At Otto Health, we help clinicians open their own cash-pay, prevention-focused practices. We often use the term “functional medicine” practices as a shorthand for the type of practices we are most often serving. In this post, we share more about what functional medicine actually entails.

What is functional medicine? How is it different from conventional medicine?

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. The functional medicine tagline “one condition, many causes; one cause, many conditions” phrases it best: instead of treating an individual condition-by-condition, functional medicine providers investigate the underlying issues that may cause several conditions and work on improving those underlying concerns.

“one condition, many causes; one cause, many conditions”

In conventional medicine, treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms, often through standardized protocols, especially for chronic diseases. For example, if a patient has high blood pressure, they may receive medication to lower it, but the root causes of the blood pressure might not be addressed or discussed. Functional medicine takes a more holistic view, aiming to understand why the patient developed high blood pressure in the first place. Using this information, functional medicine creates plans that reverse the underlying issue instead of treating the high blood pressure in isolation.

Functional medicine tends to be somewhat more proactive and preventive, focusing on maintaining wellness before disease develops. Conventional medicine tends to be more reactive, stepping in once symptoms appear.

What training is required for a functional medicine provider?

Functional medicine providers typically start with a conventional healthcare background and undergo additional specialized training. Many functional medicine practitioners are medical doctors (MDs), osteopathic doctors (DOs), nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), or other licensed healthcare professionals like chiropractors, dietitians, or naturopaths.

After completing initial medical training, practitioners can pursue certification through organizations like the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), which offers an in-depth curriculum covering the core principles, treatments, and diagnostic tools used in functional medicine. The IFM's certification program requires coursework, clinical training, and an exam to ensure practitioners are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to practice functional medicine.

Functional medicine training also includes studying advanced diagnostic testing, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions. Many providers attend ongoing seminars and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest research and treatments in the field.

What are some tools and treatments used in functional medicine?

Functional medicine uses a wide variety of tools and treatments to address the root causes of illness and promote overall health. These are often used in conjunction with conventional medicine approaches.

• Advanced lab testing: Functional medicine providers may use specialized tests as indicated to get a detailed understanding of a patient’s health. This can include comprehensive blood panels, hormone level testing, gut microbiome assessments, and genetic testing to uncover information that may not be detected through standard lab tests.

• Nutritional interventions: Nutrition plays a key role in functional medicine. Practitioners often recommend specific diets tailored to the individual’s needs—such as anti-inflammatory diets, elimination diets, or diets focused on balancing blood sugar or supporting gut health. Food is seen as medicine, and dietary changes are often a foundational part of treatment.

• Lifestyle modifications: Since functional medicine views health holistically, lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, and physical activity are given high priority. Providers work with patients to improve sleep hygiene, stress management techniques, and exercise habits, aiming to create sustainable, long-term changes.

• Supplements: Functional medicine often uses supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies, to support specific bodily functions. The use of supplements is always personalized based on each patient’s specific needs.

• Mind-body therapies: Recognizing the connection between mental and physical health, functional medicine often integrates mind-body approaches such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and acupuncture. These therapies are used to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and support the healing process.

• Detox protocols: In some cases, practitioners may recommend detoxification programs to help the body eliminate toxins that may be contributing to health issues. These protocols might include dietary changes, supplements, or other methods that support the body’s detox pathways.

How does Otto Health support functional medicine providers?

Otto Health provides business and operational support so functional medicine providers can focus on providing exceptional patient care. You can learn about our full suite of support services here. While this can include anything from financial modeling to automated scheduling, a few of the most helpful features for functional medicine providers include: 

• Practice software: Otto Health’s practice management software is designed specifically for cash-pay providers, including functional medicine practitioners. Our integrated EHR and CRM platform allows you to manage every aspect of your practice in one place.

• Education for prospects and patients: Educating patients and prospects is critical in functional medicine, where lifestyle and behavioral changes are key to success. Otto Health supports with education materials to help patients understand the importance of their treatment plans, empowering them to take an active role in their health journey. Additionally, we provide educational resources for prospective patients, helping you attract and convert leads by showcasing the benefits of functional medicine and your practice’s unique approach.

• Lab and pharmacy partnerships: Functional medicine often requires specialized lab testing and access to high-quality compounded medications. Otto Health helps you partner with leading labs and compounding pharmacies to make this process seamless.

• Resources for providers: We understand that functional medicine is constantly evolving, and staying current is crucial. Whether you’re looking to refine your practice model or explore new treatment options, Otto Health provides the tools and knowledge you need to grow and improve your practice.

Closing thoughts

If you are interested in starting a practice focused on prevention and root cause care, we’d love to hear from you. Send us a note at info@ottohealth.io.