Question 1

Can you be my primary care provider?

Accepted Answer

No, we are Functional Medicine Specialists and cannot be your primary care provider. We require you to have a primary care provider for acute and general care. As consultants, we do not provide urgent/same-day care.

Question 2

Can you manage my psychiatric medications while I am a patient?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if deemed appropriate.

Question 3

Can I become a patient if I’m not a resident of California?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately No.

However we encourage you to utilize our educational tools to learn more about improving your health through nutrition and lifestyle changes. Check out our quiz to learn more about hidden stressors that can undermine your health.

Question 4

Do you accept insurance, MediCal or Medicare?"

Accepted Answer

No, we do not accept insurance, including Medi-Cal or Medicare, and we do not provide superbill invoices for reimbursement.

Insurance typically limits the scope of care and testing, and often does not cover the comprehensive, root-cause approach we take in functional medicine. By working outside of insurance, we’re able to focus entirely on what’s best for your health without restrictions, delays, or hidden fees. Our pricing is fully transparent, and you can choose care that supports your long-term wellness goals without navigating insurance red tape.

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), those funds may be used toward your membership.

Question 5

What types of lab testing do you offer and how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Initial testing usually includes an extensive blood panel, urinary organic acids testing, and a comprehensive stool evaluation. If indicated, additional testing could include salivary and/or urine assessment of cortisol and sex hormones (DUTCH/Precision Analytical), urinary mycotoxins (mold) (Real Time Labs), food sensitivity panels (Cyrex or Vibrant America) and specialty immune panels (Cyrex).
 
For our comprehensive functional blood testing, we have contracted with specialty labs at a fraction of the typical cost for these panels, and usually this blood draw can be done conveniently at your local Labcorp.

Question 6

How important is the use of supplements in a treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

During your treatment, Dr. McCarthy will recommend appropriate supplements for you based on your history and test results. Though we aim to optimize nutrient intake with your diet, supplements are still critical to overcoming imbalances to achieve optimal results.  Depending on your case, the number of supplements will vary, as will the recommended length of treatment. As a patient, you will have access to discounted prescription grade supplements though Fullscript’s online formulary.

Question 7

Are appointments via video conference/Zoom?

Accepted Answer

All appointments except Autonomic Response Testing sessions are via Zoom.

Question 8

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

We are currently accepting new patients. If you are interested in becoming a patient, please schedule a discovery call.