Thanks to telehealth, patients at all Mercer Medicine clinics can now access functional medicine services without traveling to Macon. Telehealth visits allow patients to meet with our the provider remotely using a phone, tablet or computer, making care more convenient and accessible.

Functional medicine services are designed to work alongside a patient's primary provider to offer additional support for overall health and wellness. This expanded service gives more patients access to a personalized approach to care that focuses on finding and treating the root cause of health concerns.

What Is functional medicine?

Functional medicine is a type of healthcare that looks at the whole person. For example, if a patient is struggling with fatigue, headaches or stomach problems, functional medicine looks deeper at possible causes such as stress, sleep habits, nutrition, gut health, hormone imbalance or inflammation.

Functional medicine providers are licensed healthcare professionals who complete additional training in this specialized field. They use evidence-based medicine, detailed health histories and lifestyle information to create personalized care plans for each patient.

Who is providing functional medicine at Mercer Medicine?

Functional medicine services at Mercer Medicine are provided by Linda Joy Sosebee, MSN, FNP-C, IFMCP, a family nurse practitioner with nearly 15 years of experience in functional and integrative health. Linda believes great care starts with listening. She partners closely with patients to better understand their health concerns, daily habits and overall wellness goals.

Linda earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Georgia Baptist College of Nursing and is a certified practitioner through The Institute for Functional Medicine. She focuses on helping patients improve their overall wellness, prevent illness and better manage chronic health concerns through personalized care plans designed to support long-term health.

What happens during a functional medicine appointment?

Functional medicine appointments are designed to answer an important question: “Why is the patient not feeling their best?”

During a visit, Linda takes time to learn about the patient’s health history, lifestyle and daily routines. She may discuss areas such as:

• Environmental exposures and allergens
• Exercise and physical activity
• Family health history
• Gut health and digestion
• Hormone, thyroid and adrenal health
• Nutrition and eating habits
• Sleep quality
• Stress and mental health

A personalized wellness plan is created that may include lifestyle changes, nutrition support, stress management strategies and other recommendations tailored to the patient’s needs and goals.

Is functional medicine the same as alternative medicine?

Functional medicine is not considered an “alternative medicine.” It uses evidence-based testing and treatment but takes extra time to understand the whole picture. It works alongside traditional medical care, not in place of it.

Does insurance cover functional medicine appointments?

At Mercer Medicine, functional medicine visits are billed like regular medical visits. Your insurance benefits apply the same way, including co-pays or deductibles.

How to get started

To learn more about functional medicine services or how to become a Mercer Medicine patient, call 478-301-4111 or call your nearest Mercer Medicine clinic.

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