What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a personalized, root-cause approach to healthcare that asks “What could be causing your symptoms?” instead of just “What are your symptoms?”
The Garden Analogy
Think of your body like a garden. If your plants are wilting, you don’t just paint them green—you check the soil quality, adjust watering, and ensure adequate sunlight. Functional medicine applies this same logic to your health, addressing the underlying conditions that allow illness to develop rather than just masking symptoms.
At Pioneering Wellness, we combine functional medicine with traditional primary care and certified health coaching to create lasting wellness, not just temporary relief.
Functional Medicine vs Traditional Medicine: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the distinctions helps you choose the right approach for your health goals.
Both Have Their Place
Traditional medicine excels at acute care—emergencies, infections, surgical needs.
Functional medicine shines for chronic conditions that haven’t responded to conventional treatment and for prevention.
Our philosophy: Use the best of both worlds for optimal outcomes.
Core Principles: How Functional Medicine Works
Functional medicine operates on five foundational principles that guide every aspect of care:
1. You Are the Center of Your Care
Your doctor invests time listening to your complete health story—not just your symptoms, but your life context. Together, you create a plan that fits your real-world circumstances, values, and goals.
What this means for you:
- No cookie-cutter solutions.
- Your treatment plan considers your work schedule, family dynamics, food preferences, budget, personal health priorities, and more.
2. Everything in Your Body is Connected
Your digestive issues might stem from chronic stress. Your headaches could be linked to inflammatory foods. Functional medicine recognizes that body systems don’t operate in isolation.
Example: A patient’s unexplained fatigue was traced to gut inflammation affecting nutrient absorption, which impacted thyroid function, which influenced energy levels. Traditional care might have only prescribed thyroid medication; functional medicine addressed the gut issue, resolving multiple symptoms simultaneously.
3. Find and Fix Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms
Suppressing symptoms with medication can be necessary, but it’s not the ultimate goal. At Pioneering Wellness, we investigate why your body developed this problem and address those underlying factors.
The difference: If you have recurring heartburn, we don’t just prescribe antacids indefinitely—we investigate dietary triggers, stress patterns, gut health, and lifestyle factors that create the conditions for reflux.
4. Biochemical Individuality: You Are Unique
What works perfectly for your friend might be ineffective or even harmful for you. Your genetics, environment, lifestyle, and medical history create a unique health profile.
In practice: Two people with the same diagnosis (like thyroid dysfunction) might receive completely different treatment plans based on their individual test results, symptoms, and circumstances.
5. Your Body Has Innate Healing Capacity
Given the right conditions—proper nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, toxin reduction, movement—your body possesses remarkable self-healing abilities.
Our role: Remove obstacles to healing and provide the resources your body needs to restore balance.
What Can Pioneering Wellness Do for You?
Comprehensive Virtual Primary Care
Dr. Charissa Geyer (Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician, Certified Health & Wellness Coach) provides:
- Extended video consultations from the comfort of your home
- Ten Dimensions of Wellness assessment evaluating all aspects of your life affecting health
- Root-cause investigation using detailed health history and advanced testing
- Collaborative treatment planning where you’re an active participant, not a passive recipient
Certified Health & Wellness Coaching
Our Certified Health & Wellness Coaches support you through:
- Sustainable behavior change using evidence-based coaching techniques
- Incremental habit formation that builds lasting results without overwhelm
- Accountability and motivation between medical visits
- Personalized goal setting aligned with your values and stage of readiness
Specialized Metabolic Health Programs
Targeted support for:
- Healthy weight management focusing on metabolic health, not just calorie restriction
- Hormone optimization for thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive health
- Personalized nutrition plans based on your unique biology and food sensitivities
- Advanced lab interpretation revealing insights standard tests miss
Technology-Enabled Care
MyViva Health App integration provides:
- Personalized health education and resources
- Progress tracking for nutrition, movement, sleep, and wellness goals
- Real-time health data sharing for informed decision-making
- Educational content tailored to your specific health conditions
What Is My Viva Plan®? Your clinically proven Lifestyle Medicine plan.
