FAQs in Fort Mill & Mt. Pleasant

What is functional medicine and how is it different from my primary care provider?

Functional medicine is the art and science of biological integration. Rather than treating isolated symptoms or managing disease through medications alone, functional medicine practitioners look for the root causes of dysfunction across interconnected body systems. At Functional Health Center, we treat you as a whole person — not just your lab results. Our providers spend meaningful time with patients, use advanced diagnostic testing, and create individualized treatment plans based on your unique health history, genetics, environment, and lifestyle. This is fundamentally different from the conventional model, where visit times are short, testing is limited by insurance, and the focus is on symptom suppression rather than resolution.

Why don’t you take insurance?

The conventional medical model is built around disease management driven by insurance requirements. Insurance providers dictate which labs can be run, how much time a physician can spend with a patient, and which treatments are covered — not the physician and not you. This limits both the depth of care and the range of solutions available. At Functional Health Center, our providers choose to operate outside that system so they can spend the time necessary with each patient, order the testing that’s actually needed, and pursue the most effective treatment options without restriction. We can provide superbills for patients who wish to submit for potential reimbursement, but we do not directly correspond with insurance companies.

How much does it cost?

Initial appointments start at $95. Beyond that, total cost varies depending on the diagnostic testing required, the length of your treatment program, the modalities involved, and your individual health goals. Cost is always discussed transparently during your initial visit so you can make fully informed decisions about how to move forward. We also offer flexible payment plans through Cherry to make care accessible.

How does the process work?

To get started, call our office at (704) 625-2994 and our support team will guide you through scheduling an initial consultation with one of our providers. From there, your provider will conduct a comprehensive review of your health history, order appropriate diagnostic testing, and develop a personalized treatment plan. You’ll meet regularly with your provider to review results, track progress, and adjust your protocol as needed.

Is testing done in the office?

We do not perform laboratory testing on-site. Blood draws can be completed at any Labcorp location nationwide. Stool, urine, and saliva collection kits are sent to your home and completed at your convenience. Our staff provides detailed instructions and digital resources to help you through every step of the testing process, from collection to result interpretation.

What do I need to bring to my initial appointment?

Please bring any recent lab work completed within the last 6–12 months. Prior results help establish a starting baseline and can reveal patterns that inform your initial testing strategy. Make sure all digital intake forms are completed before your visit — this ensures your provider can make the most of your time together. Learn more on our New Patients page.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Absolutely. We strongly encourage patients to bring a spouse, significant other, or parent (for minors) to the initial consultation. This is the beginning of a life-changing health journey, and having support matters. Just keep their schedule in mind when booking so we can accommodate everyone.