Understanding what to expect from your functional medicine consultation helps you prepare for a transformative healthcare experience focused on uncovering root causes and creating lasting solutions.
Your journey begins with scheduling a comprehensive initial consultation. This extended appointment allows Dr. Stavy to thoroughly understand your health history, current concerns, and wellness goals. You'll receive intake forms to complete before your visit, helping us prepare for a productive first meeting.
During your first visit, Dr. Stavy conducts an in-depth review of your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, diet, stress levels, sleep patterns, and environmental exposures. This holistic assessment examines all body systems and their interconnections, identifying patterns that may reveal root causes of your health concerns.
Based on your assessment, Dr. Stavy may recommend specialized functional medicine tests to uncover hidden imbalances. These may include comprehensive metabolic panels, hormone testing, gut microbiome analysis, food sensitivity testing, nutrient deficiency screening, or toxin exposure assessment. Testing is personalized to your specific needs.
Once test results are available, you'll meet with Dr. Stavy to review findings in detail. She'll explain what the results reveal about your health and how different imbalances may be contributing to your symptoms. Together, you'll develop a personalized treatment plan addressing your specific root causes.
Your treatment plan may include targeted nutrition protocols, therapeutic supplementation, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and other interventions. Dr. Stavy provides detailed guidance and resources to support successful implementation. You'll have access to ongoing support as you begin your healing journey.
Regular follow-up appointments allow Dr. Stavy to monitor your progress, adjust protocols as needed, and ensure you're moving toward your health goals. The frequency of follow-ups is personalized based on your condition and response to treatment. Most patients see Dr. Stavy monthly initially, then less frequently as health improves.
Time and Attention: Unlike conventional medical appointments that may last 10-15 minutes, functional medicine consultations provide the time needed to truly understand your health. Initial consultations are 90-120 minutes, allowing for comprehensive assessment and meaningful discussion.
Personalized Investigation: Rather than applying one-size-fits-all protocols, Dr. Stavy investigates your unique biochemistry, genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Testing is selected specifically for your situation, not ordered routinely for everyone.
Root Cause Focus: The goal isn't to suppress symptoms with medication, but to identify and address the underlying imbalances causing your health issues. This approach leads to lasting improvements rather than temporary relief.
Partnership Approach: You're an active participant in your healing journey. Dr. Stavy provides education, guidance, and support while empowering you with knowledge and tools to take control of your health.
Comprehensive Care: Treatment addresses all aspects of health—nutrition, lifestyle, stress, sleep, movement, relationships, and environment. This holistic approach recognizes that optimal health requires attention to the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
Maximize the value of your consultation with these preparation tips
Collect recent lab results, imaging reports, and records from other healthcare providers. This information helps Dr. Stavy understand your medical history and avoid unnecessary duplicate testing.
Bring a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbs you're currently taking, including dosages. This helps identify potential interactions and nutrient depletions.
Keep a symptom journal noting when symptoms occur, their severity, and any patterns you've noticed. Include details about your diet, sleep, stress, and how you feel throughout the day.
Write down questions and concerns you want to address. Prioritize what's most important to you so we can ensure those topics are covered during your appointment.