Functional Lab Testing in Atlanta
Testing Should Help Answer a Question,
Not Just Give You More Numbers
When you don’t feel right, it’s tempting to order every test you can find and hope something finally gives you an answer.
That’s not how I approach testing.
I use functional lab testing, traditional bloodwork, and specialized testing when appropriate to help us take a closer look at nutritional, metabolic, hormonal, digestive, and other factors that may be relevant to what you’re experiencing.
You don’t need to know which tests you need before you come see me.
We’ll figure that out together.
What Is Functional Lab Testing?
Functional lab testing is a broad term for testing used to look more closely at different aspects of health and body function. Depending on what we’re investigating, this may include traditional bloodwork as well as specialized testing for nutrients, hormones, digestive health, food reactions and other areas.
But the test itself isn’t the starting point.
You are.
I want to know what you’re experiencing, when it started, what you’ve already had tested, what you’ve tried, and what questions still haven’t been answered.
Then we can decide whether additional testing makes sense, and what we’re actually trying to learn from it.
You May Not Need More Testing. You May Need the Right Testing.
I’ve worked with many people who come to me with folders full of lab results. My goal isn’t to simply add another test to the pile. I want to understand what has already been tested, what your results show, what’s still bothering you, and whether there are areas that deserve a closer look.
Bring any previous bloodwork and test results to your initial consultation, even if you’ve been told everything looks normal.
We can review what you already have before deciding what should come next.
What Can Functional Testing Look At?
Traditional Bloodwork or Specialized Functional Labs?
Traditional Bloodwork
Sometimes this is exactly where we need to start.
Labcorp + Quest
✓ May be eligible for insurance
✓ Familiar blood testing
✓ Often a good place to start
✓ Based on your symptoms and history
When possible, I try to keep appropriate testing within insurance.
Specialized Functional Labs
When the question requires a closer look.
Vibrant • Doctor’s Data • Mosaic • Diagnostechs • ZRT
✓ More specialized testing options
✓ Used when the question calls for it
✓ Generally self-pay
✓ Pricing discussed before ordering
I won’t recommend specialized testing simply because it’s available.
Have insurance?
When possible, I try to keep appropriate testing within insurance rather than automatically sending you to a self-pay specialty lab.
When Might Specialized Functional Testing Be Helpful?
Sometimes the question we’re investigating requires a type of testing that isn’t typically part of standard bloodwork.
Depending on your individual needs, I may recommend testing through specialized laboratories such as:
Vibrant Wellness
Doctor’s Data
Mosaic Diagnostics
Diagnostechs
ZRT Laboratory
Specialized testing is generally self-pay, and pricing depends on the test being ordered.
In some situations, tests may be bundled, and HSA or FSA funds may be an option.
We’ll discuss the test, why I’m recommending it, and the cost before you decide whether to proceed.
“My Blood Tests Are Normal, But I Still Don't Feel Right.”
Normal bloodwork doesn't mean your symptoms aren't real. It means the tests you've had haven't necessarily explained what you're experiencing.
If you’re still dealing with fatigue, brain fog, digestive problems, dizziness, food reactions, hormone-related concerns, pain or multiple symptoms that don’t seem to fit neatly together, I want to look at the whole picture.
That doesn’t automatically mean you need more tests.
Sometimes the next step is additional testing. Sometimes it’s looking differently at information you already have. And sometimes your symptoms and history point us toward an area that hasn’t been explored yet.
Bring me what you already know. We’ll start there.
Do I Need to Know Which Lab Test I Want?
No. That’s Part of What Your Initial Consultation Is For.
You don’t need to choose a test from a menu before we meet.
During your initial consultation, we’ll talk about:
1. What You're Experiencing
Your symptoms, concerns and what is affecting you most.
2. What Has Already Been Tested
Bring previous labs, diagnoses and test results if you have them.
3. What We're Trying to Understand
We'll identify the questions that may deserve further investigation.
4. Whether Testing Makes Sense
If I recommend testing, I'll explain what I'm recommending, why and what it costs.
Initial Consultation – $225
45–60 minutes | Alpharetta, GA | Virtual appointments available
Already Know Which Test You're Looking For?
If you already know which test you’re interested in, I also offer several testing options online.
Not sure which test makes sense?
Schedule your initial consultation first.
I’d rather help you determine what’s actually useful than have you spend money on tests you may not need.
Functional Lab Testing for Complex & Persistent Symptoms
Testing may be one part of the picture when I’m working with people experiencing complex or persistent concerns, including:
Fatigue and low energy
Brain fog
Digestive problems
Food reactions
Hormonal concerns
Nutrient deficiencies
Metabolic concerns
Dysautonomia and POTS
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Lyme disease and persistent symptoms
Post-viral syndrome
Multiple unexplained symptoms
Having one of these conditions does not automatically mean you need specialized testing.
Testing recommendations are based on your individual symptoms, health history, previous results, and what we’re trying to investigate.
The lab report is only one piece of information. I want to understand the person sitting in front of me.
Why Work With Me for Functional Lab Testing?
For more than 30 years, I’ve worked with people who want to understand their health more deeply.
My approach isn’t to order every available test or chase every number that’s outside an “optimal” range.
I look at your symptoms, history, nutrition, previous testing and the patterns we see together. When additional testing is appropriate, we use it to help answer a specific question and guide the next steps in your nutrition plan.
And when something requires medical diagnosis, prescription treatment or physician management, I can work collaboratively with medical professionals as part of your broader care.
Functional Lab Testing FAQs
Functional lab testing is a broad term used for testing that examines different aspects of health and body function. Depending on what we’re investigating, this can include traditional bloodwork as well as specialized testing involving hormones, nutrients, digestion, food reactions and other areas.
Regular bloodwork and specialized functional testing aren’t necessarily competing approaches. I use both when appropriate. Traditional bloodwork through Labcorp or Quest may provide exactly the information we need, while certain questions may call for specialized testing.
Some traditional testing through Labcorp or Quest may be eligible for insurance coverage depending on the test and your individual insurance plan. Coverage varies, so it should always be verified for your specific situation.
Specialized testing is generally self-pay. We’ll discuss pricing before you decide whether to proceed. HSA or FSA funds may also be an option depending on your plan.
Depending on the testing needed, I may use laboratories including Vibrant Wellness, Doctor’s Data, Mosaic Diagnostics, Diagnostechs and ZRT Laboratory.
No. In fact, I usually prefer to hear your story and review the testing you’ve already had before deciding whether additional labs would be useful.
Bring any recent bloodwork, specialized testing, diagnoses, medication and supplement lists, and anything else you think may help me understand what you’ve already investigated.
Some testing options are available through my online store. If you aren’t sure which test is appropriate, I recommend starting with an initial consultation rather than choosing testing on your own.
We’ll review relevant results in the context of your symptoms, history and overall nutrition plan. Recommendations depend on what we’re investigating and what the testing shows.
Not Sure What to Test? Start With a Conversation.
You don’t need to figure this out before you make an appointment.
Bring your symptoms.
Bring your questions.
We’ll start there.
Initial Consultation – $225
45–60 minutes
In person in Alpharetta, GA
Virtual appointments available.