Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about functional medicine, working with Dr. Joan, and starting your healing journey. Don't see your question here? We'd love to help! Contact us, and we'll get you the answers you need.

About Functional Medicine

  • You know that feeling when you tell someone what's wrong and they actually listen? That's what functional medicine is like. Instead of just handing you a prescription for your symptoms, we ask, "Okay, but why is this happening to you in the first place?"

    Your body doesn't just randomly decide to feel terrible. There's always a reason. Maybe your gut isn't absorbing nutrients properly, your hormones are out of whack, or you're dealing with inflammation you don't even know about. Functional medicine is like being a detective for your health—we look at everything.

    If you come to me completely exhausted, I'm not going to tell you to drink more coffee or just "get more rest." (Trust me, you've already tried that, right?) Instead, we're going to figure out what's actually stealing your energy. Is it your thyroid? Are you not absorbing B vitamins? Is chronic stress messing with your adrenals?

    The best part? We actually take time to listen to your whole story. Your symptoms are real, what you're feeling matters, and there absolutely are answers—even if other doctors have told you "everything looks normal."

  • Conventional medicine is amazing for emergencies, but if you're dealing with ongoing issues like fatigue or digestive problems, that's where functional medicine really shines.

    Here's what usually happens with conventional medicine: You describe your symptoms, get some basic labs, and if everything comes back "normal," you're told you're fine. But nobody's asking why you feel this way to begin with.

    With functional medicine, it's completely different:

    I actually have time to sit with you and hear your whole story. When you tell me you're exhausted even after eight hours of sleep, I believe you. Instead of just looking at whether your labs fall into the "normal" range, we look at what's optimal for you. We use more detailed testing and don't just treat one symptom at a time—we look at how everything in your body is connected.

    Think of it this way: If conventional medicine is like putting a band-aid on a cut that keeps reopening, functional medicine is like figuring out why you keep getting cut in the first place.

    The bottom line? Instead of just learning to live with your symptoms, you actually get to feel like yourself again.

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  • Dr. Joan has over 30 years of experience in conventional medicine as a board-certified pediatrician, plus extensive training in functional medicine. This unique combination means you get someone who understands both approaches and can give you the best of both worlds.

    Plus, our practice is rooted in faith and values the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. We believe you were created with the ability to heal, and our job is to support that natural process. You're not just a collection of symptoms to us; you're a whole person with a unique story.

Getting Started

  • Starting is pretty simple! The first step is booking a discovery call—think of it as a friendly conversation where we get to know each other and see if we're a good fit.

    Here's how it works:

    Step 1: Book your discovery call - Schedule this right on our website. It's a no-pressure conversation about what's been going on with your health and what you're hoping to achieve.

    Step 2: We chat - Feel free to ask me anything. What's the process like? How does virtual care work? This is your time to get comfortable.

    Step 3: If we decide to work together, we start with your Foundational Assessment - This is where we really dig into your complete health picture and understand everything that's been going on.

    Step 4: We create your personalized roadmap - Based on what we discover, we'll put together a plan that's completely tailored to you and your specific needs.

    The whole thing is done virtually, so you can be comfortable in your own space while we work together to get you some real answers.

    Ready to take that first step? Book a Discovery Call!

  • Do you feel like you've literally tried "everything" when it comes to your chronic health issues? Here's something that might surprise you: 97% of Americans don't know that there are natural solutions to address their chronic symptoms without toxic drugs or surgery.

    That's exactly why I offer this discovery call. I want to show you where you might be deficient and how to fix the problem once and for all. You can't make new decisions without new information, and I'd love to fill in those blanks for you during our conversation.

    Think about it—you've probably been getting the same advice over and over again. What if there's something you haven't considered yet? What if there's a piece of the puzzle that's been missing this whole time? That's what we're going to explore together.

  • In our practice, we focus on root cause solutions so that we can actually heal you and transform your health. So yes, I am trying to sell you on the fact that you deserve vibrant health and that it's absolutely possible for you to finally heal—even if you've literally tried everything.

