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Functional Medicine
What is functional medicine?
Conventional medicine asks, "What is wrong?" Functional medicine asks, "Why is it happening?" It looks at how your body's systems work together to find the root cause of your symptoms, then builds a plan made for you.
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."
Thomas Edison
No two people are the same
Every person has their own story: health history, stress, past infections, toxic exposures, and lifestyle. Every person also has their own "human frame": physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, and genetics. Together, these shape how illness shows up in you, so your care plan is built around you, not a diagnosis code.
"It is far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has."
Hippocrates
How the two approaches compare
Names the disease and matches it to a treatment.
Looks for the root cause of your symptoms so it can be addressed at the source.
Each organ system is treated separately, often by a different specialist.
Your body's systems work together, so a change in one affects the others.
Medication is the main tool for managing symptoms.
Correcting nutrient deficiencies, balancing hormones, calming immune stressors, and identifying food sensitivities, with medication when it's needed.
Care focuses on physical symptoms.
Care for the whole person, because health is more than lab values.
The diagnosis guides the plan.
You guide the plan. Two people with the same diagnosis may need very different care.
More than a pill for an ill
Modern medicine is very good at naming a disease and matching it to a medication. That works well for many problems. But when symptoms keep coming back, or no one can explain why you feel the way you do, a different question can help.
Conditions we help with
Functional medicine is a good fit when symptoms are ongoing, complex, or haven't been explained. Dr. Elliott cares for adults and children, including:
- Chronic and complex conditions
- Pediatric special needs
- Gut health and digestion
- The gut-brain connection
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Hormone imbalance
- Food sensitivities
- Frequent illness and immune concerns
- Chronic infections, like Lyme disease
- Memory and cognitive decline
Placeholder: confirm this list with Dr. Elliott and add any others he treats (for example autism, ADHD, autoimmune, or thyroid conditions)
How functional medicine at Fiat works
All visits with Dr. Elliott are online, by secure video, so you can meet with him from home. He sees patients in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Indiana.
Share your interest
FreeFill out our short interest form. Our front desk will contact you within 1–2 business days to answer questions and find a time.
Reserve your visit and complete your history
$300 depositA $300 deposit, applied to your first visit, holds your appointment. You'll get a link to Dr. Elliott's detailed health history questionnaire. Please complete it at least 3 full business days before your visit. You're welcome to send past labs, imaging reports, and records too.
Your first appointment
$650 · about 90 minutesDr. Elliott spends 60 to 90 minutes reviewing your history and the concerns that brought you in. You'll leave with specific recommendations, which often include specialized testing and diet, nutrition, or supplement changes. A member of our medical staff then follows up by phone or video to help you set up any testing or treatment.
Your first follow-up
$450 · 50 minutesAbout 4–6 weeks later, after your testing is done and your first changes have had time to work. Before each visit, Dr. Elliott reviews your new results and messages and prepares a plan to talk through with you.
Ongoing care
As neededFuture visits are scheduled based on your needs and progress. Between visits, you can call or email with brief questions at no charge, and we'll reply within 2 business days.
Visit fees do not include testing, supplements, or other treatment, which are priced separately.
Ready to find out why?
Share your interest and we'll contact you within 1–2 business days.
From Alzheimer's to zinc deficiency, functional medicine is medicine whose time has come.
Your functional medicine provider
Building on his years in family practice, Dr. Elliott is a Board Certified Fellow of Functional Medicine and a Fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MedMAPS). He cares for chronic and complex conditions, including pediatric special needs. All of his visits are online, by secure video, for patients in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Indiana.
Listen
Functional medicine questions
Is this the same as the Women's or Men's Health Assessment?
No. Functional medicine is a separate service with Dr. Stephen Elliott. It starts with a $650 first appointment, and any testing he recommends is planned around your needs.
Are visits in person or online?
All visits with Dr. Elliott are online, by secure video, so you can meet with him from home. He sees patients in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Indiana.
What does the first appointment include?
About 90 minutes in all: 60 to 90 minutes with Dr. Elliott to review your history and concerns, then a short phone or video follow-up with our medical staff to set up any testing or treatment he recommends.
Is lab testing included in the visit fee?
No. Visit fees cover Dr. Elliott's time with you and his preparation before each visit. Testing, supplements, and other treatment are priced separately.
What do I need to do before my first visit?
Pay the $300 deposit to reserve your appointment and complete Dr. Elliott's health history questionnaire at least 3 full business days before your visit. If the questionnaire isn't done in time, your visit will need to be rescheduled or canceled. You're welcome to send past labs, imaging reports, and medical records.
Does Dr. Elliott see children?
Yes. He is a Fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MedMAPS) and cares for children, including those with special needs.
Will I keep my current doctors?
Yes. Functional medicine works alongside conventional care. When it helps, Dr. Elliott may consult with other practitioners involved in your care.
How often will I see Dr. Elliott?
Your first follow-up is usually 4–6 weeks after your first visit. After that, visits are scheduled based on your needs. To stay an active patient, plan on at least two visits a year.
Can I reach Dr. Elliott between visits?
Yes. Call or email with questions and we'll reply within 2 business days. Brief questions are free. Longer or frequent questions may need a follow-up visit. Please request prescription refills at least 2 full business days before you need them.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
The $300 deposit is non-refundable. To reschedule your first visit, the $350 balance is paid in advance. Follow-up visits need 2 full business days' notice. Missed visits and late cancellations are charged the $450 visit fee.
Do you take insurance? Can I use my HSA?
Fiat is a cash practice and is not in any insurance network, including Medicare and Medicaid. We accept cash, check, most major credit cards, and many HSA cards. If your plan has out-of-network benefits, you may be able to file a claim on your own. Copies of your medical records are free.