Frequently Asked Questions

Functional Medicine is a personalized, systems-based approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness, rather than just treating isolated symptoms . Think of it as detective work on your health. We spend time understanding your entire story – your genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, stress, environment – all the factors that influence your well-being. For example, if you have hypertension or fatigue, instead of reflexively prescribing a pill, we ask why you have that issue. We might find underlying causes like hormonal imbalance, micronutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation, or even unresolved emotional stress. Then we address those causes directly with targeted therapies (which can include anything from diet changes and supplements to medications if needed). The result is often a more profound, lasting improvement. In short, we treat the whole person, not just the disease label. Traditional medicine is excellent for acute care (e.g. surgery, emergencies) but can fall short in managing complex chronic issues – that’s where functional medicine shines. (And yes, it is evidence-based: Cleveland Clinic’s Functional Medicine center published outcomes showing significant improvements in patients’ quality of life compared to standard care .)

Our practice specializes in men’s health – our branding and programs are geared toward men aged roughly 35–50 who are busy professionals, executives, or go-getters looking to optimize their health. We’ve chosen this focus because men in this age range are often underserved in the traditional healthcare model when it comes to things like hormone optimization, preventative wellness, and addressing issues like fatigue or stress holistically. That said, we certainly have the expertise to help women as well, and we do work with female clients (and couples) on a case-by-case basis. The fundamental functional medicine approach applies to both men and women. So if you’re a woman who resonates with our philosophy, you’re welcome to reach out – just know that our messaging is tailored to the guys! In any case, whoever you are, if you’re tired of symptom-chasing and ready to invest in real solutions, you’re in the right place. We specialize in helping motivated adults dealing with issues like chronic fatigue, digestive dysfunction, metabolic challenges, hormonal imbalances, and stress-related problems. If you’ve been told “everything is normal” but you know something isn’t right, we’re here to help.

Results vary from person to person (depending on your condition, how long it’s been going on, and how diligently you implement the plan). However, most clients start to notice some improvements within the first few weeks to a month of making changes. For example, better energy, improved digestion, or more restful sleep often kick in relatively soon once the right support is in place. Deeper or more complex issues (like hormone rebalancing, significant weight loss, or autoimmunity) might take a bit longer – often you’ll see major progress by the 3-month mark, with continued gains through month 5 and beyond. Our 5-month program is designed such that by the end, the majority of your initial symptoms should be greatly improved (if not resolved), and you’ll likely have some objective markers of improvement too (for instance, lab values moving in the right direction). We track your progress closely. In our experience, men who commit to the process typically report 50-80% improvement in their main complaints over 5 months, and many hit 90-100% resolution of certain symptoms. It’s important to set realistic expectations: this is not an overnight “quick fix” – it’s a comprehensive rebuild. You might think of it like training for a big event; it takes some weeks of effort to see noticeable performance changes, but those changes then often exceed what you thought possible. And if you don’t see progress as expected, we will investigate why and adjust the plan until you do. We are fully invested in your outcome. (Ultimately, our goal is for you to feel better than you have in years – and we have a track record of making that happen.)

We understand $4,995 is a significant investment, and we want you to understand the value behind it. First, this program is not just a couple of doctor visits – it’s an all-inclusive, concierge care package spanning five months. Consider what’s included: multiple long consultations, daily support, personalized coaching, detailed functional lab interpretation, a comprehensive plan design, and two included specialty lab tests – plus the countless hours we spend behind-the-scenes on your case (researching your condition, formulating protocols, monitoring your progress, answering your messages). In a traditional fee-for-service model, the amount of doctor and nutritionist time you’re getting would quickly surpass $5k if billed hourly. We chose a program model to flat-rate it and deliver maximum value without worrying about the clock each time we talk.

Also, think of what unresolved health issues cost you: frequent co-pays and prescriptions, seeing specialist after specialist, not to mention lost productivity, low performance at work, missed opportunities, and decreased quality of life. Many of our clients have spent years (and plenty of money) bouncing around the medical system without answers. Our program is designed to solve the problem once and for all, potentially saving you money (and time and frustration) in the long run. In fact, functional medicine care has been shown to reduce the need for expensive medications and procedures by actually addressing the root cause .

