When you're dealing with persistent fatigue, digestive issues, hormone concerns, chronic pain or other ongoing health problems, finding answers can sometimes feel frustrating.
Invision Health’s Functional Medicine program takes a more personalized “root cause” approach—looking beyond individual symptoms to better understand the factors that may be contributing to a patient's overall health.
“Functional medicine is really about looking at the whole person,” says Dr. Sylvia Regalla, clinical director at Invision Health. “We take the time to listen to our patients and understand their history, their symptoms and their health goals.”
Functional medicine considers the potential impact of factors including nutrition, lifestyle, environment, genetics and hormonal health. Invision Health's providers work with patients experiencing a range of concerns, including gastrointestinal issues, chronic fatigue, hormone and thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions, metabolic health issues and inflammatory conditions.
Rather than taking a standardized, one-size-fits-all approach, the providers spend dedicated time with each patient and may recommend more comprehensive laboratory testing based on their individual concerns.
“The first step is really listening,” Regalla says. “We want to understand what a patient has been experiencing and then determine what information we need to help us develop a comprehensive plan.”
That process begins with an extended initial consultation, followed by testing when appropriate and a follow-up visit to review the results and discuss recommendations. Depending on the patient, those recommendations may include changes involving nutrition, lifestyle, supplements and other aspects of their overall health.
The program is offered on a self-pay basis, allowing the Functional Medicine team to spend more time to each appointment. Visits range from 60-90 minutes and focus on getting to the root cause of the individual’s health concerns.
And because every patient is different, the approach doesn't end with a predetermined treatment plan. Invision Health’s providers work with each patient to determine the appropriate next steps based on their health concerns and goals.
“We're not looking at a patient as a diagnosis or a list of symptoms,” Regalla says. “We're looking at the individual and trying to understand why they have these symptoms and how all of these different pieces may fit together.”
For Western New Yorkers ready to take a closer look at their health, Invision Health offers a personalized starting point.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or replace individualized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
