Question 1

What is FunctionalMatch?

Accepted Answer

FunctionalMatch is a free directory of independent functional medicine practitioners. Browse profiles and listings, compare focus areas and approaches, and contact the practice you choose directly. FunctionalMatch is not a medical provider and does not select practitioners for you.

Question 2

Is FunctionalMatch free for patients?

Accepted Answer

Browsing the directory is free. Practices set their own fees for consultations, testing, programs, and other services. Confirm all costs with the practice before committing.

Question 3

Does FunctionalMatch verify practitioners?

Accepted Answer

FunctionalMatch does not interview, verify, or screen practitioners before listing them. Inclusion is not an endorsement. Check qualifications, licenses, services, and availability directly with the practice and relevant licensing board.

Question 4

Do I need a diagnosis to browse?

Accepted Answer

No diagnosis or patient intake form is needed to browse. The directory does not diagnose symptoms or provide medical advice. Discuss health concerns with a licensed clinician.

Question 5

How do I use the directory?

Accepted Answer

Browse practitioners, review their profiles, and connect directly. Search by name, focus area, location, or visit type. You do not submit a health history or wait for a staff response.

Question 6

Who chooses the practitioner?

Accepted Answer

You do. Practitioners are independently reviewed by you, and the final decision is always yours. FunctionalMatch does not review your case, rank providers for you, or arrange your appointments.

Question 7

What if I do not find a suitable listing?

Accepted Answer

Try different search terms, adjust location or visit-type filters, or explore the broader directory. There is no assisted matching or patient outreach service.

Question 8

How do I contact a practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Use the practice website or calendar linked from its listing. Confirm that you are contacting the practice directly and check its privacy policy before sharing personal health information.

Question 9

Are practitioners accepting new patients?

Accepted Answer

Availability changes. Directory inclusion does not confirm that a practice is currently accepting patients. Ask the practice about wait times and appointment availability.

Question 10

Do practices accept insurance or provide superbills?

Accepted Answer

Insurance arrangements vary. Ask whether the practice accepts your exact plan, whether labs are billed separately, and whether it can provide a superbill. Check reimbursement with your insurer; a superbill does not guarantee payment.

Question 11

What should I ask about packages and total cost?

Accepted Answer

Request an itemized estimate for initial visits, follow-ups, labs, supplements, and memberships. Ask whether a package is required and get its duration, cancellation, and refund terms in writing.

Question 12

Can I work with a practitioner virtually from another state?

Accepted Answer

A virtual listing is not proof that the practitioner may provide the proposed services in your state. Confirm state eligibility, professional licensure, prescribing and testing rules, and any in-person requirements directly with the practice.

Question 13

How is a health coach different from a medical practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Health coaching supports daily habits and implementing a clinician's plan. Coaching alone does not authorize diagnosis, prescribing, or medical treatment. Ask about the individual's credentials and scope of practice.

Question 14

Does FunctionalMatch provide medical advice or promise outcomes?

Accepted Answer

No. FunctionalMatch is a neutral directory, not a medical provider. Educational pages and listing focus areas are not medical advice, diagnoses, or guarantees of results. Discuss your symptoms and treatment decisions with a licensed clinician.

Question 15

Do I need to share health information with FunctionalMatch?

Accepted Answer

No. Patient intake and matching forms are not part of the directory. Search does not require a health history. If you contact a practice through its website or calendar, that practice handles the information under its own policies.

Question 16

Where can I find more guidance before choosing?

Accepted Answer

Read our practitioner-fit checklist and guide to choosing a functional medicine doctor. Use the questions to clarify services, fees, qualifications, and state eligibility before committing.

Your Questions About FunctionalMatch, Answered

About FunctionalMatch

Browsing and connecting

Costs, qualifications, and visit types

Health information and privacy