Question 1

What is FunctionalMatch?

Accepted Answer

FunctionalMatch is a free platform for patients with chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, and unresolved health issues. We connect you with 2-3 vetted functional medicine doctor options that are selected based on your symptoms, health history, and goals - not just location or availability.

Question 2

Is FunctionalMatch free for patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FunctionalMatch is completely free for patients. There is no cost to complete your intake, book a Match Call, or receive your doctor options. The only cost you may encounter is the doctor's consultation fee, which varies by practice.

Question 3

How is FunctionalMatch different from Googling "functional medicine doctor near me"?

Accepted Answer

When you search Google, you get a list of every doctor who uses the words "functional medicine" - regardless of whether they specialize in your condition, share your health philosophy, or are actually taking new patients. FunctionalMatch filters for fit. We vet every doctor on our platform, review your full case picture, and share doctor options aligned with your needs. We also book your consultation for you if you are ready to move forward.

Question 4

Do I need a referral or prior diagnosis to use FunctionalMatch?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need a referral or a formal diagnosis. Many of our patients come to us precisely because conventional medicine hasn't given them answers yet. If you have chronic, unresolved symptoms and are open to a root-cause approach, FunctionalMatch can help.

Question 5

How does the matching process work?

Accepted Answer

There are four simple steps. First, you complete a free 2-minute intake form sharing your symptoms, health history, and what you are looking for. Second, you book a free Match Call with one of our patient advocates - people who have personally navigated chronic illness themselves. Third, on that call your patient advocate reviews your case, asks a few deeper questions to get the full picture, and shares your 2-3 personally selected vetted doctor options with you live on the call. Fourth, if you are ready to move forward, we book your doctor consultation directly on their calendar for you on the spot.

Question 6

How long does it take to receive my doctor options?

Accepted Answer

You receive your doctor options live on your Match Call - not in an email days later. Once you complete your intake form, simply book your free 15-minute Match Call and your patient advocate will have your 2-3 vetted doctor options ready to walk you through personally on that call. Most patients have their options within a few days of submitting their intake - as soon as they book their call.

Question 7

What happens on the Match Call?

Accepted Answer

The Match Call is a free 15-minute call with one of our patient advocates - people who have personally dealt with chronic illness and understand what you are going through firsthand. They review your intake, ask a few additional questions to complete your case picture, and then share your 2-3 personally selected vetted doctor options with you directly on the call. You can ask questions about each practice, get honest perspective from someone who has been in your shoes, and if you are ready, we book your first doctor consultation on the spot. No pressure. No commitment.

Question 8

Who are the patient advocates?

Accepted Answer

Our patient advocates are individuals who have personally experienced chronic illness and navigated the functional medicine space. They understand what you are going through because they have been there. They are not doctors and do not provide medical advice - their role is to help you explore doctor options for your case and share what they know from lived experience.

Question 9

Can FunctionalMatch book my doctor consultation for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you review your doctor options on the Match Call and feel ready to move forward, we will book your initial consultation directly on the doctor's calendar on your behalf. You leave the call with a confirmed appointment - not a homework assignment.

Question 10

How are doctors vetted before joining FunctionalMatch?

Accepted Answer

Every practitioner on FunctionalMatch goes through a three-step vetting process - reviewed by former chronic illness patients and health advocates before they ever appear on the platform. We only work with practitioners who take a genuine high-quality patient care approach.

Question 11

Are the doctors on FunctionalMatch currently taking new patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All doctors currently on the FunctionalMatch platform are actively accepting new patients. We only list doctors who have confirmed availability so you are never connected with someone who cannot see you.

Question 12

Do the doctors on FunctionalMatch accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most functional medicine doctors operate outside of traditional insurance networks and charge out-of-pocket fees. Some may offer superbills you can submit to your insurance for partial reimbursement. We will be transparent about the cost and payment model for every doctor option before you commit to anything.

Question 13

Where are the doctors located? Can I work with a doctor remotely?

Accepted Answer

FunctionalMatch connects patients nationally. We have doctors available for both in-person visits and virtual consultations. During your Match Call your patient advocate will factor in your location preferences and whether virtual care is an option for your situation.

Question 14

What conditions does FunctionalMatch specialize in?

Accepted Answer

We work with patients dealing with a wide range of chronic, complex, and unresolved health issues. If something feels off and conventional medicine hasn't given you answers, we can likely help. Conditions we commonly work with include: rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, PCOS, hormone imbalances, hormone optimization and longevity, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and other thyroid conditions, mold illness and biotoxin illness, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, gut health issues including IBS and SIBO, and other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. If your condition is not listed here, complete your intake anyway - if we have a strong match for your case we will find them.

Question 15

Can FunctionalMatch help me if I haven't been diagnosed yet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many patients come to us after years of inconclusive tests and dismissed symptoms. You do not need a diagnosis. If you have chronic symptoms that conventional medicine has not resolved, a functional medicine doctor may be able to identify root causes that standard testing misses.

Question 16

Can functional medicine help with rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Functional medicine takes a root-cause approach to rheumatoid arthritis by investigating underlying triggers such as gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities, environmental toxins, and immune dysregulation - factors that standard rheumatology often does not address. FunctionalMatch connects RA patients with doctors experienced in this approach.

Question 17

Can functional medicine help with Lyme disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chronic Lyme disease and post-care Lyme disease syndrome are areas where many patients find conventional medicine inadequate. Functional medicine doctors experienced in Lyme take a comprehensive approach to co-infections, immune support, and systemic recovery. We have doctors on our platform with specific experience in this area.

Question 18

Can functional medicine help with hormone imbalances, PCOS, or thyroid conditions?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Hormone optimization, PCOS management, and thyroid conditions including Hashimoto's are among the most common reasons patients seek functional medicine. Our platform includes doctors who specialize specifically in these areas.

Question 19

Can functional medicine help with gut health, IBS, or bloating?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gut health is one of the most common reasons patients seek functional medicine. Root cause investigation of IBS, SIBO, bloating, and digestive issues is a core strength of functional medicine. We connect gut health patients with doctors who specialize in the microbiome, food sensitivities, and digestive root causes.

Question 20

Can functional medicine help with chronic fatigue or mold illness?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chronic fatigue syndrome and mold illness or biotoxin illness are complex conditions that conventional medicine often dismisses or misdiagnoses. Functional medicine doctors who specialize in these areas take a comprehensive investigative approach. We have doctors on our platform experienced in both.

Question 21

How do I get started with FunctionalMatch?

Accepted Answer

Complete the free 2-minute intake form at functionalmatch.com/get-matched. From there you will book your free Match Call and your patient advocate will walk you through your doctor options personally on the call.

Question 22

What if none of my doctor options feel right?

Accepted Answer

We will work with you to find a better fit. Our goal is to only share doctor options that feel aligned with your case. If something feels off after your Match Call, tell us and we will reassess.

Question 23

Is FunctionalMatch available in my city?

Accepted Answer

FunctionalMatch is available nationwide. No matter where you are in the country, we can help you find the right functional medicine doctor. We have doctors available for both in-person visits and virtual consultations across the US, with our network expanding regularly. Virtual care options are available regardless of your location.

Question 24

Is my information kept private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your intake information is private and secure. We do not share your personal health information with anyone outside of the matching process. You can review our full privacy policy at functionalmatch.com/privacy-policy.

Your Questions About FunctionalMatch, Answered

About FunctionalMatch

The Matching Process

The Doctors

Conditions We Help With

Getting Started