Functional Lab Testing
Get to the Root with Functional Lab Testing
As registered dietitians, we are credentialed to order functional lab testing for our clients without the need for a doctor’s prescription.
Ready to Test not Guess?
Then click on the functional lab tests below to learn more about each one and how they might help you. If you feel ready to utilize any of the functional lab testing OR you have additional questions about if / how they might support your health needs, book your free 30-minute nutrition strategy call with us.
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What is Functional Lab Testing?
Functional lab testing goes beyond just regular, routine bloodwork. In fact, functional lab tests may include samples of blood, stool, urine, saliva or hair to provide information about a variety of body systems including metabolic, nutritional, endocrine, hormonal, gastrointestinal, immune, detoxification, genetic, and more. For example, we use various functional lab tests to test for nutrient deficiencies for our clients.
On the other hand, conventional lab testing, like routine bloodwork, is often narrow in scope. Therefore, it often just tests for a few markers that may relate to a specific symptom but without taking into account the context of the health of your whole body. If you want true healing, we usually need to dig deeper. That’s where functional lab testing as well as comprehensive bloodwork come into play.
Are Functional Lab Tests covered by insurance?
Usually insurance does not cover functional lab testing. Where true functional medicine is being practiced, chances are that services are not covered by insurance.
Difference between conventional and functional medicine
Conventional insurance-based medicine is a model of labeling a patient with a diagnosis (each has a specific code that dictates reimbursement level) and matching that diagnosis with a standardized medication or procedure for that diagnosis. Sometimes this is exactly what is needed, but sometimes this leaves patients wanting. I call this “Houdini Healthcare” :). This might be you if you have PCOS, chronic gut health disturbances, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, weight loss resistance, etc.
A functional medicine model, on the other hand, considers the matrix of individuality and the integrated way that systems of the body work together and impact one another. In this model, single diagnostic codes often don’t encompass the whole picture.
Under the current conventional healthcare model, insurance companies do not structure their reimbursement for healthcare professionals in a way that supports this root-cause functional medicine model. And frankly, that means that insurance-based care cannot provide the support needed to truly address and overcome root causes. We need better.
Victoria here: I had to fight for this in my own personal health journey for 10+ years. That’s why I continue to fight for better healthcare in the way I collaborate with my clients today. I hope you’re with me!
Can I use FSA or HSA to pay for functional lab tests?
Often, the answer is yes! It may depend on your plan and the type of test. Please refer to the particular lab test page for more info.