Frequently asked questions

What is functional medicine?

Functional medicine asks how and why a problem developed, not just which treatment matches the symptom. In children, I look at how the gut, immune system, skin, nervous system and nutrition are affecting one another.

Root cause rarely means one single cause. More often it means bringing many symptoms, supplements and specialist visits back to the one or two things that have actually gone wrong.

Do we have to leave our pediatrician?

No. Your child should keep a primary care pediatrician for well visits, vaccines, sick visits and urgent needs. I work alongside them, focusing on the concern that needs more time and a deeper look.

Do you take insurance?

Lumira is out of network with all insurance plans, which allows me to spend the time your child’s care actually needs. I can provide a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan. HSA and FSA cards are welcome.

What happens at the first visit?

The first visit runs up to 90 minutes, in person in Winter Park or Oviedo, or by telehealth anywhere in Florida. We go through your child’s full story together, and I then create a treatment plan based on the visit and a review of previous records.

Intake forms and records are due 72 hours before your appointment, so I come in already knowing your child.

What kind of lab testing do you do?

Testing is chosen for each child and may include standard bloodwork such as nutrient, iron and thyroid levels, along with specialized testing such as gut microbiome and stool analysis, organic acids, mitochondrial function, heavy metals, folate receptor antibodies and genetic testing.

Labs are billed directly by the lab at their cost and are never marked up by my practice. Many standard labs can be billed to your insurance, while some specialized tests are self-pay.

Can I message you between visits?

Yes, for quick questions about the current plan, through the secure patient portal during business hours. New symptoms, lab results and changes to the plan are handled in a scheduled visit.

Do you offer primary care?

Yes, through membership only. Primary care is not offered on a fee-for-service basis, and like all Lumira services, it is out of network with insurance.

Enrollment is currently limited to newborns, siblings of newborns, and expected babies. Enrollment will pause on November 1, 2026, and a waiting list will be started for when it reopens. Learn about membership

What are newborn home visits?

A comprehensive newborn visit in your home, for care during your baby’s first four weeks. Newborn home visits are not intended to be primary care.

Families should have a primary care pediatrician chosen for any concerns after the newborn visit. Newborn home visits are out of network with insurance. Learn about newborn home visits

What if my baby needs more than one visit?

For families who have not yet chosen a primary care pediatrician, want open access, and need more than a single visit during the first four weeks, wraparound newborn care can be added after the first home visit.

For newborn and primary care questions, please use the general contact form.