As someone who has had a list of mysterious health issues in the past, I have certainly become educated on different areas of healthcare. I’ve also heard the following things many times:
‘We don’t know why this is happening but here is a drug you can take”
“Sometimes this just happens and there isn’t really antyhing that can be done”
“The pain is all in your head”
“It is perfectly normal to have bouts of memory loss in your 30s”
Furthermore, as someone who in naturally investigative and curious mind, I don’t particularly care for these answers. These experiences led me to the world of functional medicine and seeing the power of it vs the traditional methods. This article is meant to cover what is functional medicine and how does it compare to traditional methods?
Functional Medicine vs Conventional Medicine: What’s the Difference?
Functional and conventional medicine are two approaches to healthcare that differ in their philosophy and methodology. While conventional medicine is the traditional approach to the treatment of diseases and illnesses, functional medicine takes a more holistic approach, focusing on the root cause of health problems rather than just treating symptoms.
Definition of Functional Medicine
Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach that focuses on the whole person, rather than just the specific disease or illness. It emphasizes the importance of the relationship between the patient and the practitioner. The role of the environment and lifestyle are also discussed. The model is based on the principles of personalized medicine and integrative medicine. This combines the latest research in nutrition, genetics, and biochemistry to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient.
Definition of Conventional Medicine
Conventional medicine, also known as Western medicine, is a system of healthcare that involves the use of drugs, surgery, and other medical interventions to treat diseases and illnesses. It is based on the principles of evidence-based medicine, which involves the use of the best available scientific evidence to make clinical decisions. Conventional medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases and symptoms, rather than the underlying causes.
The methods are two distinct approaches to healthcare that differ in their philosophy, methodology, and approach to treatment. And as we will see, the approach to treatment differs significantly as well.
Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
When it comes to diagnosing and treating health conditions, there are significant differences between conventional medicine and functional medicine. In this section, we will explore the diagnostic process and treatment approaches used in the two methods.
Diagnostic Process in Functional Medicine
Functional medicine focuses on finding the root cause of a patient’s symptoms. The diagnostic process involves taking a comprehensive medical history, performing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory tests to identify imbalances or dysfunctions in the body’s systems that may be contributing to the patient’s symptoms. These tests may include blood work, stool analysis, saliva hormone testing, or specialized functional tests.
Practitioners take a holistic approach to diagnosis, considering the patient’s lifestyle, environment, and genetic makeup in addition to their current symptoms. By identifying the underlying imbalances or dysfunctions, the practitioner can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Diagnostic Process in Conventional Medicine
In contrast, conventional medicine generally focuses on treating the symptoms rather than the underlying cause. The diagnostic process involves identifying the patient’s symptoms and using medical tests to confirm a diagnosis. These tests may include blood work, imaging studies, or biopsies.
Conventional medicine practitioners may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms without necessarily addressing the underlying cause. While this approach can be effective in managing symptoms, it may not result in long-term healing or prevention of future health issues.
Treatment Approaches in Functional Medicine
FM practitioners use a wide range of treatments to address the underlying imbalances or dysfunctions identified through the diagnostic process. These treatments may include dietary changes, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, stress reduction techniques, and lifestyle modifications such as exercise and sleep hygiene.
Practitioners aim to restore balance to the body’s systems, optimize function, and prevent future health issues. Treatment plans are personalized to each patient’s unique needs and may evolve over time as the patient’s condition improves.
Treatment Approaches in Conventional Medicine
In contrast, conventional medicine practitioners generally rely on medications or surgeries to treat symptoms or manage conditions. While these treatments may be effective in the short term, they may not address the underlying cause of the patient’s condition or prevent future health issues.
Conventional medicine may be appropriate for acute conditions or emergencies, but it may not be as effective for chronic conditions or long-term healing and prevention.
Overall, the approach to diagnosis and treatment in functional medicine differs significantly from that of conventional medicine. By focusing on the root cause of symptoms and taking a holistic approach to healing, FM practitioners aim to optimize the body’s function and prevent future health issues.
