Frequently Asked Questions

While conventional medicine excels at acute care and crisis intervention, functional medicine specializes in addressing chronic conditions through a different approach. Conventional medicine often treats symptoms with medications that may need to be taken indefinitely. Functional medicine practitioners don’t prescribe pharmaceuticals; instead, they spend more time with patients (typically 60 minutes vs. 15-20 minutes), conduct more comprehensive testing, and develop personalized treatment plans that address root causes through nutrition, lifestyle changes, supplements, and other natural therapies alongside conventional treatments when necessary.

No. Dr. Hall works collaboratively with your conventional healthcare providers and respects the role of necessary medications. The goal is to address underlying causes while supporting your current treatment plan. In some cases, as your health improves, your primary doctor may determine that certain medications can be reduced or eventually discontinued, but this is always done under their supervision and is never the primary objective of treatment.

Many patients report improvements in energy, sleep, and digestive function within the first 4-6 weeks of following their protocol. However, meaningful healing of chronic conditions typically takes 3-6 months or longer, as we’re addressing root causes rather than masking symptoms. Your specific timeline depends on factors including the complexity of your condition, how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms, and your consistency with the recommended protocol.

Dr. Catherine Hall brings a rare combination of holistic medical expertise, clinical experience, and business insight to her work. For over 20 years, she has run a highly successful clinic in New York, working directly with patients and helping them transform their health through an integrative approach.

Dr. Catherine Hall offers a custom approach to functional medicine — personalized, evidence-informed care that guides you toward lasting health and resilience. Learn more

Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and begins with Dr. Hall reviewing your comprehensive intake forms and health history. You’ll have time to share your health story, concerns, and goals. Dr. Hall will examine patterns in your symptoms, discuss potential underlying causes, and outline initial strategies. Within 2-3 days after your appointment, you’ll receive a personalized protocol with dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplements. If appropriate, functional testing may be recommended.

We operate as an out-of-network provider. Payment is collected at the time of service, and we provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many PPO plans offer partial coverage for out-of-network providers, though this varies by plan. Our office staff can help guide you through this process, but we recommend checking with your insurance provider about out-of-network benefits before your appointment.

Most patients receive an initial series of 3-4 visits over 3-6 months to establish and refine their protocol. After this initial phase, follow-up appointments are typically scheduled every 3-6 months to monitor progress and make adjustments. Complex cases may require more frequent visits. For acupuncture, we generally recommend an initial series of 6-10 treatments to evaluate response, followed by maintenance sessions as needed.

Yes. Most Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) cover functional medicine consultations, acupuncture, and prescribed supplements. We provide the appropriate documentation for reimbursement. We recommend confirming your specific plan’s coverage before your appointment.

Functional medicine testing goes beyond standard blood work to provide deeper insights into your body’s systems. Examples include comprehensive hormone panels that measure metabolites and stress hormones, stool testing that evaluates gut microbiome composition and digestive function, nutrient status testing that identifies specific deficiencies, and specialized tests that assess detoxification capacity, food sensitivities, and genetic factors. These tests help us identify imbalances that standard testing might miss and allow for more targeted treatment. Learn more

While dietary and lifestyle changes form the foundation of functional medicine, targeted supplements often play an important role in addressing specific imbalances and accelerating healing. Dr. Hall prescribes supplements judiciously, focusing on quality, efficacy, and minimal effective dosing. Our goal is to use supplements strategically during the healing process, not to have patients taking numerous products indefinitely. As your health improves, supplement recommendations are typically reduced. Learn more

Your treatment plan is developed based on a comprehensive assessment that includes your detailed health history, presenting symptoms, lifestyle factors, and any available test results. Dr. Hall analyzes patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated symptoms to identify underlying imbalances. As testing results become available, your protocol is refined to address your specific biochemical needs. Throughout treatment, we regularly assess your response and make adjustments based on your progress, feedback, and repeated testing.

Most patients experience minimal to no discomfort during acupuncture. The needles used are extremely thin (about the width of a human hair) and bear little resemblance to needles used for injections. You may feel a brief pinch upon insertion, followed by sensations like warmth, tingling, or a dull ache, which are all signs that the treatment is activating your body’s healing response. Many patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing and even fall asleep during treatment. Dr. Hall uses gentle techniques that prioritize your comfort throughout the session.