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What to Expect 

So, you have decided to come in for a visit. Yay!  We know you have a lot of questions and we want to share with you what to expect during your consultation.

 

As a new Functional Medicine patient, you will meet with Dr. Farris for an initial consultation.  The initial consultation will last approximately ninety minutes.  During that time Dr. Farris will get your medical history and will take the time to understand your needs and goals.  If you have current blood work (within the last 60 days or so), please bring that with you. If not, Dr. Farris will request blood work. He needs that information to manage your care as effectively and safely as possible.

We do have patients that only need a single visit to address a specific need.  All other patients will see Dr. Farris once during your initial visit, once at about 90 days and then once every six months.  After your initial consultation, each consecutive visit will last about an hour.  All patients receiving any medication will require bloodwork and a consultation every six months.

Doctor with Files

At the end of each visit, you will receive your programming/recommendations as well as any appropriate prescriptions.  Dr. Farris and our staff are available to answer a quick question posted through your patient portal.  If you have longer, more in-depth questions or need additional medical advice, we will ask that you schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns. 

Please note that at this time we do not take insurance.  Insurance companies still consider Functional Medicine as alternative medicine so they do not cover most Functional Medicine services.  Unlike traditional medicine, however, you will spend approximately 55 minutes meeting with Dr. Farris instead of the 4 to 6 minutes allotted to traditional physicians.

Note About Blood Work:  For any needed lab work, we will send you a lab kit from RupaHealth(RH).  Through RH, we have negotiated the lowest possible pricing for labs.  The doctor will set up your requisition and submit it to RH.  They will confirm your contact information and will collect payment for your labs.  RH accepts HSA/FSA cards, credit cards and debit cards for payment.  A blood kit will be sent directly to your house with options and directions for blood draw facilities near you.  You will take your kit to whichever facility you choose.  Once you complete the blood draw, it usually takes about 5 to 7 days for us to receive the results.  Once our office receives the results, we will reach out to you to schedule your appointment.    

Telehealth Options:  While we prefer to see our patients in person, we understand that occasionally, you cannot make it into the office.  If you are unable to come in to the office for one of your visits, we can provide a link to a HIPAA compliant online Telehealth portal.  There is no additional fee for this option.

Prescriptions:  If you have insurance, confirm with the pharmacy that they cover your medications.  At this time we do not provide insurance companies with prior authorizations for any medications. 

 

Alternatively, our office has the ability to order prescription products that may cost less than you can purchase locally.  Ask our staff about this option.

We hope this helps to provide you with an idea of what to expect when you come in for a visit.  If you need further information, please call our office at 704-786-4970.

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