FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE IN Lithia FL

There is a rising demand for healthcare practitioners who take a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on treating the entire person and addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just alleviating symptoms. This forward-thinking approach is known as Functional Medicine. Keep reading to learn how our chiropractic clinic in Lithia FL utilizes functional medicine.

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What is Functional Medicine in Lithia FL?

Functional Medicine isn't just conventional or alternative medicine; it blends the best elements of both, offering a revolutionary perspective on healthcare.

In traditional medicine, specialists treat isolated parts of the body—cardiologists for the heart, neurologists for the brain, dermatologists for the skin, and so on. However, Functional Medicine sees the body as an interconnected system and recognizes that treating one area requires considering how it relates to the entire body. We focus on understanding the root causes of your health challenges, which helps you not only recover but also maintain lasting health.

This patient-centered approach takes into account all factors that influence health, including lifestyle, nutrition, environment, relationships, stress levels, and even past medical treatments. By analyzing these elements, we aim to identify patterns that link various health conditions, allowing us to intervene in a way that promotes long-term recovery.

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Our Approach

Consider us your health detectives. We dive deep to find the underlying causes of health issues, rather than just masking the symptoms.

Functional Medicine’s strength lies in its detailed process. We begin with comprehensive questionnaires and thorough assessments, including medical history and lifestyle reviews, to gather clues about what may be causing your body to experience discomfort.

Using advanced diagnostic tools, including blood, stool, urine, and saliva tests, we measure critical internal processes—such as immune function, energy production, detoxification, and metabolic pathways. This data helps us pinpoint the root cause and create personalized treatment plans involving nutrition, herbs, supplements, stress management, detoxification, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, prescription medications are considered, but only when necessary.

True healing comes from addressing the root cause of your health issues. By restoring balance to the body's systems, many chronic illnesses can be prevented or even reversed.

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Benefits

Who benefits from our care?
We treat a variety of chronic health concerns, including fatigue, digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, and hypothyroidism. Our ideal patients:

• Prefer to avoid lifelong reliance on medications and treatments.
• Seek to uncover the causes of their health issues, not just mask symptoms.
• Are committed to playing an active role in their healing journey.
• Are ready to make necessary lifestyle and dietary adjustments for lasting health.

Who should consider Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine is particularly effective for individuals experiencing complex health issues involving multiple systems—like inflammation, immune function, nervous system imbalances, digestive issues, or metabolic dysfunction. Our personalized approach can address your unique needs and challenges.

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Conditions We Help Address

We help patients with a wide range of health concerns, such as:

• Chronic Fatigue
• Digestive Disturbances and Food Sensitivities
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes and Blood Sugar Imbalances
• Adrenal Fatigue
• Cognitive, Mood, and Behavioral Issues
• Weight Gain and Metabolic Dysfunction
• Sleep Problems
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Arthritis and Joint Pain
• Memory Issues
• Inflammatory Conditions
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Pain

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Working with Dr. Justin Scott, DC

Dr. Scott’s approach to patient care is distinct from conventional medical models. Please read the information carefully to understand our process. Keep in mind that Dr. Scott does not prescribe medications but works closely with local physicians for medical prescriptions when necessary.
Treatment Process: Three Phases

1. Initial Consultation
   • A 30-minute phone or video session to discuss your health concerns, medical history, and determine necessary lab tests.
2. Case Review
   • A detailed in-person appointment where we review your medical history, test results, and develop a tailored treatment plan
3. Follow-up Appointments
   • Ongoing support to monitor progress, adjust your plan, and ensure continued healing.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

In this initial 30-minute session, Dr. Scott will gather essential information about your health and determine the lab tests needed for further assessment. This session helps ensure we address all factors impacting your health and gives you a head start before your Case Review.
The testing may include:

• Comprehensive blood panels to assess general health, including thyroid, liver, and kidney function. It provides a baseline of biomarkers that can be used to objectively track the progress of your treatment over time. It also offers important clues for how to structure and focus your treatment to get the best results.
• DNA-based stool testing to evaluate gut health, looking for imbalances or infections.
• Hormonal testing to assess adrenal and sex hormone levels.

You will also complete intake forms that provide critical insight into your health history, symptoms, diet, and supplement use. Additionally, you’ll receive dietary guidelines, often including a 30-day Paleo reset diet, to help jumpstart the healing process.

