FAQs

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a systems biology-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of a disease.

Each symptom or diagnosis may be one of many contributions to an individual’s illness. For example, depression can be caused by one or more factors in an individual’s life. The precise manifestation of each cause depends on an individual’s lifestyle, genes, and environment, and only a treatment specific to that individual will address all of these drivers.

How does Functional Medicine differ from Conventional Medicine?

• Functional medicine is proactive and cost-effective long term. Conventional medicine is reactive and often expensive.
• Functional medicine focuses on individual biochemistry; conventional medicine often uses standard algorithms.
• Functional medicine is holistic; conventional medicine is specialized.
• Functional medicine targets root causes; conventional medicine treats symptoms.
• Functional medicine is patient-centered; conventional medicine is physician-centered.
• Functional medicine manages chronic illness; conventional medicine focuses on acute conditions.

What are the benefits of Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine addresses the whole person. Practitioners use a holistic approach to understand individual needs and create personalized care plans.

It helps prevent disease rather than just detecting and treating it after the fact.

Why doesn’t my primary care physician practice Functional Medicine?

Primary care doctors often lack time for deep investigation due to large patient loads and insurance demands. Functional medicine requires a more personalized approach.

Are lab tests covered?

No. However, Boston Direct Health negotiates lower prices for medications and labs.

What approach does Boston Direct Health use?

Boston Direct Health specializes in functional medicine and helps every patient reach their peak performance.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Send medical records and recent labs in advance. Fill out the Medical Symptom Questionnaire and the Three Day Food Journal on the patient portal. Bring a list of questions and goals.

How much does it cost?

Call 617-304-1965 ext1 to inquire about pricing.

What is Direct Primary Care?

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a model that eliminates insurance, allowing direct access to physicians and smaller patient rosters.

According to Qliance, DPC patients have fewer surgeries, fewer specialist referrals, fewer ER visits, and fewer hospital stays.

How do DPC practices differ from traditional practices?

The main difference is accessibility. Traditional practices involve long wait times and shorter visits. DPC offers same or next-day appointments, unlimited visits, no co-pays, and direct communication.

Traditional doctors often spend less than 15 minutes per visit and significant time on paperwork. DPC visits can last an hour, focusing on building strong physician-patient relationships and personalized care.

Why does Boston Direct Health differ from the average doctor’s practice?

BDH uses the DPC model and focuses on functional medicine, lifestyle care, nutrition, and performance optimization.

Why are costs lower with DPC?

DPC patients pay a flat monthly fee. No insurance overhead means more affordable care and negotiated lower lab and medication costs.

What happens if I’m admitted to the emergency room or hospital?

Contact BDH. They coordinate care with your emergency and inpatient team.

Do you make home or nursing home visits?

When appropriate, BDH tries to arrange home visits.

Do you offer telemedicine?

Yes.

What if I need a specialist?

BDH will help refer and coordinate your specialist care as needed.

What if I need urgent care?

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies. For urgent but non-emergency issues, BDH is available 24/7 and can often help without an ER visit.

What if I need medical attention while away?

Virtual visits allow diagnosis and treatment remotely. If in-person care is needed, BDH will help coordinate it.

How do I contact Boston Direct Health?

Office hours are 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday. Calls during or after hours are returned promptly.

Do you accept insurance?

No, BDH does not accept insurance.

Do I still need health insurance?

Yes. DPC is not a replacement for insurance. Maintain insurance or Medicare for emergencies and hospitalizations.

Think of it like car insurance: you cover maintenance; insurance covers accidents.

Can you see me if I have Medicare?

Yes, but BDH has opted out of Medicare billing. You can’t submit claims for primary care visits.

I have an HMO. Can I join?

Please contact us to discuss options.

What popular aesthetic services are offered?

BDH offers BOTOX®, dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation, tightening, and acne treatments.

Where is the aesthetics practice located?

18 Newbury Street, between Arlington and Berkeley, in Boston’s Back Bay.