Rather than targeting individual symptoms, Functional Medicine focuses on the optimal functioning of the entire body and its organs. It addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach in partnership with understanding the conditions and history in which the disease manifested.  Genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors all have a direct influence on long-term health and chronic health issues. Kelly Kessen uses a lab based health approach focused on addressing common conditions – fatigue, anxiety/depression, female hormones, digestive problems, weight gain, sleep issues – through restoring the 3 main body systems: neuroendocrine, gastrointestinal and detoxification. She uses lab tests that help identify the dysfunction of these 3 main body systems. Typically these systems have become compromised long BEFORE the symptoms appeared.  The lab tests are used to determine the required natural support needed to rebalance your body back to its normal state.

In order to ensure we are a good fit, we offer a free 30 minute initial phone interview where you share what you are seeking help with and can ask any questions you may have. 

Schedule an Functional Medicine Intake Online

Complete New Patient Paperwork at least 48 hrs prior to your Intake Appointment

Results vary by each person. Some people feel dramatic improvement within the first month, others may take a bit longer. Our standard programs are for a minimum of 6 months. Remember, your body didn’t fail overnight. Years of stress and illness takes its toll and it takes a proper amount of time to restore. On average it takes one month of repair for each year you’ve suffered from a specific problem.

Using the intake questionnaire you fill out prior to our first appointment, we will discuss and document your health history and conditions. Based on the reported symptoms, we will recommend the labs required to test your body systems. All information gathered is put into your personal file on the Practice Better platform and app. Your lab results and wellness plan will be uploaded to this platform for you to access. During your intake, you will be given health and wellness recommendations. During the time it takes for you to complete your labs and while waiting for the results, you will begin to implement these lifestyle changes. 

The fastest and easiest way to schedule an appointment is by using our online scheduler.

Initial new patient consultations are 75 minutes.

Lab test result review appointment times vary depending on which test and if reviewing more than one test. Most can be scheduled for 30 min. (if reviewing 1 test), 45 min. (if reviewing organix or if reviewing 2 tests), or 1 hour (if reviewing 3 tests). 

Existing client follow up appointments can be scheduled for 30 or 60 minutes.

Schedule Online

The number of labs recommended will depend on your individual situation including the number of issues you struggle with and the length of time you have been experiencing them, but the range is 1-4 lab tests.

Depending on the type of test, the samples required are saliva, urine, blood or stool. All tests are completed by the client through easy test kits that are self-administered in the comfort of your own home.

The results of your lab test(s) will be sent to the office 2 to 4 weeks after mailing your specimens to the lab. During this time when you are waiting for results, you will begin making lifestyle changes recommended by Kelly.  After evaluation we will contact you to schedule a follow up appointment to review your results with Kelly Kessen and she will recommend a wellness protocol.

LAB TEST KITS

Our authorized laboratories are only able to sell test kits to licensed practitioners. Kelly Kessen uses specific lab tests from small lab companies that exclusively offer functional medicine tests. Larger national labs and local hospital based labs are not helpful for these types of highly specialized tests.

Kelly Kessen has learned that the accuracy of your lab findings and the quality of the professionals performing the lab tests is the key to you uncovering what’s going on. Quality is not equal across all lab companies. Many times we see “normal” test results from regular lab companies and our lab tests find many “functional” problems. The lab companies used have the highest testing standards and the most consistent lab results year after year. These are not replacements for regular medical tests, these tests are used to detect “functional” issues rather than medical problems and aren’t meant to diagnose or recommend protocols for diseases. We are attempting to detect problems with the functioning of organ systems prior to the onset of a disease. If you already have a diagnosis, these tests and protocols can help support your healing. 

RETESTING

While retesting isn’t required, it is recommended that a client retest at the 6 month mark to measure improvement and adjust protocols if needed. Once a client has achieved their desired health results, we recommend annual testing with some of the labs to ensure your body systems continue functioning at their best.

PREVIOUS LAB WORK

Even if you have previous labs completed in order to become a new patient with Kelly Kessen, a new patient consultation is required.  At that session, Kelly will determine if new labs are required.

 We do not bill insurance companies; it is up to each individual to determine whether their insurance plan provides coverage for consultations, supplements and lab tests.

Per your request, we will provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company. Our superbills provide the codes for consultations and lab tests. Most insurance companies will not reimburse for supplements. Please note that we cannot guarantee reimbursement.

Kelly Kessen recommends supplements from high quality and reputable manufacturers that can only be purchased with a practitioner’s recommendation. The Wellness plan that Kelly Kessen creates has specific dosages based on the exact ingredients in that specific supplement. If you want to do your own research on different supplements, we welcome you to do so but we do not provide any other recommendations nor advise on other specific blends or brands. If you purchase other supplements from other manufacturers, please research carefully. Not all ingredients are equal, and there is not a guaranteed quality when you purchase supplements elsewhere, especially on Amazon.

 You will order your supplements online through Fullscript. Kelly will set you up with accounts where needed.

Kelly is happy to answer brief questions via Practice Better that you may have about your protocol or symptoms. If it is a complex question which requires further back and forth communication, she will recommend scheduling a 30 min. consult.

Kelly and the office staff are committed to responding within 48 hours with the exceptions of weekends, holidays and when Kelly is traveling.

Kelly Kessen is not a medical doctor; she does not service medical emergencies, diagnose or issue protocols for any specific diseases. If you have a medical emergency, you must contact your primary care physician or dial 911.