Are you searching for a functional medicine doctor in Chicago?
Functional and integrative medicine practices are becoming more mainstream as conventional primary care demonstrates poor outcomes for chronic conditions.
Chicago has several doctors and clinics that offer functional medicine services. We’ve gathered this list of clinics with experienced practitioners and innovative approaches.
What Is A Functional Medicine Doctor?
Functional medicine is a systems biology approach to medicine that addresses the root cause of conditions. Instead of defaulting to medication use, functional doctors first help you use lifestyle changes and natural means to reverse chronic health conditions.
In the last twenty years, functional medicine emerged in response to the overwhelming burden of chronic disease in the US. It’s estimated that around 60% of adults in the US have at least one chronic health condition.
There are currently around 16,000 functional medicine practitioners in the country. Functional medicine practitioners are often trained as MDs and then do additional training in functional/integrative medicine. Often Naturopathic Doctors refer to themselves as functional medicine practitioners as well. Generally speaking, their training and procedures are similar regardless of whether they are an MD or an ND.
After doing an in-depth health history and diagnostic process, a functional medicine doctor will devise a treatment plan that includes diet & nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and nutritional supplementation.
One of the primary complaints about conventional primary care is quick appointments (the national average is 20 minutes) and medication-driven solutions. Functional medicine doctors tend to spend more time with patients, seeing them for 60 minutes or longer. They, too, can use medications but tend to use them as a last resort.
Functional medicine is very progressive in its use of advanced lab testing.
Conventional doctors will typically not use testing unless requested. Advanced lab tests like vitamin/nutrient deficiency and hormones tests are standard with most functional doctors, and more advanced tests are available.
It’s essential to keep in mind functional medicine does not work overnight. It’s a more long-term approach to managing a condition. Practitioners will admit there are no single silver bullet solutions to chronic diseases. However, it is possible to get back to everyday life with most conditions and even reverse them entirely with managed care.
Conventional Doctors vs. Functional Medicine Doctors
The primary difference between conventional and functional doctors is that functional medicine is designed specifically for chronic diseases. That means more time with a doctor, and more work on your underlying health.
Functional medicine is also significantly more individualized. A functional medicine doctor takes the time to get to know you and the source of the chronic condition. The average primary care visit is only 20 minutes, whereas a functional doctor will likely spend a full 60 minutes with you at least.
Your Relationship with your Functional Doctor
Functional doctors are more life friends and educators. They often will offer you education and hands-on support as you make lifestyle changes. Some functional medicine practitioners will even provide in-home services.
Even if you don’t have a chronic condition and just want to do a health tune-up, functional medicine doctors can give you a better picture of your overall health using data.
The Best Functional Medicine Doctors in Chicago
Check out our guide to the top functional medicine doctors and clinics in Chicago.
Several functional medicine doctors in Chicago provide unique services depending on your needs. Check out our guide to the 7 top functional medicine doctors and clinics in Chicago, Illinois.
1. My Precision Medical Care – Dr. Catherine Johnson, MD
My Precision Medical Care was founded by functional medicine doctor Dr. Catherine Johnson, MD. The practice focuses on comprehensive and precise diagnostic tools and treatments to ensure that you are on a path to healing. Their motto is “the right treatment, for the right person, at the right time.” Through their proactive and preventative treatments, you can be sure that you are in good hands and on a path to a balanced body, mind, and spirit.
Their services include:
- Precision Analysis Program
- Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health management,
- Assisted Withdrawal of Alcohol, Nicotine and Addictive Medications
- Perimenopausal treatments
- Cosmetic treatments
- Prescription Weight Loss
- Insulin Resistance Treatments
Insurances accepted: My Precision Medical Care is not compatible with any insurance.
Website: https://myprecisionmedicalcare.com/
Address: 23 Walker Ave Precision Medical Care Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
2. Amy Weiler, DO – Well Integrative Medicine
Well Integrative Medicine was founded by functional medicine doctor Amy Weiler, DO. The practice is patient-centered as they are determined to find the root cause of your chronic condition. Well Integrative Medicine offers a variety of health programs for you to begin your health journey. They also offer a variety of aesthetic procedures to ensure you are rejuvenated inside and out.