We strive to make it worth every penny. By the end of the program, you will have results that you can feel and often measure – better energy, better labs, better life. Ask our past clients – many say it’s the best money they’ve ever spent on themselves, because it gave them their life back. We absolutely stand by the value: your health is an investment, not an expense. And to help manage the cost, we do offer payment plans (see Pricing & Program Value section) and we accept HSA/FSA which can provide tax advantages in covering the cost. Ultimately, only you can decide what feeling great is worth to you – but if you’re all-in, we are too, and we’ll make sure you get outstanding results and service for that investment.

Vital Link Health Solutions is a direct-care, membership-based practice, which means we do not bill insurance or Medicare for our services. Why? Insurance typically does not cover the extensive consultations and root-cause investigative work that we do. The kind of personalized, preventative care we provide doesn’t fit into the 15-minute visit codes insurance reimburses. By working outside the insurance system, we’re free to dedicate the time and resources needed to truly heal you – not just what insurance deems “medically necessary.” That said, we will provide you with detailed receipts (superbills) for consultations and lab tests which you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Some clients with PPO insurance get a portion of labs or visits reimbursed, but it varies and isn’t guaranteed.

HSA/FSA: Yes, you can absolutely use Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts to pay for our services and lab tests. These accounts use pre-tax dollars, which effectively gives you a discount. We will code your receipts appropriately (for example, consultations as consultation, labs as lab services) so that they meet HSA/FSA criteria. Many clients pay for the program using HSA/FSA funds.

Additionally, any supplements or health devices we recommend might also be HSA/FSA-eligible if accompanied by a letter of medical necessity – we can provide that if needed.

In summary: We don’t take insurance directly, but we try to help you utilize your benefits indirectly where possible. We know paying out of pocket is a hurdle, but our clients find that the level of care and results we deliver far outweigh the frustrations of insurance-based care. We encourage you to view it as an investment in your long-term health and performance. (And remember, if finances are a concern, talk to us – we may be able to tailor a plan or offer financing options to make it work.)

Lab Tests: We include two specialty lab panels in the 5-month program at no extra charge (these are typically the initial diagnostic panel and one follow-up panel to track progress). Any additional lab tests that we decide to run beyond those will be an additional cost charged by the lab companies (we don’t upcharge; you pay the lab directly at our negotiated practitioner rates). We will always discuss the need and cost of any test with you before ordering. Some lab costs might be partially covered by your insurance, depending on the test and your plan – when possible, we’ll guide you on how to use insurance for standard labs through your primary care doctor to save money. However, many functional tests (like comprehensive stool analyses, saliva cortisol tests, etc.) are not insurance-covered. On average, our clients might invest a few hundred dollars in additional labs outside the program fee, but it varies case by case. We aim to be strategic and cost-conscious: every test has a purpose.

Supplements: Supplements are not included in the base program fee because they are very personalized. If we recommend supplements, you have flexibility in whether to purchase them and where. We will give you guidance and reputable options (including our online store with a 15% discount). On average, clients might spend $100–$250 per month on supplements during the intensive phase of the program, depending on their protocol. We understand that’s an additional cost, so we prioritize which supplements are most essential and try to find budget-friendly options when available. Remember, these are often things like high-quality multivitamins, protein powders (which could replace some of your food budget), etc., so in a way you are reallocating spending toward items that directly support your health. We never force you to buy a product – it’s your choice, and we can work within your budget.

Medications: If any prescription medications or hormones are needed, those would be obtained via a prescribing physician (either your PCP or a collaborating MD we work with). Those might be covered by your insurance at a pharmacy – if not, we’ll help find affordable solutions (generic versions, etc.).

In short: The program fee covers all of our time together, your personalized plan, coaching, and two major lab panels. Expect some additional expenses for labs and supplements, tailored to your situation. We strive to be transparent about these costs upfront and will work with you to prioritize what’s most important for your health and budget. No surprises – you’ll always approve extra lab orders or supplement plans. (And you’re welcome to ask for estimated costs during your discovery call or initial consult so you can plan accordingly.)

