Frequently asked questions.
Who will I see and how?
You will have a telemedicine consultation with Katie Sorensen, PA-C, conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video chat on our electronic medical records portal. Please note that appointments are available only to residents of Wisconsin or Minnesota, as she is licensed in those states.
How is functional medicine different from my regular primary care visits?
Functional medicine takes a more personalized approach, focusing on your unique health history and concerns. We conduct in-depth assessments and create individualized treatment plans tailored specifically to you. Additionally, we use comprehensive testing to gather more detailed information, which helps guide and support our treatment strategies.
Can I use my medical insurance for these services?
Due to the time required for a comprehensive functional medicine evaluation and the limitations set by insurance companies, I am unable to accept medical insurance. However, the good news is that you can often request reimbursement for my consultation services through your HSA or FSA. Since insurance policies vary, I recommend checking directly with your provider for details.
Will I need additional tests?
The need for further testing depends on your initial evaluation and the goals we aim to achieve with additional information. I'm happy to review any recent blood work you've had with your primary care provider, but in many cases, more targeted tests are beneficial to get a comprehensive understanding of what's going on. I may recommend specialized functional tests that are often not included in routine visits with your PCP. These could include tests for gut health (such as stool testing), hormone levels (via blood or urine tests), cortisol/adrenal function (through saliva testing), mold exposure, and more. The list is endless of possible testing, I certainly like to target the most useful ones given your symptoms and goals because some of these can get pricey.
Will my insurance cover additional lab tests? What will they cost?
I offer discounted pricing through Rupa Health for the labs I order. These labs have a big range in pricing $100-500 each. You have the option to pay using Credit, Debit, HSA, FSA, or a 3-Month Payment Plan (as per Rupa Health).
You can also request lab testing (blood work) through another provider that may be eligible for insurance coverage (such as through your PCP).
Where do I order supplements?
I trust Fullscript to provide my patients with top-quality supplements. While you're not obligated to order through this platform, I strongly believe that quality is essential to our well-being, and I can always ensure that with trusted brands available on Fullscripts. Patients who I see in consultation and follow up and order from my online dispensary will receive a 20% discount.
Can I communicate with my functional medicine PA between visits?
Yes, my HIPPA- compliant online electronic health records platform offers secure messaging for quick questions regarding treatment plans or clarification from our most recent visit. Please kindly allow 48 hours for reply on business days.
This is not to be used for emergency purposes.
Will you by my primary care provider?
No, we are not a primary care provider service. It’s important to still be established with a primary care provider while getting this specific specialty functional medicine care.