Their services include:
- Functional Medicine
- Integrative Aesthetics
- Medical Conditions
- Aesthetic Conditions
Insurances accepted: Amy Weiler is not in-network with any health insurance.
Website: https://www.wellintegrative.com/
Address: 5100 N Ravenswood Ave Ste 106 Chicago, IL 60640
3. Northwestern Medicine Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
The Osher Center for Integrative Health encompasses the traditional pillars within academic medicine regarding clinical care, innovative research, thorough education, and community wellness. The team of functional medicine doctors at Osher Centers strives to transform your life with their many offerings for mind, body, and spirit wellness.
Their services include:
- Behavioral Medicine
- Chiropractic Services
- Energy Medicine
- Fitness and Wellness Classes
- Integrative Medicine Consults
- Massage Therapy
- Nutrition
- Primary Care
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Acupuncture
- Herbalism
Insurances accepted: Northwestern Medicine Osher Center for Integrative Medicine is in some insurance networks.
Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocim/
Address: 150 E Huron St Ste 1100 Chicago, IL 60611
4. Green Circle Wellness Clinic
Green Circle Wellness Clinic is a women-owned and operated clinic run by a team of functional medicine doctors. The team of functional medicine doctors includes a double board-certified physician in the field of Family Medicine and Bariatric (Obesity) Medicine, a naturopathic doctor, and a pediatrics specialist to cover all of your family’s needs. They focus on your whole wellness picture to take a holistic and sustainable approach.
Their services include:
- Functional Medicine
- Medical Weight Loss
- Anti-aging medicine
- IV therapy and injectables
- Integrative physical therapy
- Aesthetic services
- Ozone therapy
- Nutritional consultations
- Hormone therapy
- Gut flora optimization
- Inner peace practices
Insurances Accepted: Green Circle Wellness Clinic does not bill insurance.
Website: https://www.greencirclewellness.com/
Address: 1141 W Madison Fl 2 Chicago, IL 60607
5. Functional First – Debra Brunk, DNP, FNP-BC
Functional First was founded by functional medicine doctor Debra Brunk, DNP, FNP-BC. Her practice is driven to provide you with the care you need and deserve and treat the root cause of your condition rather than just the symptoms. The team incorporates medical best practices with a holistic approach to ensure you are in the best hands throughout your healing journey.
Their services include:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Thyroid disorders
- Skin problems (eczema, psoriasis)
- Digestive problems
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint and muscle pain
- Sleep problems
- Chronic sinusitis
Insurances accepted: Functional First is not currently billing any insurance carriers.
Website: https://www.functionalfirsthealthcare.com/
Address: 1818 Dempster St Evanston, IL 60202
6. Aligned Modern Health
The team of functional medicine doctors at Aligned Modern Health is composed of chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors, and functional nutrition doctors. Aligned Modern Health specializes in innovative diagnostic testing and nutritional science to get to the root of your imbalance and treat your chronic disease.
Services included:
- Chiropractic and Physical Medicine
- Acupuncture
- Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition
- Clinical Massage
- Massage Therapy
- Telemedicine
Insurances accepted: Aligned Modern Health accepts all major health insurances, and they are in-network with many different plans.
Website: https://alignedmodernhealth.com
Address: 1741 W Division Chicago, IL 60622
7. WholeHealth Chicago – David Edelberg, MD
WholeHealth Chicago, founded by functional medicine doctor David Edelberg, MD, blends the latest findings in conventional medicine with clinically proven alternative treatments. The team of functional medicine doctors strives to form a genuine relationship with you. They offer various services for any point in your health journey, whether you are dealing with a chronic condition, seeking preventative care, or anything in between.
Services included:
- Internal Medicine
- Chiropractic Medicine
- Preventive Medicine
- Functional Medicine
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Lifestyle Medicine
Insurances accepted: WholeHealth Chicago accepts BlueCross BlueShield PPO & Blue Choice Plans. Dr. Cliff Maurer is currently their only provider accepting Medicare patients. Additional services such as acupuncture, therapeutic massage, Healing Touch, nutrient infusions, and a few others are not typically covered by insurance.
Website: https://wholehealthchicago.com/
Address: 2265 N Clybourn Ave Chicago, IL 60614
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