Functional Medicine of Iowa Jessica Southard PA-C, certified IFMCP

Where Traditional Diagnosis meets Functional Healing

Name: Functional Medicine of Iowa
Address: 815 Office Park Rd Suite 3, West Des Moines, IA

Guided by a Board-Certified PA and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, IFMCP

Schedule Consultation

Where Traditional Diagnosis meets Functional Healing

Guided by a Board-Certified PA and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, IFMCP

Schedule Consultation

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine is science-based medicine that uses a systems biology approach to evaluate each individual patient. Systems biology is a powerful framework that views the human body as an interconnected network of complex systems rather than a collection of isolated organs. This holistic approach recognizes that seemingly unrelated symptoms or conditions may be linked through underlying physiological imbalances. The body's systems (e.g., digestive, immune, endocrine) are intricately linked, and dysfunction in one area can ripple through others. Each person's unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment interact to influence their health and disease susceptibility. Functional Medicine practitioners delve beyond surface-level symptoms to identify the root causes of imbalances, often involving multiple contributing factors. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual's specific needs and underlying imbalances, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

By applying systems biology principles, Functional Medicine aims to restore balance and optimize overall health by addressing the root causes of disease, rather than simply managing symptoms. Functional Medicine addresses chronic conditions, all acute issues should be addressed by a Primary Care Provider, Urgent Care or the ER.

Functional Medicine may be a good fit for you if you have symptoms and are not just looking for a quick fix for your discomfort, but rather want to understand the underlying causes of your health concerns. You have to be prepared and ready to make changes that often involve lifestyle modifications such as dietary adjustments, exercise, and stress management. It requires a commitment to actively participate in your own healing journey. Functional Medicine is a collaborative approach between you and your practitioner. It's about working together to uncover the root causes of your health challenges and create a personalized plan for optimal wellness.

About Functional Medicine of Iowa

Functional Medicine of Iowa, Jessica Southard PA-C and certified functional medicine practitioner.

Our Philosophy

At Functional Medicine of Iowa, we believe that health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. We strive to promote optimal health and wellness through our services and patient education. While we may not have all the answers, we promise to walk with the patient on their journey to find them.

Jessica Southard PA-C, certified functional medicine provider, IFMCP, and founder of FMI.

Our Provider

Jessica Southard MA, MS, PA-C graduated from Des Moines University in 2008 and has since practiced in the specialties of Neurosurgery, Transplant Surgery, and Pain Management. Her practice of medicine has always been related to structure and function which led her to Functional Medicine when she encountered her own health issues that traditional medicine could not explain. She completed her training at The Institute for Functional Medicine and is a certified Functional Medicine practitioner (IFMCP).

Functional medicine of Iowa, Jessica Southard PA-C and certified functional medicine provider, IFMCP.

Our Focus

Any chronic condition can benefit from Functional Medicine intervention, as well as someone looking to be in their best health. Our services are designed to be personalized and precise, meeting the unique health needs of each patient. We believe the patient-provider relationship needs to be a partnership in order for success.

What to expect

New Patient Visit

In-Person and Telemedicine Visits

Follow-up visit or Lab Review

All uploaded medical records will be reviewed prior. At the first visit, we will review pertinent medical history, discuss health goals and develop a plan together.

Follow-up visit or Lab Review

In-Person and Telemedicine Visits

Follow-up visit or Lab Review

Assess progress and make appropriate adjustments in the plan. Lab review includes review of results, discuss implications and develop a plan.

In-Person and Telemedicine Visits

We take a personalized, whole-person approach to your health—whether you visit us in person or connect virtually. Telemedicine visits are offered for Iowa residents only.

Labs

Supplements

In-Person and Telemedicine Visits

Any functional medicine labs will be ordered through Rupa Health or individual Labs such as Genova with direct pay by and shipment to the patient.

Supplements

We always recommend food first for nutrition but sometimes supplementation is required for repletion. Ideally it should be relatively short term, we do not intend on replacing prescriptions with supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach out if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do you accept insurance?

No. Insurance companies dictate care by prioritizing profit over patient care which limits appointment times, the provider's recommendations, and patient's treatments. Direct fee for service pay allows extended appointment times and medical freedom of treatments. Patients can discuss with their insurance company if they will reimburse the cost of care through HSA or FSA.

Will I need expensive labs?

No. There are plenty of expensive labs if you can afford them and are interested, but functional medicine is not lab based. With a proper history and physical exam, a plan can be developed to optimize health. All previous labs will be reviewed and some labs can be ordered through your PCP and covered by insurance. Any functional medicine lab that is recommended will be judiciously chosen based on patient capabilities and if the results will change the plan of care.

Do you sell supplements?

No. I will recommend specific supplements for treatments and/or deficiencies as needed. Not all supplements are created equal and if I recommend specific brands it is because they have exceptional quality with known purity. Fullscript is used as a dispensary for supplement purchase with direct pay by, direct shipping to, and a discounted price for the patient.

Will you be my Primary care provider?

Functional Medicine treats chronic conditions and optimizes health in conjunction with your primary care provider and other specialists. Your primary care provider will continue to provide annual exams, prescribe prescriptions, and provide any acute care needs. We will communicate with your PCP during your care as effective team members of your care. Ideally, your treatment with functional medicine will be short term, relatively speaking, until your health is optimized, at which time we will see you as needed.

Can you order imaging and prescriptions?

Yes, as needed. Jessica is a board-certified PA and can order imaging and prescriptions if indicated for further evaluation and treatment of the patient. These would typically be covered under insurance. One of the goals of functional medicine is to optimize health, thereby reducing need for prescriptions. No opioid or benzodiazepine prescriptions will be written.

Contact Us

Functional Medicine of Iowa

815 Office Park Rd Suite 3, West Des Moines, IA, USA

Office is located inside Kith & Kin Health Collaborative space. Phone 515-750-2910 Fax 515-750-3034

Mon	Closed
Tue	Closed
Wed	09:00 am – 03:00 pm
Thu	09:00 am – 03:00 pm
Fri	09:00 am – 03:00 pm
Sat	Closed
Sun	Closed

Closed all major holidays.
Other appointment times available upon request.

Where Traditional Diagnosis meets Functional Healing

Where Traditional Diagnosis meets Functional Healing

What is Functional Medicine?

About Functional Medicine of Iowa

Our Philosophy

Our Provider

Our Focus

What to expect

New Patient Visit

In-Person and Telemedicine Visits

Follow-up visit or Lab Review

Follow-up visit or Lab Review

In-Person and Telemedicine Visits

Follow-up visit or Lab Review

In-Person and Telemedicine Visits

In-Person and Telemedicine Visits

In-Person and Telemedicine Visits

Labs

Supplements

In-Person and Telemedicine Visits

Supplements

Supplements

Supplements

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Still have questions? Let us know how we can help you:

Functional Medicine of Iowa

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