Treatment is what is different in Holistic Primary Care and Functional Medicine, the examination is the same. This approach is more Naturally based and “Functional” in it’s therapeutic approach and goals. Our treatment (if treatment is indicated) is nutritionally based and supplement based to support and/or heal the dysfunctional biochemical pathways. For example: a patient with recurrent colds may be suffering from a weakened immune system due to a poorly functioning gastrointestinal system (where the bulk of our immune system lives). In this case, specialized testing would be performed to evaluate that health status of the gastrointestinal system and the immune system and appropriate care would be offered. In this example the individual may have a subclinical bacterial overgrowth in their digestive system which is often compounded by a yeast overgrowth as well. Treatment would focus on eliminating the offending bacteria and yeast (using natural products that are very capable of “doing the job”), modifying the diet, implementing appropriate exercise, assuring proper hydration/water intake levels and supporting basic physiological functions with supplements such as a multi-vitamin and probiotics.
“Holistic” Primary Care is a term used to describe Primary Care that offers a more Natural approach. Yearly examinations are performed to evaluate an individual’s “state of health” and determine “what’s changed” over the year in the patient’s life. For example: the patient lost 30 pounds, added a pet to the family, or lost a spouse, etc. The doctor performs an annual examination that consists of:
- Height and weight, assesses heart rate/pulse and heart function,
- Abdominal exam, skin, hair and nails evaluation, muscle tone and fitness,
- Cognitive/mental function and psychological status (happy and productive, depressed, etc.),
spiritual life, sleep habits, - Urinary function and basic health status laboratory analysis (focused labs if the patient requires such
evaluation and monitoring) - More detailed evaluations are ordered when and if necessary: EKG, Spirometry, Ultrasound, X-ray,
MRI, CT Scan, Bone Density, Nerve Conduction Studies, Stool analysis, Endoscopy, etc.
You can reach our office by calling 860-257-8445 to make an appointment with Dr. Carucci. Please indicate at the time of the phone call that you are making a Primary Care appointment so that we can properly schedule your appointment.