My Viva Plan is a digital lifestyle medicine hub that’s forever at your fingertips! A comprehensive program combining health assessment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies, and personalized treatment plans that automatically adjust based on your ongoing choices and activities.
What Health Conditions Do Functional Medicine Address?
Functional medicine is particularly effective for chronic, complex conditions that haven’t responded adequately to conventional treatment:
Digestive & Gut Health
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Food sensitivities and allergies
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease support
- Chronic bloating and digestive discomfort
- Leaky gut syndrome
Hormonal Imbalances
- Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Adrenal dysfunction and chronic fatigue
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Perimenopause and menopause symptoms
- Low testosterone in men
Metabolic & Weight Concerns
- Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
- Insulin resistance
- Difficulty losing weight despite efforts
- Metabolic syndrome
Autoimmune Conditions
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus support
- Psoriasis and eczema
- Multiple Sclerosis support
Mental Health & Cognitive Function
- Depression and anxiety
- Brain fog and concentration difficulties
- Stress-related disorders
- Sleep disturbances
- Memory concerns
Chronic Fatigue & Energy Issues
- Persistent exhaustion despite adequate rest
- Post-viral fatigue syndromes
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain conditions
Cardiovascular Health
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Prevention of heart disease
- Post-cardiac event recovery support
Important note: Functional medicine complements, not replaces, specialized care for serious conditions. Pioneering wellness will work collaboratively with your existing medical team.
Is Functional Medicine Evidence-Based?
Yes. While functional medicine takes a different approach than conventional care, it’s grounded in scientific research and clinical evidence.
Research Supporting Functional Medicine
Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine Study (2019)
Patients receiving functional medicine care showed significantly greater improvements in physical and emotional health compared to those receiving standard care after 6 months. Benefits included:
- 26% greater reduction in symptoms
- 32% improvement in quality of life scores
- Higher patient satisfaction ratings
Published Research Demonstrates:
- Inflammatory Conditions: Significant reduction in inflammatory markers through dietary and lifestyle interventions (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine)
- Thyroid Disorders: Improved thyroid function and reduced antibodies with comprehensive functional approach (Thyroid Research)
- Type 2 Diabetes: Enhanced glycemic control and reduced medication needs through intensive lifestyle intervention (Diabetes Care)
- Cost-Effectiveness: Lower healthcare costs over time due to reduced medication use and fewer emergency visits (American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine)
- Patient Satisfaction: Consistently higher satisfaction scores compared to conventional care models (Global Advances in Health and Medicine)
How We Ensure Evidence-Based Care
At Pioneering Wellness, we:
- Base recommendations on peer-reviewed research
- Use validated assessment tools and diagnostic tests
- Monitor outcomes with objective measures
- Adjust approaches based on your individual response
- Integrate proven conventional treatments when appropriate
How Does Functional Medicine Prevent Future Illness?
Prevention is where functional medicine truly shines. Rather than waiting until disease develops, we identify risk factors early and intervene proactively.
Our Preventive Approach Includes:
Early Risk Detection
Comprehensive testing beyond standard panels to identify dysfunction before disease manifests. We look for trends and subclinical markers that signal future problems.
Personalized Nutrition Planning
Dietary strategies based on your unique needs, genetic factors, and health goals—not generic dietary guidelines that may not suit your biology.
Stress Management Training
Practical, evidence-based techniques to reduce chronic stress that drives inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and immune dysfunction.
Sleep Optimization
Identifying and addressing root causes of poor sleep rather than simply prescribing sleep aids. Quality sleep is foundational to every aspect of health.
Environmental Toxin Assessment
Evaluating exposure to endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, and other toxins that accumulate and contribute to chronic disease.
