How To Find a Functional Medicine Doctor

More patients come to us seeking healthcare that feels like a partnership. They want collaborative care that helps them function at their highest level, rather than simply reacting to symptoms once they arise. This proactive, whole-body approach is what makes functional medicine such a compelling solution. If a concern can be addressed through nutrition, lifestyle adjustments or minimal prescriptions, why not start there?

This guide will help you find a functional medicine doctor who aligns with your goals and values. We’ll walk through the green flags to look for during your early research and the consultation process, along with the red flags that may signal it’s time to keep looking.

“The right advocate in your corner will get you answers. They’ll find ways to help you be more comfortable & perform at your best each day. You don’t have to live with that nagging pain or that discomfort that isn’t quite bad enough to merit an diagnosis.”

-Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP

The Research Phase

5 Things To Look For In A Functional Medicine Care Provider

1. IFM Accreditation

Before booking your initial consultation, confirm that your provider is certified through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). This is the gold standard in evidence-based, root-cause care. This credential ensures your clinician has undergone rigorous, science-backed training with a focus on holistic care.

Fellowships from reputable organizations like the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) or advanced training through an academic institution are also valuable indicators of a provider’s depth of knowledge.

IFM’S PROVIDER DIRECTORY

3. Collaborative Philosophy

Functional medicine complements your traditional healthcare. It does not replace it. A great provider values collaboration with your Primary Care Physician. It’s an even greater advantage when your provider practices in an integrated environment, where multiple disciplines work together under one roof.

4. Transparent Communication

You should easily find details about a provider’s education, philosophy and approach to patient care. Transparency extends to pricing, financing options and follow-up, too. At our practice, we include lab interpretation and follow-up appointments in our care plans because we believe education is vital to the healing process.

“We don’t just want to live longer. We want to live better, longer. That begins by looking deeper into what has been holding you back. What is the root cause of your pain, your stomach issues, your drop in energy around 3 p.m. every day?” 

Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP

During The Consult

5 Things To Look For During Your Functional Medicine Consultation

1. Active Listening

You should feel heard. A skilled clinician listens carefully and asks follow-up questions based on your answers, not just a prefabricated checklist. Genuine curiosity is one of the hallmarks of effective functional medicine.

4. Follow-Up Structure

A strong care plan includes details about how often you’ll meet, what testing might be needed and what support is available between visits. Functional medicine works best when it’s iterative and responsive to progress.

5. Comprehensive Intake

A thorough provider asks questions that go beyond your current diagnosis. They dig into your sleep quality, digestive patterns, daily stressors and environment, along with your daily schedule.

“As a provider, you have to engage with each patient, or you won’t know where to look. I don’t shy away from deeper questions. ‘What was your childhood relationship with food like?’ ‘Can you bring in all of your skincare products next time?’ And one that starts some of the best conversations is ‘when was the last time you felt good?'” 

Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP

Red Flags

8 Things to Watch Out for at Any Time in the Process:

• Dismissive of Your Doctor: Traditional healthcare is critical for a healthy society. Functional medicine providers are most effective when they collaborate with an existing PCP, not compete with them.

• Promising Fast Fixes:  Healing takes time and balance. Look for a provider who talks about eventually coming off supplements and/or medications, not indefinitely adding more.

• Provider Cannot Prescribe Medications: If your clinician isn’t licensed to prescribe (ex., a chiropractor or ND in Ohio), be cautious if they rely solely on supplements — especially their own “proprietary” products.

• Sales Pressure: Any supplement, test or food plan should be recommended for a clear reason. A provider who pushes products before discussing evidence or nutrition is a red flag.

• Cookie-Cutter Plans: Functional medicine isn’t a “Good, Better, Best” menu. Your plan should reflect your labs, health history and goals. “A la carte” items are OK, but only if your plan covers everything else already.

• Lack of Transparency: Clarity around credentials, realistic expectations for improvement and why you are undergoing which diagnostic tests are non-negotiables. Healthcare shouldn’t be a mystery.

• “Groupon”-Style Pricing: Your health also isn’t a flash sale. BOGO deals are great for t-shirts, not for hormone tests or quality supplements — especially supplements tailored to your deficiencies and are paired with food alternatives (if possible).

Over-Testing & Unclear Rationale

While testing is an important part of functional medicine, it should never be used as a profit engine. The best functional medicine programs offer a comprehensive, upfront diagnostic approach — not a piecemeal one built around recurring bills. Unfortunately, some providers rely on excessive testing and patients often end up paying for it.

To be clear, it’s not that these tests are invalid. Most actually provide useful data. But more isn’t always better. You probably don’t need a constant stream of panels to start feeling better. What you do need is a provider who is strategic from the outset: someone who includes fundamental diagnostics in the base cost of care, outlines why each test is recommended and knows how to interpret results within the broader context of your health.

If a Specialized Test is Recommended, Your Provider Should Explain:

• Why it’s necessary outside of the initial assessment
• What specific insights it will deliver
• How those insights will influence your care plan

“Another valid reason for testing? You just want to know more about your health. Curiosity is a powerful tool in medicine & understanding your health. That curiosity should be nurtured. It should also be supported by thoughtful explanation & scientific grounding.”

Marguerite Weston, MD, IFMCP