12 questions to ask before any functional medicine program

Clear: a list of specific panels, and what each one is for.

Soft: "We look at everything" or "We'll decide what to test later."

Clear: "You and I go through all of your results in one visit, and I explain how they may connect."

Soft: "You'll get your reports in the portal."

Clear: "You'll get a written protocol covering specific areas, and we go through the reasoning together."

Soft: "We'll send you a list of what to take."

Clear: a specific answer about what the next step is, and any refund condition, stated plainly.

Soft: "That never happens" or a change of subject.

Clear: "A follow-up with me every month, on a set schedule."

Soft: "Book as needed."

Clear: "A health coach checks in with you every two weeks."

Soft: "You can always email us."

Clear: "We adjust the protocol as you respond. That's what the monthly follow-ups are for."

Soft: "Most people do fine if they stick with it."

Clear: "Tell us. We'll simplify and adjust with you. Visits can be by telehealth."

Soft: "You'll need to be really committed."

Clear: "Yes. There's a scheduled retest at a named point in the program."

Soft: "We can retest if you want to pay for it later."

Clear: "We go through your retest together at a follow-up, and then focus on keeping what's working going."

Soft: "Your results will be emailed."

Clear: one total price, a payment plan total, a list of what's included and a direct answer on anything that isn't.

Soft: "It depends" with no numbers attached.

Clear: a specific first step with a specific price, and a refund condition in plain words.

Soft: "Most people know right away."