Improving your health is a two-way street – we will guide and support you intensively, but your participation is crucial for success. Here’s what to expect in terms of time and effort:

•       Appointments: You’ll have that 90-minute initial consult and roughly two follow-ups per month (about 30 minutes each). Plus the 15-min discovery call initially. So over 5 months, that’s maybe ~5–6 hours of live conversation time with us. These are scheduled at your convenience (we know you’re busy, so we can do early mornings, lunch hours, or evenings as needed).

•       Implementing the Plan: Day to day, you’ll be making changes to your routine. For example, meal prepping healthier food might take a bit of time each week (though we try to simplify this), incorporating exercise if you weren’t already, setting aside maybe 10 minutes for meditation or sleep hygiene at night, etc. Initially, there’s a learning curve – perhaps an hour or two to go grocery shopping for new foods, or time to read through your personalized guide. But after a couple weeks, these changes start integrating into your normal life and may even save time (e.g., once you have go-to recipes, cooking is quick).

•       Communication and Homework: We might ask you to fill out a quick symptom tracker each week (5 minutes) or get labs done (one morning to go to a lab draw or do a home kit). You might spend a few minutes each day taking supplements. We encourage journaling or notes on how you feel, but that’s optional. And you have the portal messaging – using it is up to you. Some clients check in briefly every few days, others only reach out before appointments.

•       Mindset: We need you “all in” mentally – open to experimenting with new approaches, and honest about what you can or can’t do. If something in the plan isn’t working for you, we expect you to tell us so we can adjust. The men who get the best results are the ones who communicate and engage with the process. You won’t be doing this alone; think of it as teamwork.

•       Realistic Lifestyle Changes: You might worry we’ll make you give up everything fun. Don’t worry – we won’t turn your life upside down arbitrarily. Yes, there may be some sacrifices (for instance, reducing alcohol or fast food for a period, prioritizing sleep over late-night TV, etc.), but we always work within what’s doable for you. Many find that as they start feeling better, they want to continue the healthy habits because the payoff is huge.

•       Accountability: We’ll keep you accountable, but self-motivation helps. Treat the program like you’re training for an important event – consistency is key. The more you put into following the recommendations, the more you’ll get out.

In summary, expect to dedicate some time each week to your health – but remember, this is time invested in YOU. If you currently spend hours feeling sick or tired, those are hours you reclaim by doing this. We think you’ll find the effort very manageable; plus, we try to make it enjoyable with foods you like, activities you enjoy, and celebrating your wins. After all, getting healthy shouldn’t feel like a punishment – it’s an empowering process. And we’ll be with you at every step to lighten the load where possible.

Our approach emphasizes lifestyle, nutrition, and natural therapies first, but there are certainly times when medications are necessary or helpful. Since our founder is not an MD (he’s an RN and Functional Medicine practitioner), he cannot prescribe medications directly. However, we have a network of collaborating physicians (or we can work with your own primary care physician or specialist) to obtain prescriptions if needed. For example:

•       If we discover a significantly low hormone level that warrants hormone replacement (like thyroid hormone or testosterone), we’ll refer you to a trusted physician (or your PCP) who can evaluate and prescribe that in conjunction with our plan.

•       If you have an infection (say H. pylori or a parasite) that would best be treated with an antibiotic or other Rx, we will facilitate that prescription through a physician.

•       We can also suggest to your PCP things like metformin for insulin resistance or SSRIs if depression is severe, etc., when appropriate, and coordinate care so that everything is managed safely.

Many of our clients remain under the care of their regular doctors for routine screenings or urgent issues. We actually encourage a collaborative approach – we focus on the root-cause healing and let your other providers handle acute problems or necessary medications. We will happily provide letters or phone consults to your other doctors to explain our recommendations or coordinate your care (with your permission).

Importantly, we will never ask you to stop any existing medication without consulting the prescriber. As your health improves, often you and your doctor may decide to reduce or discontinue certain meds (like blood pressure drugs or GERD meds) – in those cases, we’ll support you with that process. But discontinuation or changes to prescriptions are done carefully and by the appropriate prescriber.

