Q: What is Functional Medicine?
A: Functional Medicine is a personalized, systems-oriented model that empowers patients and practitioners to achieve the highest expression of health by working in collaboration to address the underlying causes of disease.; – Institute for Functional Medicine Dr. Zimmermann utilizes a holistic approach to diagnose and treat a wide variety of health conditions such as: chronic Lyme, tick borne infections, autoimmune conditions, mold illness and mycotoxins, food sensitivities, environmental toxin illness, cardiovascular health, heavy metal toxicity, chronic fatigue, hormones, thyroid health, and so on.
Q: Do you see patients virtually or in-person?
A: Dr. Zimmermann prefers new patients come in-person for their initial consultation. Follow up consultations can be conducted virtually if the patient prefers.
Q: How should I prepare for my appointment?
A: Upon booking a new patient appointment, our staff will email you the new patient intake paperwork. It is preferred that you complete these forms prior to your appointment. This will allow Dr. Zimmermann to review your case prior to your initial consultation visit. You should also bring in any recent labs, functional medicine testing, reports, etc that you have undergone.
Q: Do you accept health insurance?
A: No. We do not accept health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. We are considered out-of- network or non-participating providers. We will provide you with a visit superbill after every appointment so that you can submit it to your insurance company. Please note that it is your responsibility to determine what, if any, out-of-network benefits you have with your insurance plan.
Q: What are your consultation fees?
A:
● New patient consultation: $675
● Follow up appointments: $350
Appointment time will be determined by Dr. Zimmermann depending on the context of the visit. Please keep in mind the fees include time spent reviewing labs and exams prior to the appointment.
Debit cards, credit cards, cash, and HSA cards are accepted. Insurance is not accepted at this time. We will provide you with a superbill after every appointment to submit to your insurance company for potential out of network reimbursement. Payment is due at the time of the visit.
Q: Can you be my primary care provider?
A: No. Dr. Zimmermann does not practice primary care. She is a consultant only. Patients should absolutely keep their primary care physician.
Q: Where do I purchase the recommended vitamins and supplements?
A: Dr. Zimmermann carries a limited stock of medical grade herbal products that you can purchase in her office. For vitamins and nutraceuticals, Dr. Zimmermann utilizes the Wellevate (Fullscript) platform. After recommendations are made, patients will receive an email invitation to register on Wellevate. Dr. Zimmermann recommends not deviating from medical grade brands as it may affect efficacy and safety. Medical grade brands are 3rd party tested for contaminants, ensuring these herbals/ supplements are safe.
Q: Will my insurance cover the labs you order?
A: Insurance coverage is very much plan dependent. Please check with your insurer to see what lab they prefer you use. We will provide you with a lab order that you will then take to Labcorp or Quest. Not all tests are covered by insurance and sometimes you must first meet a high deductible. Please find out the specifics before your appointment, and certainly before having any tests done.
This is particularly important if you have Medicare or Medicaid. Additionally, functional medicine testing from Vibrant America, IGENEX, RGCC lab, Great Plains, GI Map, Doctor’s Data are typically not covered by insurance plans. Prices will vary depending on the tests selected. Our front desk can assist you with pricing on these tests.
Q: How will I find out my test results and your recommendations?
A: You will find out your lab results and Dr. Zimmermann’s recommendations at your follow-up appointment with her.
Q: Can you prescribe pharmaceutical medication?
A: Dr. Zimmermann typically utilizes herbal medicine, supplements, and regenerative intravenous infusions (done in office) in her treatment plans. She may prescribe pharmaceutical medication if necessary. However, she does not prescribe any controlled substances.
Q: How many appointments will I need?
A: Appointment frequency is variable based on the patient’s individualized case. Typically patients receiving active treatment (herbals, pharmaceuticals, and intravenous treatments) are required to have a medical visit every 4-12 weeks depending on the treatments being given. Labs should be completed prior to visits so Dr. Zimmermann can evaluate the patient’s progress and overall health state.