a follow-up appointment. During this appointment, we will thoroughly review the findings, providing a detailed understanding of your health status—a collaborative approach that sets us apart from traditional medical practices.

Due to limited availability, we request a credit card on file to secure your functional medicine appointment. Payment is required in full in advance for all lab testing, initial visits, and functional medicine programs, with no refunds. This policy ensures the efficient and effective delivery of care.

Custom Treatment Plans Based On Diagnostic Testing

Identifying underlying causes

Lab tests help uncover root causes of health issues by detecting underlying imbalances or dysfunctions in the body.

Personalization

Objective data from lab tests allows for personalized treatment plans tailored to the individual's specific health needs and goals.

Targeted interventions

Test results guide targeted interventions, enabling more precise and effective treatment strategies.

Monitoring progress

Lab tests provide measurable markers to track progress over time, allowing adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Prevention

Early detection of imbalances or abnormalities through lab testing can facilitate preventive measures to address potential health risks before they escalate.

Optimizing nutritional status

Lab tests reveal deficiencies or excesses in essential nutrients, guiding interventions to optimize nutritional status and support overall health.

Detecting inflammation

Biomarkers of inflammation identified through lab tests inform interventions aimed at reducing inflammation, a common factor in many chronic diseases.

Guiding lifestyle modifications

Lab results inform recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, exercise regimens, and stress management techniques to support health optimization.

Wellness for Everyone

Functional medicine is ideal for individuals of any age, providing a personalized approach to evaluating and enhancing overall health. From children to older adults, this holistic method identifies the root causes of symptoms and delivers customized solutions.

Enhancing patient engagement

Objective data from lab tests empowers patients to actively participate in their health journey by providing tangible insights into their physiological status and progress.