What is functional medicine?
Our various organ systems (e.g. digestive system, nervous system, immune system or hormones) work together perfectly to enable us to survive in very different environments. But even this adaptability, which is unique in nature, has its limits in modern life. We have lived with infections and injuries for millions of years. But evolution has not prepared us for the amount of unnatural substances such as preservatives, metals, fine dust or electromagnetic radiation. A number of so-called lifestyle diseases can result. These include cardiovascular disease and cancer, the most common causes of death in Europe.
In functional medicine, we make the underlying dysregulations visible. This is made possible by modern laboratory diagnostics that make it possible to measure deficiencies in our energy balance, weaknesses in our immune system, the state of the microbiome and the supply of protective micronutrients. On this basis, individual therapy plans can be drawn up that largely avoid chemical substances and aim to sustainably restore the greatest possible health, well-being and energy as well as healthy aging.
Information on the process of functional treatment
How is treatment carried out within the framework of functional regulatory medicine?
First, the anamnesis (medical history) is examined in detail. An initial consultation usually lasts 45-60 minutes. On this basis, I make a recommendation as to which laboratory tests (blood, urine, stool or saliva) are useful. In a second consultation, the results of these analyses are discussed together and a treatment plan is drawn up. Treatment usually consists of taking micronutrients, pre- or probiotics or hormone-like substances orally. Intravenous supplementation can also be useful.
All recommendations are made individually, and I can also offer you advice on lifestyle and eating habits.
What costs should patients expect?
The costs depend primarily on the scope of the laboratory tests ordered. The scope is determined individually, and the costs can vary between around €800 and €2,500. The medical consultation is billed at €80 per half hour or part thereof, while blood tests or shorter follow-up consultations are charged accordingly less.
Privately insured people can usually count on reimbursement from their health insurance.
Those with statutory health insurance must bear the costs themselves.