What is Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine is an approach to medicine that addresses the underlying cause (or root cause) of disease. It uses a systems-oriented, individualized approach, which engages both the patient and the practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. It reflects a personalized lifestyle medicine approach.

What is the difference between Conventional Medicine and Functional Medicine?

Conventional medicine tends to focus on symptoms management and disease control, often using pharmaceuticals as the primary form of intervention. Functional Medicine, however, seeks the root cause of a condition taking into account physiological, metabolic, biological, and genetic systems. Treatment plans are holistically made and focus first on the influence of nutritional and lifestyle interventions and, when needed, nutraceuticals, herbals, pharmaceuticals, nervous system retraining techniques, and more.

What is Heather’s background?

Heather is an Adult Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the conventional medical field. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has been working in primary care for the last 10+ years. She now has extensive training in functional medicine through the School of Applied Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine, Kharrazian Institute, and World Link. She is always continuing her education through seminars and conferences around the country. She is also a certified aromatherapist through the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy and has received her level 2 Reiki training. 

What age groups does Heather treat?

Heather is able to treat anyone 18 years and older.

What is Health Coaching?

Our Health Coach, Lindsey, is an important part of the Elemental Wellness approach to healing and bridges the gap between what patients know they need to do and the practical steps needed to implement diet/lifestyle changes and other elements of the treatment plan created for them. Lindsey supports, educates, motivates, and guides the patient on the path toward healing.

What is Lindsey’s background?

Lindsey has a background as a physical therapist and worked in a hospital setting for over 10 years. She is now a Functional Medicine and Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach with a passion for guiding individuals on their journey to vibrant health and vitality.

Where do I start?

Your first step is to meet with Heather for your initial 20 min Discovery Call.  The purpose of this call is a brief Meet and Greet to get an understanding of your health concern and Heather’s approach to treatment. It is an opportunity to get to know each other, get a feel for your needs and expectations, and make sure you both are the right fit for each other.

How much does it cost?

Elemental Wellness offers a few different options that you can check out in detail on our ‘Our Services’ page.

Why don’t you take insurance?

Unfortunately we do not take insurance. This is mainly because the current medical insurance model does not well support the Functional Medicine approach and does not make it a viable option. However, we can provide you with a receipt (called a Superbill) that you can then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if you choose to do so.

Does Elemental Wellness Offer Payment Plans?

Yes, you have two options when it comes to payment for our Road to Wellness Paths.  You can either pay in full or break up into three equal payments.

Is lab work included in the price?

No. Supplements and labs are not included in the package price. As a ‘Good Faith Estimate’ we recommend all our patients budget another $1000 for lab testing and supplements. We strive to keep costs down and are skilled at working within a budget. Some lab work can be run through insurance. However, we encouraged patients to be prepared in order to avoid any undue stress when it comes to these additional important recommendations.

What is a Superbill?

A superbill is a receipt issued by Elemental Wellness upon request that you can then submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Reimbursement amount depends on your insurance plan but most people are successful in getting at least partial reimbursement or having the cost of the visit put towards their out-of-network premium.

Do I still need a PCP?

Yes. In fact, we require all our patients to have a primary care provider. Elemental Wellness is not intended to replace this important service.

Are visits in person or virtual?

All visits are virtual via a HIPPA compliant portal. Elemental Wellness is a telehealth practice which allows for greater flexibility in your schedule as well as allowing us to keeping cost of service down.

What if I don’t live in the area?

Heather is licensed in NJ and many patients from surrounding states. They are simply asked to travel across the border into NJ for their visits. These limitations do not apply to Health Coaching visits.

I don’t have a specific diagnosis, but I just don’t feel right. Can you help me?

Yes! We hear this all the time. This is where Functional Medicine really shines because we believe in looking for early warning signs of trouble. This often shows up in vague symptoms and lab values that are considered normal but not optimal. A Discovery Call with Heather is the perfect way to talk through your concerns. 

• Common symptoms our patients have include fatigue, difficulty losing weight, joint pain/stiffness, poor sleep, brain fog, cravings, mood swings, changes, low mood, and anxiety, GI complaints like gas, bloating, and irritability.