• Inflammation - think heat, swelling, increased blood flow and white blood cells are on high alert, as in a sprained ankle or infected cut; but it can be on a smaller scale as in the gut lining or the cell lining inside blood vessels; this can result in —> tissue destruction and poor function (like an arthritic joint)
  
• Catabolism - breakdown of muscle and gut lining - this can happen when not getting enough nutrients (i.e. starving), but also can happen in response to high cortisol (as when stressed); if catabolism is short term (i.e. when being chased by a bear), it helps provide quick energy to save your life…but if longterm (i.e. mean boss that you face every day), it contributes to “leaky gut” and a change in body composition —> less muscle, more fat
• Insulin Resistance - when your blood sugar goes up and down a lot, your cells no longer respond to insulin very well; thus sugar (i.e. fuel) is not able to get into the cells where it can be burned to create energy —> this results in less energy to run cell functions (fatigue) and high blood sugar causes tissue damage (kidney problems, nerve issues, heart disease, etc)
• Oxidative Stress - free radicals occur during the process of breaking down hormones, waste products, and toxins; inside cells, these free radicals (electrons) act like “sparks” popping out from a fireplace; if not “put out” with antioxidants like vitamin C etc, the “sparks” start to burn little holes in the machinery of the cells (like the mitochondria) —> causing the cells to not work right or be able to repair themselves (think fatigue and/or even cancer)
  

• Call our office at 715-861-2300.
• We will email you a welcome letter with attached intake forms that you can either mail or email back to us. Please fill them out and return to Spero Wellness Clinic as soon as possible. Once we receive these forms back, we will then contact you to set up your Functional Medicine appointment. 
• We will ask for a $200 deposit by cash, check or credit card when you make your appointment.
• If you are unable to keep your appointment, we request notice 2 business days in advance so that others can be served in that 90 minute time slot. You can give that notice via phone call at 715-861-2300.
• Please be aware that we reserve the right to keep this deposit for Functional Medicine intake appointments cancelled with less than 2 business day notice. We understand that an extenuating circumstance may happen and we will take that into consideration. We also reserve the right to charge for the remainder of the visit fee if you do not show up for your scheduled appointment.
• Lastly, if you would like us to review outside medical records prior to your appointment, you will need to sign & send a medical release form(s) for your provider of choice, such as your primary care physician, specialist(s) of hospital. This form can be filled out electronically on our patient portal, or we will email one to you. Remember it will likely take a few weeks for us to get the records, and may take an additional week for Dr. Gering to get the time to review them. 

A new functional medicine intake visit costs $600. This includes review and summary of your intake form, review of outside records if available in time, a 90 minute visit with Dr. Gering, a free BIA scan (body composition analysis), and often a free Alpha-Stim session. You will receive an initial treatment plan, including diet, lifestyle and initial supplement recommendations.

Further expense and treatment depends on what we mutually decide to do to investigate further. 

• If not done recently, we will likely want to do some standard labs. Examples include a CBC, complete metabolic panel, ferritin, TSH, free T3, free T4, Vit D, Vit B12, +/- Lyme Western blot, etc.  To expedite recommendations, you can have these simple labs drawn ahead of time.
  
• You can have the labs drawn at our clinic at substantially reduced cost, and interpretation of these labs will be included.
  
• Alternatively, you can have labs drawn at a local facility accepting insurance, however we reserve the right to charge a nominal interpretation fee of $25-50 depending on the number and complexity of labs needed.
  
• In order to look at your condition in a different way, we will need to test and treat the 3 basic body systems as noted above. Again, examples of the three basic body systems and corresponding functional medicine tests to investigate those systems are:
  
• Neuroendocrine System (“hormones”) - Labrix Salivary hormones $255 for an 8 panel - Dr. Gering prefers salivary testing, but will recommend urinary testing in some circumstances
  
• Gastrointestinal System (“the gut”) - The GI MAP is a stool analysis by Diagnostic Solutions  $359
  
• Detox System (“detox”) - Genova ION is a Micronutrient with Amino Acids test  - cost depends on your insurance - Initial cost will be $225. Genova will bill your insurance and depending on where you are at with your deductible and benefits you could pay up to another $214.  This is a very complex test and often takes 45-60 minutes for Dr. Gering to review your results and research best treatment options. As such, there will also be a $45 phlebotomy fee/interpretation fee payable to Spero at time of blood draw.
  
• There may be other specialty tests to consider as well, such as MTHFR genetic testing, heavy metals testing, celiac panels, lipid particle testing, H.pylori tests, Vibrant Food Zoomer  and/or Tickborne Panels, CD57 count, mycotoxins and more. 
  
• You may have a copy of your results from these specialty test when they are complete. However, if you wish to receive Dr. Gering’s interpretation of the results, we do require a follow-up visit for all specialty labs. 
  

During your follow-up visit, Dr. Gering will explain your test result and develop a personalized therapeutic program for you, which is typically designed to last 2-3 months before reassessment. Follow up visits will take 30-45 minutes for one specialty lab, 45-60 minutes for 2-3 specialty labs. Our base rate for a functional medicine follow up visit is: 

• $150 for a 30 minute visit
  
• $225 for a 45 minute visit
  
• $300 for a 60 minute visit
  

When it comes to dealing with chronic illness, functional medicine may take more time, effort and perhaps a bit more up-front, out-of-pocket investment. However, we are confident that the investment in your health will be worth it!  Being healthier will not only save you much more money in the long run, but it can also help you reach your full potential and enjoy life more completely!

Not sure if a functional medicine consult is right for you? 

• You can speak with one of our nurses to see if your symptoms and concerns are going to be a good fit here at Spero Wellness Clinic.