Functional Medicine-
Informed Care
At OttawaNPservices, functional medicine refers to a clinically structured, evidence-informed approach to medical care that focuses on understanding why symptoms develop, particularly when concerns are complex, persistent, or not fully explained by isolated diagnoses.
Functional medicine consultations emphasize extended history-taking, longitudinal symptom review, and careful interpretation of laboratory findings within a broader clinical context. Rather than addressing symptoms in isolation, this approach examines patterns across body systems — including metabolic, hormonal, and gastrointestinal function — to inform individualized care planning.
Functional medicine does not replace conventional medical care. Instead, it may complement primary care or, when clinically appropriate and chosen by the patient, serve as the primary management framework for ongoing health concerns that require deeper evaluation and long-term planning.
Functional medicine does not replace conventional medical care. Instead, it may complement primary care or, when clinically appropriate and chosen by the patient, serve as the primary management framework for ongoing health concerns that require deeper evaluation and long-term planning.
Who may benefit from a Functional Medicine consultation:
—Patients with ongoing symptoms despite standard treatment.
—Patients seeking a deeper understanding of metabolic, hormonal, or digestive health.
—Individuals with complex or multi-factorial health concerns.
—Individuals willing to engage in a structured, collaborative care process.
—Patients seeking a deeper understanding of metabolic, hormonal, or digestive health.
—Individuals with complex or multi-factorial health concerns.
—Individuals willing to engage in a structured, collaborative care process.
Functional medicine consultations may be appropriate for patients who continue to experience symptoms despite standard treatment, who want a deeper understanding of how their metabolism, hormones, or digestive system may be affecting their health, or who are dealing with complex conditions influenced by multiple factors. This approach is best suited for individuals who are willing to participate actively in a structured and collaborative care process, focusing on root causes rather than symptom suppression. When clinically appropriate and chosen with full understanding by the patient, functional medicine can serve as the primary framework for care, but it is not intended for acute illnesses or emergency situations.
What Functional Medicine Consultations includes:
—Extended clinical history and symptom review.
—Review of previous investigations and treatments.
—Targeted laboratory assessment (when indicated).
—Interpretation of findings within a clinical context.
—Individualized care planning and follow-up recommendations.
—Review of previous investigations and treatments.
—Targeted laboratory assessment (when indicated).
—Interpretation of findings within a clinical context.
—Individualized care planning and follow-up recommendations.
What Functional Medicine is not:
—Not a replacement for primary care.
—Not emergency or urgent care.
—Not alternative or non-evidence-based medicine.
—Not a guarantee of diagnosis or cure.
—Not emergency or urgent care.
—Not alternative or non-evidence-based medicine.
—Not a guarantee of diagnosis or cure.
Metabolic Health
Evaluation of metabolic function, insulin resistance, weight-related concerns, and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Thyroid Health
Assessment of thyroid-related symptoms, laboratory patterns, and long-term thyroid condition management.
Gut Health
Evaluation of digestive symptoms, gut function, and factors contributing to gastrointestinal imbalance.
Relationship to Primary Care
Functional medicine consultations at OttawaNPservices may function either as a primary management approach or as a complementary layer of care, depending on clinical context and patient preference.
Care may include ongoing monitoring, medication management within Nurse Practitioner scope of practice, and longitudinal follow-up. When indicated, collaboration with primary care providers or referral to specialists is initiated to support coordinated and appropriate care.
Care may include ongoing monitoring, medication management within Nurse Practitioner scope of practice, and longitudinal follow-up. When indicated, collaboration with primary care providers or referral to specialists is initiated to support coordinated and appropriate care.
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If you are unsure whether your concern is appropriate for a functional medicine approach, we recommend booking a general primary care appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
No.
Functional medicine consultations at OttawaNPservices Clinic are evidence-informed and focus on clinical assessment, interpretation of investigations, and structured care planning.
Functional medicine may serve as a primary management framework or alongside primary care, depending on clinical needs and patient’s preference(s).
No.
Laboratory tests and specialty investigations are billed separately.
Get yourself familiar with our prices
This varies depending on complexity.
Ongoing care is discussed during the initial consultation.
No.
Functional Medicine services are not OHIP-covered.
Some private insurance plans may reimburse part of the cost, but it is upon you to find out.
Virtual / in-person
Some functional concerns may be suitable for virtual assessment.
In-person clinic visits are recommended when a more serious functional examinations and/or procedures are required.
In-person clinic visits are recommended when a more serious functional examinations and/or procedures are required.