    But here's the thing: I don't want to waste your time or your money. If you don't see getting your health back as a worthy investment, then this probably isn't for you. And that's totally okay.

    The $25 discovery call fee shows that you're serious about exploring your health options. But here's the best part—if we decide to work together, that $25 gets credited directly to your Foundational Assessment. So it's really just a way to secure your spot and show mutual commitment to the process.

    You can't make a good decision without having all the information, right? This call gives you the chance to see if we're a good fit and get real clarity on your health situation for just $25.

  • The easiest way is to visit our website and click the "book discovery call" button. You can schedule your $25 discovery call right there online—it takes just a few minutes.

    If you prefer, you can also fill out our contact form and someone from the Ilana Medical Care Team will reach out to help you get scheduled. We'll walk you through the process and answer any questions you have.

    Either way, we make it super simple to take that first step toward getting the answers you've been looking for.

  • Once you submit a contact form, someone from the Ilana Medical Care Team will review your inquiry and get back to you within 1-2 business days. We'll provide next steps and answer any initial questions you may have.

    We understand you're probably eager to get started, so we work quickly to respond and help you move forward. No long waits or being left wondering what happens next!

Appointments & Care

  • Your Foundational Assessment is like nothing you've probably experienced before. We're going to dive deep into your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, stress levels, relationships, and even your spiritual well-being (if applicable).

    I'll want to know about your energy levels throughout the day, what your sleep is like, how your digestion feels, your stress levels, and so much more. We'll also review any labs you've had done and discuss what additional testing might help us get to the root of what's going on.

    By the end, you'll have a much clearer picture of what's been happening with your health and a personalized plan to start healing.

  • Your first appointment of the Foundational Assessment is much longer (roughly 90 minutes) than what you're probably used to—we take the time needed to really understand your health story. Follow-up appointments are typically 50 minutes, which gives us plenty of time to review your progress, adjust your plan, and answer all your questions.

    No more feeling rushed or like you didn't get to say everything you wanted to. We believe healing happens when you feel heard and understood.

  • We're a completely virtual practice, so all of our appointments are done online. This actually works out great because you get the same high-quality care without having to drive anywhere or sit in waiting rooms.

    You can meet with Dr. Joan from the comfort of your own home, which many of our clients love—especially when they're not feeling their best. Plus, it means location is never a barrier to getting the care you need.

  • Not at all! We're a completely virtual practice, which means we work with people nationwide. It doesn't matter if you're in California, Texas, New York, or anywhere else in the US—we can help you.

    The beauty of virtual care is that you get the same quality care from the comfort of your own home. No driving, no waiting rooms, no taking time off work—just effective healthcare that fits into your life, no matter where you are.

  • You might be surprised, but many of our clients actually prefer virtual care! You're more comfortable and relaxed in your own space, which often means you share more openly. Plus, there's no commute time or sitting in waiting rooms when you're already not feeling well.

    For functional medicine, so much of what we do is listening to your story, reviewing lab results, and creating personalized plans—all of which work perfectly through video calls. The quality of care is exactly the same, just more convenient for you.

  • As long as you have a stable internet connection for video calls, we can work together! Most of our appointments work well even with basic internet service. If you have concerns about your connection, we can always do a quick test call to make sure everything works smoothly.

    We've successfully worked with clients in very rural areas, and we'll do whatever we can to make the technology work for you.

Success & Results

  • "I've been to so many doctors and specialists, yet nobody seems to have an answer. How do I know this will work for me?"

    Let me be completely honest: I can't help everyone.

    This isn't for you if:

    • You're looking for a quick fix or magic pill

    • You're not open to new ideas or willing to actively participate in your care

    But I can help most people if:

    • You're looking for a natural approach to finally resolve your chronic health issues for good

    • You're ready to address the root cause that's been keeping you stuck

    That's exactly why I offer the discovery call. We'll chat about what you've already tried, what worked, and what didn't work, so we can quickly see whether we can help you. No guessing, no wasting time—just honest conversation about your specific situation.

