Frequently Asked Questions About Functional Medicine Telehealth
We know that choosing a new healthcare provider — especially outside the traditional insurance model — comes with questions. Below are answers to the most common questions we hear from clients considering functional medicine telehealth with Cerulean Health & Wellness in Los Angeles.
What is functional medicine, and how is it different from conventional medicine?
Functional medicine is a personalized, root-cause approach to healthcare that focuses on understanding why you're experiencing symptoms — not just treating the symptoms themselves. While conventional medicine often relies on quick visits and prescription medications, functional medicine uses comprehensive lab testing, detailed health histories, and individualized care plans to address the underlying drivers of conditions like chronic fatigue, gut issues, hormone imbalances, and stress-related illness.
At Cerulean, we combine the clinical rigor of evidence-based medicine with the depth and personalization of functional medicine — all delivered through convenient telehealth visits.
Is Cerulean a replacement for my primary care doctor?
No. Cerulean Health & Wellness complements your existing care by focusing on lifestyle optimization, root-cause analysis, and functional health — areas that primary care often doesn't have time to address in depth. We encourage you to continue routine visits with your primary care provider and any specialists as needed. Many of our clients work with both their PCP and Cerulean simultaneously for the most comprehensive care.
Is this a virtual or in-person clinic?
Cerulean is 100% virtual. All appointments are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms from our base in Los Angeles, California. We serve adults throughout the state of California. That means no commutes, no waiting rooms, and personalized functional medicine care from the comfort of your home, office, or wherever you feel most comfortable.
Do you accept insurance? How does cash-pay work?
Cerulean is a direct-pay (cash-pay) practice by design — and here's why that's actually better for you.
Insurance-based healthcare limits appointment times (often to 7-15 minutes), restricts which tests can be ordered, and requires providers to follow standardized protocols that may not fit your unique situation. By operating outside the insurance model, we can offer:
- Longer appointments (60-90 minutes for new clients)
- Advanced functional lab testing that insurance typically won't cover
- Personalized care plans built around your needs, not billing codes
- No referral requirements or pre-authorization delays
You may use HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds to pay for your visits. We also provide superbills upon request, which you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Our pricing is transparent and discussed upfront — no surprise bills, ever.
Do you prescribe medication?
Yes — when clinically appropriate. While we emphasize lifestyle changes, nutrition, and targeted supplementation as first-line approaches, prescription medications may be recommended when they are the best option for your situation. This includes bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) when indicated.
Our approach is holistic, not anti-medicine. We believe in using every tool available — including prescriptions — when it serves your health goals. The difference is that at Cerulean, prescriptions are always part of a comprehensive plan, never a standalone solution.
Who is functional medicine best suited for?
Functional medicine is ideal for adults who are dealing with chronic symptoms that conventional medicine hasn't been able to fully resolve — things like persistent fatigue, digestive problems, unexplained weight gain, hormonal imbalances, brain fog, anxiety, or chronic stress.
Our clients are typically adults between 30 and 60 who are motivated to take an active role in their health and are open to a personalized, root-cause approach that may include lab testing, nutrition changes, supplementation, and lifestyle adjustments.
Cerulean is especially well-suited for LGBTQIA+ individuals who want a provider who understands their unique health needs and provides care in a safe, affirming environment. However, all adults are welcome regardless of identity or background.
If you've been told "everything looks fine" but you know something isn't right — you're exactly who we built this practice for.
What kinds of lab testing do you offer?
We offer advanced functional lab testing that goes well beyond standard bloodwork. Our testing panels are designed to uncover the root causes of your symptoms — not just screen for disease.
Available tests include:
- Comprehensive hormone panels (thyroid, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, progesterone)
- GI-MAP stool testing for gut infections, parasites, and digestive function
- Micronutrient and vitamin deficiency testing
- Food sensitivity and intolerance panels
- Blood sugar, insulin, and metabolic health markers
- Inflammation markers (CRP, homocysteine) and autoimmune screening
Every test result comes with a clear, plain-language interpretation and a personalized action plan. If you've been told "your labs are normal" but you still don't feel right, our advanced testing often finds what standard panels miss.
Is Cerulean LGBTQIA+-friendly?
Absolutely — and not just friendly, but affirming. Cerulean Health & Wellness was founded with the LGBTQIA+ community at its heart. Our founder, David Boyd, DNP, is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and built this practice to be the kind of safe, judgment-free healthcare space that too many queer, transgender, and gender-diverse individuals struggle to find.
We understand the unique health challenges that LGBTQIA+ individuals face, including the physiological effects of minority stress, the impact of hormone therapy on overall health, and the importance of having a provider who respects your identity without requiring you to educate them.
All people are welcome at Cerulean — regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or background. You will be seen, heard, and treated with dignity.
How soon can I expect to see results?
That depends on your body, your starting point, and the complexity of your health concerns. Many clients begin to notice improvements in energy, digestion, or mood within the first few weeks of implementing their personalized care plan. However, sustainable, lasting healing — especially for conditions like chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, or long-standing gut issues — often takes 3 to 6 months of consistent, personalized care.
Functional medicine is not a quick fix. It's a partnership in healing that addresses the root causes of your symptoms so you can feel better for good — not just temporarily.
What's included in the free consultation?
The free consultation is a 15-minute video call with David Boyd, DNP. It's not a medical visit — it's a conversation to help you decide if Cerulean is the right fit for your health goals.
During the call, you'll have a chance to:
- Share your main health concerns and what you've already tried
- Ask questions about our functional medicine approach
- Learn about our services, testing options, and pricing
- Get a sense of whether our approach aligns with what you're looking for
There is no pressure and no obligation. If we're a good fit, we'll discuss next steps. If not, we're happy to point you in the right direction.