Movement & Exercise Prescription
Personalized physical activity recommendations based on your current fitness level, health conditions, and preferences.
The 10 Dimensions of Wellness Framework
We assess and support wellness across ten interconnected dimensions:
- Personal – Authentic self-knowledge and personal growth
- Spiritual – Sense of purpose and meaning
- Physical – Body function, vitality, and energy
- Family – Supportive relationships and bonds
- Financial – Economic stability and resource management
- Environmental – Healthy surroundings and nature connection
- Social – Community belonging and relationships
- Occupational – Meaningful work and contribution
- Emotional – Feelings, resilience, and mental health
- Intellectual – Continuous learning and mental stimulation
Why this matters: Health problems rarely exist in isolation. Financial stress affects sleep. Relationship problems increase inflammation. Meaningful work enhances immune function. True prevention addresses life holistically.
What Happens at Your First Visit?
Your initial functional medicine consultation is comprehensive and collaborative—expect to invest 90 minutes in this foundational appointment.
Before Your Appointment
Comprehensive Health Questionnaires
You’ll complete detailed forms covering:
- Complete medical history and current symptoms
- Family health patterns
- Dietary habits and food preferences
- Exercise and movement patterns
- Sleep quality and stress levels
- Environmental exposures
- Current medications and supplements
- Previous treatments and their effectiveness
Why we ask so much: The patterns revealed in your health timeline often point directly to root causes.
During Your First Visit
1. Your Complete Health Story
We’ll discuss:
- When symptoms began and what preceded them
- Life circumstances surrounding symptom onset
- What makes symptoms better or worse
- Previous diagnoses and treatments
- Your health goals and priorities
2. Deep Dive Into Lifestyle Factors
Detailed conversation about:
- Family health history: Genetic predispositions and patterns
- Nutrition assessment: What, when, and how you eat
- Movement patterns: Current activity levels and barriers
- Sleep quality: Duration, consistency, and difficulties
- Stress management: Major stressors and coping strategies
- Work environment: Occupational hazards or benefits
- Relationships: Support systems and stressors
- Environmental exposures: Toxins, mold, chemicals
- Emotional wellbeing: Mental health and life satisfaction
3. Physical Assessment
Thorough examination looking for:
- Signs of nutritional deficiencies
- Inflammatory markers
- Hormonal imbalances
- Structural issues affecting health
4. Diagnostic Testing Plan
Based on your history and examination, we may recommend:
- Comprehensive blood panels beyond standard tests
- Hormone assessments (cortisol, thyroid, sex hormones)
- Gut health testing (microbiome, permeability, inflammation)
- Nutrient status (vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids)
- Food sensitivity testing when indicated
- Genetic testing for personalized medicine insights
5. Your Personalized Care Plan
We’ll create a phased action plan including:
- Priority interventions for immediate relief
- Long-term strategies for root-cause resolution
- Specific dietary recommendations
- Supplement protocols when needed
- Lifestyle modifications
- Follow-up schedule and success metrics
After Your Visit
You’ll receive:
- Written care plan document
- Educational resources specific to your conditions
- Access to MyViva Health App for tracking
- Clear next steps and timeline
- Support team contact information
Food as Medicine: The Nutrition Foundation
At Pioneering Wellness, we embrace the principle “Let food be thy medicine”—because what you eat profoundly impacts how you feel.