  • Everyone's healing journey is different, but most of my clients start feeling some improvements within the first 4-6 weeks. You might notice better sleep, more stable energy, or less digestive discomfort pretty quickly.

    The deeper healing—where you really start feeling like yourself again—usually happens over 3-6 months as we address the root causes and your body starts to rebalance. Remember, your symptoms probably didn't develop overnight, so healing takes time too.

    The good news? You'll have support and guidance every step of the way, and we'll celebrate every improvement along the journey.

Lab Testing

  • Absolutely! As a physician trained in both conventional and functional medicine, I can explain any labs you've already gotten with your primary care doctor in great detail.

    If you need specialty functional testing to help reach your goals, I've partnered with Rupa Health to provide tests like Organic Amino Acid testing, Comprehensive Stool Evaluation, and salivary measurements of cortisol and hormones. All of these tests are done in the comfort of your own home with convenient FedEx shipping.

    I also have access to specialty labs that can order the same blood work your primary care doctor offers—often at a lower total cost. You'll get your blood drawn at home or at a convenient clinic, and the kit gets sent via FedEx.

    The best part? You can often use your insurance for these labs, making the testing much more affordable while getting the detailed information we need to help you heal.

Payments & Investment

  • We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment.

    Many of our clients love being able to use their HSA or FSA funds since this is exactly what those accounts are designed for—investing in your health and wellness. We also offer payment plans and financing options to make your care more affordable.

  • We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment.

    We do not accept insurance. However, we can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.

    Here's why this actually works better for you: It gives you the greatest freedom to choose your best path to wellness without insurance red tape getting in the way. There are no surprises, hidden costs, or worries about what might not be covered. All prices are transparent upfront.

    Many patients use their flex plan or HSA account to pay for services, which makes it much more affordable.

  • I hear this a lot: "I can't spend that kind of money. I'm on a fixed income and have limited resources." Believe me, I get it.

    But let me ask you something: What if you could get back to vibrant health within a year? What if you could wake up refreshed, without aches and pains, with steady energy throughout the day, and a clear, sharp mind ready to tackle anything? What would that be worth to you?

    Here's what people are really asking: "Is it affordable?" And the answer is absolutely yes! We have payment plans, financing options, and payment flexibility. We have lots of clients on fixed incomes who are making this work because they've decided their health is worth it.

    The real question isn't whether you can afford to invest in your health—it's whether you can afford not to.

  • I understand that investing in your health can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not feeling well and dealing with other financial pressures. That's why we offer payment plans and financing options to make care more accessible.

    We also accept HSA/FSA funds, which many people forget they have available. The worst thing you can do is continue suffering because you think you can't afford to get help. Let's talk about what's possible during your discovery call.

Working with Your Current Care

  • Never stop any medications without talking to your prescribing doctor first. Dr. Joan will work alongside your other healthcare providers, not against them.

    If you're taking medications, we'll focus on supporting your body's natural healing processes while you continue your current treatments. As you get healthier, you and your prescribing doctor can decide together if any medication changes make sense.

Communication & Support

  • If you're an active Ilana Medical client, you can reach Dr. Joan through secure messaging in our Health App. This gives you a direct line to ask questions or share updates between your scheduled appointments.

    If you're not yet a client, you can email us at info@ilanamedical.com and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

  • You can send us an email message anytime at info@ilanamedical.com, and we'll respond during business hours. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

    For urgent medical matters that need immediate assistance, please call 911. We want to make sure you get the right level of care when you need it most.

  • The Thrive Collective is our community where women find real solutions and root-cause medicine for themselves and their families. It's all about functional, holistic, and empowering care so you can reclaim your energy and feel like yourself again.

    You can access the community group through the link we'll provide once you're connected with us. It's a supportive space where you can connect with other women on similar health journeys and get additional resources to support your healing.