Patient-Doctor Relationship
Functional medicine and conventional medicine approach patient-doctor relationships differently. The approach in functional medicine is collaborative, while the traditional approach in conventional medicine is a doctor-patient hierarchy.
Collaborative Approach in Functional Medicine
In functional medicine, doctors and patients work together as partners in the healthcare process. FM practitioners seek to establish a relationship with patients that is based on mutual respect, trust, and communication. Patients are encouraged to take an active role in their healthcare, and doctors take the time to listen to patients’ concerns, gather information about their health history, and perform comprehensive diagnostic tests.
By working collaboratively with patients, functional medicine doctors aim to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the patient’s symptoms. Treatment plans may include lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and natural therapies, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
Functional medicine doctors view the patient as a whole person, rather than just a collection of symptoms. By addressing the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms, functional medicine can help patients achieve optimal health and prevent chronic diseases.
Traditional Doctor-Patient Hierarchy in Conventional Medicine
In conventional medicine, the doctor-patient relationship is hierarchical. Doctors are viewed as authorities who diagnose and treat patients’ symptoms. Patients are expected to follow the doctor’s orders and take the medications prescribed, without questioning the diagnosis or treatment plan.
Conventional medicine often relies on drugs, surgery, and other invasive procedures to treat symptoms. This approach tends to be reactive, rather than proactive, and may not address the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms. Moreover, conventional medicine may not take into account the patient’s unique health history, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors that may contribute to their health problems.
Consequently, patients may feel disempowered and alienated from their healthcare providers. The traditional doctor-patient hierarchy may result in patients feeling like passive recipients of medical treatment, rather than active participants in their healthcare.
In conclusion, functional medicine and conventional medicine differ in their approach to the patient-doctor relationship. Functional medicine emphasizes collaboration and personalized care, while conventional medicine relies on a traditional doctor-patient hierarchy and standardized treatment plans. By working collaboratively with patients, functional medicine can help patients achieve optimal health and prevent chronic diseases.
Insurance Coverage for Functional Medicine
Functional medicine is a unique approach to healthcare that involves personalized and holistic care which can be more expensive than conventional medicine. According to the current model of care in most insurance-based practices, functional medicine is not covered by insurance. This is because functional medicine practitioners often spend more time with their patients and utilize advanced testing. As a result, functional medicine is typically not considered a reimbursable service by insurance companies.
Insurance Coverage for Conventional Medicine
Conventional medicine is the traditional model of healthcare that is widely used and covered by insurance. In this model, healthcare providers rely on medication and procedures to treat specific diseases and symptoms. The cost of conventional medicine can vary depending on the type of treatment, the medical provider, and the insurance plan. In general, insurance companies cover the cost of conventional medicine because it is considered a standard of care.
Cost Comparison
The cost of functional medicine is often higher than conventional medicine due to the personalized and holistic approach. However, the conventional medicine can add up quickly over time with frequent use of medication & procedures. Functional medicine aims to identify the root cause of a health issue and provide personalized treatment, which can result in long-term savings.
When considering the cost of healthcare, it is important to note that insurance coverage varies widely among plans. It is essential to review your insurance plan and understand what is covered in order to make informed decisions about healthcare.
In conclusion, while functional medicine is not typically covered by insurance, it offers personalized and advanced care that addresses the root cause of health issues. On the other hand, conventional medicine is widely covered by insurance but can result in long-term costs. Ultimately, the decision between functional and conventional medicine should be based on individual needs and priorities.
Conclusion
In summary, functional medicine and conventional medicine differ in their approach to health care. While conventional medicine mainly focuses on treating symptoms with pharmaceuticals, functional medicine identifies the root cause of the symptoms and seeks to restore balance to the body’s natural processes. This approach allows for a more personalized treatment plan that takes into account each patient’s medical history and laboratory tests. Additionally, functional medicine encourages collaboration between the patient and the physician to develop an action plan that not only treats current health issues but also helps prevent future ones. The principles of functional medicine prioritize holistic and evidence-based care that seeks to restore optimal health rather than simply masking symptoms.