Our Nutrition Approach
Personalized Dietary Strategy
No single diet works for everyone. We help you discover which foods optimize YOUR unique biology through:
- Elimination-provocation testing for food sensitivities
- Anti-inflammatory dietary patterns
- Blood sugar balancing strategies
- Gut health restoration protocols
- Nutrient density optimization
Identifying Problematic Foods
Many chronic symptoms stem from reactive foods that standard allergy tests miss. We use:
- Comprehensive food sensitivity panels
- Elimination diet protocols
- Reintroduction testing
- Symptom journaling correlation
Therapeutic Nutrition for Specific Conditions
- Autoimmune disorders: Anti-inflammatory, gut-healing protocols
- Digestive issues: FODMAP guidance, gut repair nutrition
- Hormonal imbalances: Blood sugar stabilization, phytonutrient support
- Metabolic conditions: Carbohydrate timing, protein optimization
- Cognitive function: Brain-protective foods, healthy fats
Practical Implementation Support
- Meal planning guidance
- Grocery shopping strategies
- Recipe resources
- Cooking skill development
- Restaurant navigation
- Family meal adaptation
Our promise: We won’t just hand you a diet sheet and wish you luck. We provide the education, resources, and support to make dietary changes sustainable.
Natural Treatments & Supplements: When and Why
While we prefer addressing health through lifestyle when possible, targeted supplementation can accelerate healing and correct deficiencies.
Our Supplement Philosophy
Quality Matters
We recommend only:
- Third-party tested products
- Pharmaceutical-grade supplements
- Evidence-based formulations
- Brands with transparent sourcing
Testing Before Prescribing
We don’t guess—we test. Supplement recommendations are based on:
- Documented deficiencies from lab work
- Genetic variations affecting nutrient needs
- Specific therapeutic goals
- Your individual response and tolerance
Common Therapeutic Applications
Nutrient Repletion
- Vitamin D for immune function, fatigue, and mood
- B-complex for energy and nervous system
- Magnesium for sleep, stress, and muscle function
- Omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation and brain health
- Iron for anemia (when appropriate)
Gut Health Restoration
- Probiotics for microbiome balance
- Digestive enzymes for optimal nutrient absorption
- L-glutamine for intestinal repair
- Herbal antimicrobials for dysbiosis
Hormonal Support
- Adaptogenic herbs for stress resilience
- Thyroid support nutrients (selenium, zinc, iodine)
- Herbal preparations for menopause symptoms
Metabolic Enhancement
- Berberine for blood sugar management
- Alpha-lipoic acid for insulin sensitivity
- Chromium for glucose metabolism
Safety First
We ensure supplement safety by:
- Checking for medication interactions
- Monitoring with follow-up lab work
- Adjusting doses based on response
- Coordinating with your other healthcare providers
- Discontinuing when no longer needed
Important: Supplements are tools, not substitutes for healthy lifestyle. We use them strategically, not indefinitely when possible.
Can I Keep My Current Doctor?
Absolutely. Pioneering Wellness works in collaboration with your existing healthcare team, not as a replacement.
How We Coordinate Care
Communication with Your Providers
With your authorization, we:
- Send consultation summaries to your primary care physician
- Share relevant lab results and findings
- Coordinate medication adjustments
- Clarify our treatment approach and recommendations
- Request necessary referrals
Complementary, Not Competing
We handle:
- Chronic condition management
- Root-cause investigation
- Lifestyle and nutrition optimization
- Preventive strategies
- Wellness coaching
Your other doctors handle:
- Acute urgent care
- Specialized procedures
- Hospital-based care
- Specific subspecialty needs
Integrated Treatment Plans
We ensure:
- All treatments work synergistically
- No dangerous interactions between approaches
- You’re not getting conflicting advice
- Everyone on your team understands the comprehensive plan
When We Refer Out
We recognize our scope and refer to specialists when you need:
- Surgical evaluation
- Advanced imaging
- Specialized procedures
- Acute emergency care
- Highly specialized testing
Our commitment: Your safety and optimal outcomes come first. We collaborate, not compete.
