What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine, rather than targeting individual symptoms, focuses on the optimal functioning of the entire body and its organs. It addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach in partnership with understanding the conditions and history in which the disease manifested. Genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors all have a direct influence of long-term health and chronic health issues.
What is Dr. Veselak’s Method?
Dr. Veselak’s Method is a functional medicine lab based health approach focused on addressing chronic health conditions –chronic fatigue, chronic pain, autoimmunity, digestive problems, hormone imbalances and mood disorders like anxiety and depression – This is accomplished by focusing on the 3 main body systems: immune system, brain, and metabolic health, which includes hormones, digestion and detoxification.
How is Dr. Veselak’s method different from other practitioners?
We have found that many of the patients we see for chronic health issues typically have been misunderstood or misdiagnosed. The focus is on addressing the symptoms, not the root cause. We have also found that one or two of the three main body systems might be addressed but hardly ever is the problem looked at from a metabolic, immune and neurological perspective. These 3 systems are interwoven and it is extremely difficult to have sustained improvement if all 3 are not adequately addressed. Typically these 3 main systems have become compromised long BEFORE the symptoms appeared. The lab tests are used to determine the required natural support needed rebalance your body back to its normal state.
What is Dr. Veselak’s success rate for someone who suffers from a chronic health condition?
Dr. Veselak has over 35 years of clinical experience and has seen over 15,000 clients. He continues to educate himself on the most current information to serve all of his patients to the best of his ability. With that said, it depends on the diligence of each client in following their daily protocol and making lifestyle changes that only they can be responsible for implementing. Dr. Veselak’s Wellness Program is committed to assisting and empowering his clients to take back their health and experience life changing results if they are committed to doing so as well.
How long does it take to get results?
Results vary by each person. Some people feel dramatic improvement within the first month, others may take a bit longer. Our standard programs are for a minimum of 6 months. Remember, your body didn’t fail overnight. Years of stress and illness takes its toll and it takes a proper amount of time to restore. On average it takes one month of repair for each year you’ve suffered from a specific problem.
Consultation Process
What is the best way to schedule an appointment?
The fastest and easiest way to schedule an appointment is by click the book appointment icon. Our website allows you to manage your appointments. If you would like to call the office to schedule the number is 805.482.0723.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
We encourage clients to book 2-3 weeks in advance. Depending on the time of the year, we can usually schedule a new patient or lab results appointment within 1-2 weeks of the requested time.
Do I have to take all the tests recommended at once?
The number of labs recommended will depend on your individual situation including the number of issues you struggle with and the length of time you have been experiencing them, but the range is 1-4 lab tests.
How long does it take to get the lab results?
The results of your lab test(s) will be sent to Dr. Veselak’s office 2 to 4 weeks after mailing your specimens to the lab. After evaluation we will contact you to schedule a follow up appointment to review your results with Dr. Veselak and he will recommend a wellness protocol.
What laboratories does Dr. Veselak use? And why?
Dr. Veselak has learned over many years that the accuracy of your lab findings and the quality of the professionals performing the lab tests is the key to you uncovering what’s going on. Quality is not equal across all lab companies. Many times we see “normal” test results from regular lab companies and our lab tests find many “functional” problems. The lab companies used for our clients have the highest testing standards and the most consistent lab results year after year. These are not replacements for regular medical tests, these tests are only used to detect “functional” issues rather than medical problems and aren’t meant to diagnose or recommend protocols for diseases. We are attempting to detect problems with the functioning of organ systems prior to the onset of a disease.
What types of lab tests are required?
Depending on the type of test, the samples required are saliva, urine or stool. All tests are completed by the client through easy test kits that are self-administered in the comfort of your own home
How long are the consultations?
Initial new patient consultations are 45 minutes.
Follow up lab result consultations can be scheduled for 30 min. (if you have 1 tests), 45 min. (if you have 2 tests), or 1 hour (if you have 3-4 tests). ION Panels require a 1 hour consultation (no exceptions).
Existing client follow up consultations can be scheduled for 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes.
Can I purchase supplements other than from Dr. Veselak?
Dr. Veselak recommends supplements from high quality and reputable manufacturers that can only be purchased with a practitioner’s recommendation. The Wellness plan that Dr. Veselak creates has specific dosages based on the exact ingredients in that specific supplement. If you want to do your own research on different supplements, we welcome you to do so but we do not provide any other recommendations nor advise on other specific blends or brands. If you purchase other supplements from other manufacturers, please research carefully. Not all ingredients are equal, and there is not a guaranteed quality when you purchase supplements elsewhere, especially on Amazon.
Does Dr. Veselak offer any in-person consultations?
Dr. Veselak is currently accepting in-person consultations requests as well as telemedicine consultations.
Cost / Insurance
What are the fees for consultations?
Fees vary based on type of consultation and time. Please contact our office for more information on fees. 805.482.0723
How much do to the lab tests cost?
Depending on the lab test, the cost is $200-$750 per lab kit and you can always start a program just by ordering a single test.
How much do the wellness programs cost after lab work?
Depending on the protocol created by Dr. Veselak, the estimated total cost on average is $200-$400 and depends on the length of the program.
What types of payment does Dr. Veselak accept?
Methods of payment are: personal check, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
How does he bill his clients?
Payment is due at time of consultation. If paying by credit card, the card number is required to be on file with our office prior to the consultation. Checks are accepted if received prior to the consult.
Do you take any insurance?
We do not bill insurance companies; it is up to each individual to determine whether their insurance plan provides coverage for consultations, supplements and lab tests.
If not, what is the office able to provide that can help with getting reimbursements for consultations and/or test kits?
Per your request, we will provide a superbill to you that lists CPT and diagnosis codes that you may submit to your insurance company. Our superbills provide the codes for consultations and lab tests. Most insurance companies will not reimburse for supplements. Please note that we cannot guarantee reimbursement.
Products/Shipping
What is the return policy?
Pre-approval is required on all returns. Refrigerated items cannot be returned.
15% restock fee of purchase price less shipping and handling may be refunded on unopened and non-refrigerated items.
No supplement returns will be accepted after 30 days on all regularly stocked items.
Special orders cannot be returned.
Prepaid tests can be returned for credit within 3 months of purchase
What is the fastest way to order supplements/test kits after I have become a client?
The quickest and easiest way to order supplements or test kits is via our online store
How soon does my supplement/test kit order ship once I have placed an online order?
Our office ships within 24 hours of receipt of your online order unless stated otherwise. This excludes Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
What shipping method is used for my supplements?
Orders are shipped by regular UPS ground unless faster delivery is requested. If requested, we can also send you the tracking number as well.
Communication
Can I email Dr. Veselak with any questions/concerns?
Dr. Veselak is happy to answer brief questions via email you may have about your protocol or symptoms. If it is a complex question which requires further back and forth communication, he will recommend scheduling a 15 min. consult.
If so what is the time frame in which I should expect an answer?
Dr. Veselak and the office staff are committed to responding within 48 hours with the exceptions of holidays. If you are experiencing a medical emergency you should contact your primary care practitioner or call 911.
What should I do if I am struggling sticking to my protocol?
We completely understand that many times, prioritizing a wellness plan requires major life changes. Our advice is to start one product at a time and take one day at a time. Often keeping a health journal allows one to stay on track and also shows the progression that we often forget when we need a little inspiration.