So, yes, you can be on medications and still do our program. We’ll integrate everything. And if a new medication is truly needed, we’ll help you get it through the proper medical channels. Our ultimate goal is your wellness, by any safe and effective means – and sometimes that’s an integrative combo of lifestyle + medication. We’re not anti-medicine; we’re precision medicine – using the right tool at the right time.

(Bottom line: you won’t be deprived of any treatment that could benefit you. We will guide you on when a drug is needed versus when a natural approach can suffice, and ensure your bases are covered either way.)

No problem at all – our practice is fully equipped for telehealth. In fact, the majority of our clients are seen virtually via secure video calls (through our portal) from all over the country. As long as you have a phone or computer and an internet connection, you can work with us. We conduct consultations online, and we arrange for any lab tests to be done through local facilities or at-home kits.

Geography is usually not a barrier: we’ve had clients from coast to coast. For lab work, we utilize national lab companies (LabCorp, Quest, etc.) – we order electronically and you just visit a nearby draw station. For specialty labs, many are kits shipped to you (with easy instructions to collect samples of saliva, urine, etc., then you mail it back). So, you do not need to travel to see us in person. This saves you time and allows you to implement your health plan in your real home and work environment.

One consideration: Chaves is licensed as an RN in MO, compact states, CA, CT, NY. However, since we operate in a consulting/coaching capacity and do not practice medicine in the traditional sense (no prescribing, etc.), we can typically accept clients from most states. We stay up-to-date on telehealth regulations. If there is any state we cannot serve due to regulatory restrictions, we’ll let you know upfront in the discovery call. But generally, we have a national reach.

Rest assured, distance does not dilute the quality of care. We make sure you feel just as connected (if not more) than an in-person doctor’s office relationship. Our clients often comment that this is the most personal care they’ve ever received, despite it being through a screen. We leverage phone, video, email, and our portal to give you continuous support.

Many clients finish the 5-month Vitality Restoration Program feeling amazing and equipped to maintain their health on their own. However, some choose to continue in a more long-term engagement for ongoing optimization and support (or if they have larger goals to reach). We offer a few pathways for alumni:

•       Maintenance Membership: A lighter-touch follow-up program (for example, a Quarterly Check-in Plan or a monthly coaching subscription) where you can continue to have scheduled visits every so often, ongoing messaging access, and our guidance as needed. This is great for staying accountable and promptly addressing any minor issues that crop up. We can customize this based on how much support you want (and price it accordingly).

•       A la Carte Consultations: You can always book single follow-up consultations with us on an as-needed basis once you’re an established client. Maybe you want to do a 6-month progress lab panel and review, or you hit a snag down the line and want our insight – no problem. There’s no requirement to sign another package. We’ll be here when you call.

•       Extended Programs: If you have a more complex case that simply needs more time (say, serious autoimmune conditions or weight loss over 50+ pounds, etc.), we can extend the structured program by another few months. We might offer a continuation program (e.g. another 3 months) at a discounted rate for existing clients. This would mirror the high-touch approach, just longer duration.

•       Group Events and Resources: As an alumnus, you’ll also have access to any webinars, group workshops, or educational resources we provide to our client community. For example, if we host a virtual Masterclass on “Advanced Biohacking for Busy Execs” or a group nutrition challenge, you’re invited.

Importantly, once you’re a Vital Link client, you’re part of our family. We don’t do the “treat-and-release” and forget about you. We keep your records, we welcome updates, and we truly care long-term. Some of our best success stories stay in touch years later – and we love hearing how they’re doing.

So, if you finish and feel you still want guidance, just know the door remains open. We’ll collaborate on a plan that fits your new needs. Whether it’s ongoing fine-tuning to reach peak athletic performance, or simply an annual health review to keep you on track, we’ve got options.

During your Step 8 (Maintenance & Long-Term Plan) at program’s end, we will discuss and recommend what we think is appropriate for you. Some clients graduate and fly solo; others like the safety net of periodic support. Either way, our mission is to ensure you continue thriving for the long haul.

If you have more questions not covered here, feel free to reach out directly. We’re happy to clarify anything about our process, services, or how we can help you in particular. Check out our Contact Page to send us your queries. We believe in informed decisions – no question is too small!