Who Should Consider Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is particularly beneficial for individuals who:
You Might Be a Good Fit If:
✓ You have chronic symptoms that haven’t improved despite conventional treatment
✓ You want to understand WHY you’re experiencing health problems, not just suppress symptoms
✓ You’re interested in prevention and optimizing wellness, not just treating disease
✓ You value partnership and want an active role in your healthcare decisions
✓ You’re ready to make lifestyle changes to support your health (we’ll guide you, but you must be willing)
✓ You prefer a natural-first approach using medications only when necessary
✓ You’re frustrated with rushed appointments and feeling unheard
✓ You have multiple diagnoses that don’t seem connected but might be
✓ Your lab tests are “normal” but you still feel terrible
When Traditional Medicine May Be More Appropriate:
- Acute emergencies requiring immediate intervention
- Conditions requiring surgery or procedures
- Severe mental health crises needing psychiatric care
- Advanced specialist management is already successful
- You’re not willing or able to make lifestyle modifications
- You’re seeking only medication management
The Truth: Functional medicine requires more time, engagement, and personal effort than conventional care—but for the right person, the results are transformative.
How to Get Started at Pioneering Wellness
Ready to experience healthcare differently? Here’s your path forward:
Step 1: Initial Contact
Call or Email
📞 Phone: 855-554-2664
📧 Email: info@pioneeringwellness.doctor
🌐 Website: Schedule free 15-minute consultation
What happens: Our team will answer questions about our services, pricing, and approach. This no-obligation conversation helps determine if we’re the right fit for your needs.
Step 2: Choose Your Membership Plan
Select the program aligned with your health goals and budget:
Momentum Membership – $299/month + $200 onboarding
- Virtual concierge primary care
- Annual wellness coaching (3 sequential months)
- MyViva Health App access
- Basic annual lab work
- Monthly newsletter and community access
Empowerment Memberships – $4,999
- Comprehensive health & wellness coaching programs
- 6-month programs
- Individual and group coaching
- Extensive resources and tools
Guided Journey – $199/month + $200 onboarding + medication costs
- Virtual concierge weight management
- Physician-supervised GLP-1 access
- Health & Wellness Coaching (3 sequential months)
- MyViva Health App
- Community and educational resources
Compare all membership options
Step 3: Complete Intake Forms
Health History Questionnaires
You’ll receive comprehensive forms covering your:
- Medical and family history
- Current symptoms and concerns
- Lifestyle factors
- Previous treatments
- Health goals
Why thorough intake matters: The more we know before your first visit, the more productive that appointment becomes.
Step 4: Your First Appointment
60-90 Minute Virtual Consultation
Meet Dr. Geyer via secure video for your comprehensive initial assessment. Come prepared to:
- Share your complete health story
- Discuss lifestyle factors in detail
- Ask all your questions
- Review testing recommendations
- Receive your preliminary care plan
Technical requirements: Stable internet connection, device with camera/microphone, quiet private space.
Step 5: Receive Your Personalized Plan
Comprehensive Care Strategy
Before your next appointment, you’ll receive:
- Written treatment plan document
- Prioritized action steps
- Supplement recommendations (if appropriate)
- Dietary guidance
- Lifestyle modifications
- Follow-up schedule
- Educational resources
- Access to support team
Step 6: Begin Your Transformation
Ongoing Support Structure
- Regular follow-up appointments (monthly or as needed)
- Between-visit coaching support
- App-based progress tracking
- Care team messaging access
- Community connection opportunities
- Continuous plan refinement based on your progress
Timeline expectations: Most people notice initial improvements within 4-8 weeks, with progressive benefits over 3-12 months as root causes are addressed.
Why Choose Pioneering Wellness?