Phase 1: Case Review

The Case Review involves a thorough review of your health and lab results and provides the foundation for your personalized treatment plan. During this in-person meeting, Dr. Scott will present findings, discuss the causes of your symptoms, and recommend the next steps in your care.

Phase 2: Ongoing Treatment

After the Case Review, you will continue with follow-up visits as needed. The frequency of these visits depends on the severity of your condition and response to treatment. Follow-ups may take place in-person or via phone/Zoom, with at least one in-person visit per year.

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Fees & Payment Information

Appointment Fee Structure
The Case Review is the most efficient and thorough way to identify the root causes of your health issues and create a personalized treatment plan. Although the Case Review may be priced higher than a typical initial consultation with a physician, it is structured to save both time and money in the long run by conducting comprehensive diagnostic testing upfront.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in the Case Review and follow-up visits, so you can plan ahead. These fees will be billed at the conclusion of each appointment:

• Initial Consultation: $97
  This 30-minute phone or video session with Dr. Scott will help determine the appropriate lab tests needed for your Case Review.
• Case Review: $599
  During this 60-minute in-person consultation, Dr. Scott will provide a detailed report of findings and present a customized treatment plan, including dietary, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations.
• Follow-up Appointments: $199 for 30 minutes
  Ongoing follow-ups to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Laboratory Testing

We offer personalized testing options tailored to your needs and budget. The costs for lab tests during the Case Review process can range from $500 to $4,200, depending on the complexity of your health concerns and the level of diagnostics required. We will work with you to find a testing approach that feels comfortable, and if needed, we can stagger testing to make it more affordable. Please note that the cost of some tests may include a test administration fee, and insurance coverage will vary.

Supplements

The cost for supplements prescribed as part of your treatment plan typically ranges between $170 and $2,300. The final amount will depend on the recommended protocols and the length of treatment (usually covering 1–4 months). We can adjust this cost based on your budget and customize it to fit your needs.

Total Estimated Fees for the Case Review Process

The total cost for the entire Case Review process is generally between $2,200 and $6,000. This includes your Initial Consultation and Case Review appointments, any personalized lab tests, and the supplements for the first few months of treatment.
You will have the flexibility to decide which tests and supplements to proceed with, and you will only pay for the items you approve. The only commitment required is for the visit fees.

Ongoing Supplement Costs

For ongoing treatment, the cost of supplements will vary based on your personalized plan, with an average cost of $150–$350 per month.

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About

Dr. Justin Scott, DC has been studying and practicing Functional Medicine since 2013. Prior to his Functional Medicine training, he did his undergraduate work at the University of Florida and received his Doctorate in Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic (FL) and is a proud alumnus of Tampa Jesuit High School.

Dr. Scott is an ADAPT Trained Functional Medicine Practitioner through the Kresser Institute for Functional and Evolutionary Medicine. He also received an Integrative/Functional Medicine Practitioner certification through the Institute for Integrative Medicine as well as having completed hundreds of hours of functional medicine training through Apex Seminars.

Dr. Scott credits his deeply informed interest In Functional Medicine to some of the thought leaders in the Natural Health community including Chris Kresser, Dr. Datis Kharazzian, Dr. Steven Noseworthy, Dr. Mark Hyman, Robb Wolf, Mark Sisson, Dr. Joseph Mercola, Dr. David Perlmutter, Dave Asprey, Dr. Loren Cordain, Dr. Paul Saladino, Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. David Seaman.

Dr. Scott works with patients from a functional medicine/ancestral model. He uses cutting-edge diagnostic tools including blood, urine, saliva and stool laboratory panels and a thorough intake process to discover the underlying causes of disease, and a combination of diet, lifestyle, supplements, and behavioral changes to address them. Justin lives in Tampa, FL with his wife and 2 miniature poodles Cosmo and Baxter.

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Become a Patient

Dr. Scott is currently accepting new patients who live in the United States. An in-person visit to Dr. Scott’s Lithia, FL office is required for the Case Review, which is the second appointment. Follow-up appointments may take place in person at our office or via phone/Zoom video.

To become a patient of Dr. Scott, please follow these steps to apply:

1. Read the section titled “Working with Dr. Justin Scott, DC” thoroughly. Make sure you are familiar with all of the procedures and fees
   before you apply.
2. Call 813-655-5433 and ask to schedule a Functional Medicine Initial Consult
   Thank you for your interest in working with Dr. Scott!