Functional Medicine focuses on the optimal functioning of the entire body and its organs. Using a systems-oriented approach, it addresses the underlying causes of disease along with an understanding of 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.
Dr. Lori uses The Kalish Method, which has been tested and proven over 23 years of clinical experience with more than 8,000 patients. The Kalish Method is a functional medicine approach that focuses on restoring 3 main body systems: hormones, digestion and detoxification. This approach successfully addresses the 5 most common conditions in our culture – fatigue, depression, weight gain, hormonal and digestive problems – as well as a host of other health issues. Typically these 3 main body systems become compromised long BEFORE symptoms appear. Lab tests are used to determine the required natural support needed to rebalance your body back to its normal state.
It depends on the diligence of each person in following their daily protocol and making lifestyle changes that only they can implement. Dr. Lori is committed to assisting and empowering each client to take back their health and experience life changing results if they are committed to doing so.
Results vary with 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 3 to 6 months. Remember, your condition didn’t develop overnight. Years of stress and illness take their toll and a proper amount of time is necessary to restore function. On average it takes one month of repair for each year you’ve suffered from a specific problem.
We employ a variety of labs to determine the root cause of a person’s health issues. 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. The range is 1-4 lab tests.
Depending on the type of test, the samples required are saliva, urine and stool. All tests are completed by the client through easy test kits that are self-administered in the comfort of your own home. Dr. Lori also orders blood testing through Quest labs.
Lab results will be sent to Dr. Lori 2 to 4 weeks after your specimens are mailed to the lab. After the labs are evaluated, you will be contacted to schedule a follow-up appointment to review your results. Dr. Lori will recommend a wellness protocol at that time.
Our authorized laboratories are only able to sell test kits to licensed practitioners. We use specific lab tests from small 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.
Dr. Lori has learned that the accuracy of lab findings and the quality of the professionals performing the lab tests are key to uncovering what’s going on. Quality is not equal across all lab companies. Many times we see “normal” test results from regular lab companies while our tests find many “functional” problems. The lab companies we use 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, not medical problems, and are not meant to diagnose or recommend protocols for curing diseases. Their purpose is to detect problems in the functioning of organ systems prior to the onset of disease.
Depending on the lab test, the cost is $200-400 per lab kit, and you can always start a program by ordering a single test.
Initial new patient consultations are anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the issues. Follow-up lab consultations can be scheduled for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of tests. Existing client follow-up consultations can be scheduled for 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes.
Dr. Lori carries high quality supplements that are formulated to achieve the best results in the right specified dosages. If you want to do your own research on different supplements, you are welcome to do so, but we do not provide any other recommendations, nor advise on other specific blends or brands. If you purchase supplements from other manufacturers, please research carefully. Not all ingredients are equal.
The new patient consultation is an assessment of your health and recommendations on what tests are required to understand the state of your body systems. The new patient consultation fee does not include any follow ups, test kits or supplements. It does include wellness resources and handouts.
Depending on the protocol, the estimated total cost starts at approximately $100 and depends on the length of the program.
Payment can be made by check, credit card, or cash. Payment is due at time of service.
If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please notify our office a minimum of 24 hours before your scheduled time, or you may be charged for that appointment. As a courtesy, we will email/text to confirm your appointment one day in advance.
Dr. Lori works with some PPO insurance plans for a limited number of modalities. If you send us your insurance information, we can determine if your insurance is accepted. Please note that we cannot guarantee reimbursement. Most insurance companies do not reimburse for supplements, although a Health Saving Account (HSA) might be used for that purpose.
Depending on the results of your lab tests, we use different combinations of DHEA, pregnenolone, and all of the herbs, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals required for adrenal recovery.
These are natural, plant-based products that support and balance the adrenal glands. They are combined into customized wellness plans based on your individual lab results.
The goal is to mimic the body’s natural reproduction of its own hormones. We only use products that naturally occur in the body to restore your internal production of hormones.
Programs range anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on your health condition.
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 to ensure your body systems continue to function at their best.
Pre-approval is required on all returns. Refrigerated items cannot be returned. A refund will be provided on unopened and non-refrigerated items, minus a 15% restock fee of purchase price. No supplement returns will be accepted after 30 days on all regularly stocked items. Special orders cannot be returned. Prepaid lab test kits can be returned for credit within 3 months of purchase.
Most people have no difficulty taking a few supplements each day. However, prioritizing a wellness plan can require some lifestyle changes. In some cases, we might advise starting slowly with one product at a time. Often, keeping a health journal helps patients stay on track, and recording your progress can also provide inspiration.
Dr. Lori is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and nutritionist with a specialty in Functional Medicine. She is not a medical doctor and does not service medical emergencies; nor does she diagnose or issue protocols for specific diseases. If you have a medical emergency, you must contact your primary care physician or dial 911.
Dr. Lori is happy to answer brief questions that you may have about your protocol or symptoms. If it is a complex question that requires further back and forth communication, Dr. Lori will recommend scheduling a 15 minute consult in person or by phone.
Dr. Lori is an extremely caring doctor. She is deeply passionate about empowering people to take back their health and live fully balanced happy lives. Please see our testimonial page for feedback from many of her patients.
