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Functional Health

Practices focused on root-cause, preventative care — addressing hormones, gut health, inflammation, and overall system balance. Often inclusive of advanced diagnostics, testing, and performance-based approaches to long-term health.

Before You Start

A few things worth knowing
before you dive in

Functional health is a broad space. Providers vary in their approach, depth, and model of care. This page exists to give you a clearer picture of what you're walking into — so you can start with intention, not guesswork.

Different models of care

Some providers operate within insurance. Others don't. Visit length, testing, and approach can vary — often intentionally.

Insurance vs cash-pay

Insurance-based care is typically more standardized. Cash-pay models often allow for more time and deeper investigation.

Depth varies

From foundational care to complex, lab-driven approaches — not every provider goes to the same depth.

Start with your goal

Primary care, root-cause exploration, or optimization — where you start depends on what you're looking for.

Testing isn't universal

Some providers rely heavily on diagnostics. Others take a more conservative approach. Both can be appropriate — it depends on your situation.

This is a starting point

A curated view of what's available — not a curation or a complete list.

For informational purposes only. Not medical advice.

How to Get Started

Not sure where
to begin?

01
Start with a baseline

Before jumping into protocols or supplements, get a comprehensive blood panel done. Functional medicine starts with data — and knowing your baseline markers is the foundation of everything that follows.

02
Book an initial consultation

Many of the practices listed offer initial consultations. Come prepared with your health history, current symptoms, and any previous lab work. The more context you bring, the more useful the conversation.

03
Be patient with the process

Functional medicine moves thoughtfully. You're rebuilding a picture of your health — not getting a quick fix. Give it time, follow the protocol, and track how you feel along the way.

Featured Providers

A curated selection
of practitioners.

Selected for their approach, depth of care, and consistency. A starting point, not a complete list.

COEM
Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine · North Charleston
Advanced
Functional Medicine Cash-Pay

Specialized practice focused on autoimmune conditions, environmental exposures, and complex or unresolved symptoms. Structured, lab-driven model with extended visits and a detailed intake process.

CostInitial ~$500–$700 · Follow-ups ~$175–$450 · Labs additional
InsuranceNot accepted
Autoimmune Environmental Complex Cases
Carolina Holistic Medicine
Mount Pleasant, SC
Advanced
Functional Medicine Cash-Pay

Root-cause-oriented model with a strong focus on hormones, brain health, and energy. Comprehensive intake paired with functional lab testing and personalized protocols for day-to-day function and overall wellbeing.

CostInitial ~$400–$600 · Ongoing varies
InsuranceNot accepted
Hormones Brain Health Energy Diagnostics
Gesundheit Carolina
Mount Pleasant, SC
Advanced
Integrative Medicine Cash-Pay

Integrative model combining conventional medicine with therapies including peptides, ozone, and IV support. Broad toolkit of treatment options with an emphasis on individualized care plans for chronic conditions and immune support.

CostVaries by service
InsuranceLimited / not typical
Chronic Conditions Immune Support Regenerative
Merge Medical Center
Mount Pleasant, SC
Deeper Dive
Integrative Medicine Cash-Pay

An accessible entry point into integrative care. Combination of medical care, lifestyle guidance, and targeted therapies with an emphasis on preventive health, hormone support, and long-term optimization.

CostVaries by program
InsuranceNot accepted
Prevention Hormones Optimization
MUSC Integrative Medicine
Dr. Michael Kalsman · Charleston, SC
Insurance
Integrative Medicine Insurance Accepted

Traditional medical care supplemented with integrative techniques including acupuncture and lifestyle medicine. A structured, health-system-based experience with select integrative offerings for general health concerns.

CostInsurance-based
InsuranceAccepted
Acupuncture Lifestyle Medicine Integrative
Whole Heart Family Medicine
North Charleston, SC
Insurance
Primary Care Insurance Accepted

Primary care with a whole-person lens and an emphasis on continuity. A traditional primary care experience with more time and attention than typical high-volume practices — focused on routine care, prevention, and ongoing health management.

CostInsurance-based
InsuranceAccepted
Primary Care Prevention Whole-Person
Lowcountry Wellness Center
Charleston, SC
Deeper Dive
Direct Primary Care Membership

Membership-based primary care with extended visits and direct access to the provider. A more personalized experience with fewer constraints from insurance, focused on ongoing care, prevention, and chronic condition management.

Cost~$75–$150/month membership
InsuranceNot accepted
Direct Primary Care Chronic Conditions Prevention
InterveneMD
Mount Pleasant, SC
Deeper Dive
Functional Medicine Cash-Pay

Testing-informed care with an emphasis on prevention and system optimization. A balance between clinical care and functional medicine principles, focused on metabolic health and early-stage chronic concerns.

CostVaries
InsuranceNot accepted
Metabolic Health Prevention Optimization
The Wellness Loft
Charleston, SC (James Island)
Foundational
Functional Medicine Cash-Pay

A more consumer-oriented wellness experience with functional elements. Combination of lab testing, supplements, and in-office treatments focused on hormones, energy, skin, and general wellness.

CostService-based
InsuranceNot accepted
Hormones Energy Skin Wellness
Rising Tide Wellness
Charleston, SC
Deeper Dive
Integrative Medicine Cash-Pay

A middle-ground option between primary care and fully specialized functional practices. Blended model combining conventional and holistic approaches for general health, lifestyle support, and integrative care.

CostVaries
InsuranceLimited
Integrative Lifestyle Holistic