What Sets Us Apart
✓ Dual-Credentialed Physician Leadership
Dr. Charissa Geyer brings rare combined expertise:
- Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician (ABIM)
- Certified Health & Wellness Coach (MindBodyGreen)
- Extensive healthcare leadership experience
- Multiple state medical licenses for nationwide virtual care
✓ True Functional Medicine, Not Just “Functional Medicine Inspired”
We practice comprehensive functional medicine, not a watered-down version. This means:
- Extended appointment times for thorough assessment
- Root-cause investigation, not symptom management
- Advanced testing when clinically indicated
- Personalized treatment plans, never cookie-cutter protocols
✓ Integrated Coaching Support
Medical knowledge without behavior change support rarely creates lasting results. You get:
- Certified health coaches working alongside your physician
- Evidence-based coaching methodology
- Support between medical appointments
- Accountability without judgment
✓ Technology That Actually Helps
MyViva Health App integration provides:
- Seamless communication with your care team
- Progress tracking that informs clinical decisions
- Personalized educational content
- Real-time health data sharing
✓ Whole-Person Perspective
Our Ten Dimensions of Wellness framework ensures we address:
- Physical health (body and biology)
- Mental/emotional wellbeing
- Social connections and relationships
- Life purpose and meaning
- Environmental factors affecting health
- Financial stress impacting wellness
- And more
✓ Convenience Without Compromise
- Virtual appointments from anywhere
- No waiting rooms or commutes
- Flexible scheduling including evenings
- HIPAA-secure platform
- But still personal, unhurried, comprehensive care
✓ Transparent, Predictable Pricing
- Clear membership costs with no hidden fees
- Know exactly what you’ll pay
- No insurance billing frustrations
- Direct relationship not influenced by insurance restrictions
✓ Supportive Community
- Connect with others on similar health journeys
- Group coaching opportunities
- Monthly educational events
- Private member community access
Our Commitment to You
We promise to:
- Listen deeply and believe your experience
- Investigate thoroughly before recommending treatment
- Partner with you as equals in the healing process
- Respect your values, preferences, and goals
- Communicate clearly and honestly
- Celebrate your progress, no matter how small
- Support you through setbacks without judgment
- Continuously refine your plan based on your response
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept insurance?
No, we operate on a direct-pay membership model. This allows us to spend adequate time with you without insurance company restrictions. Many patients find that the lack of copays, deductibles, and surprise bills makes our care comparable to or less expensive than traditional insurance-based care.
Money-saving tips:
- HSA/FSA funds may cover some of our services. Please check with your plan.
- Medical documentation is available for self-submission to insurance companies for out-of-network reimbursement if applicable and appropriate
- Our preventive approach often reduces overall healthcare spending over time
How long until I see results?
Most patients notice initial improvements within 4-8 weeks, with progressive benefits over 3-12 months. Timeline depends on:
- Complexity of your conditions
- How long problems have existed
- Your consistency with recommendations
- Individual healing capacity
Remember: We’re creating lasting change, not quick fixes. Sustainable transformation takes time.
Can you prescribe medications?
Yes, Dr. Geyer is a fully licensed physician who can prescribe medications when clinically appropriate. However, our preference is to address root causes through lifestyle first, using medications strategically when needed rather than automatically.
Do you treat children?
At this time, Pioneering Wellness focuses on adult care (ages 18+).
What if I need urgent care?
For acute emergencies, always call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. Pioneering Wellness provides comprehensive primary care for chronic conditions and preventive medicine, not emergency services.
Can I try before committing?
Yes! Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call to:
- Ask questions about our approach
- Discuss whether functional medicine suits your situation
- Learn about membership options
- Determine if we’re the right fit
Schedule your free discovery call
Ready to Transform Your Health?
Take Your Next Step Today!
🎯 Not Sure If Functional Medicine Is Right for You?
Book a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call
📋 Ready to Dive Deep?
Download my FREE Wellness Without Guilt E-Book
Take the Wellness Assessment and Quiz
🚀 Ready to Get Started?
Explore Membership Options
📚 Want to Learn More First?
Read My Blog
💬 Have More Questions?
📞 Call: 855-554-2664
📧 Email: info@pioneeringwellness.doctor
Pioneering Wellness is transforming healthcare through physician-led functional medicine that honors the complete person. Founded by Dr. Charissa Geyer, we serve clients nationwide through secure virtual consultations, combining medical expertise with certified health coaching for sustainable wellness transformation.
Your Care. Your Life. Healthcare the way it SHOULD be.
