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843-469-1001

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250 Mathis Ferry Road, Suite 101
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

FAQ

Merge Medical Center Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is functional medicine different from conventional care?
Traditional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms. Functional medicine focuses on finding and correcting the root cause of why symptoms developed in the first place.
Instead of asking:
“What drug matches this diagnosis?”
We ask:
“Why is this happening in your body?”
Functional medicine provides a deeper, more personalized path to healing because it:
✅ Looks at the whole body, not isolated symptoms
✅ Uses advanced testing to uncover hidden imbalances
✅ Creates personalized treatment plans
✅ Focuses on prevention and long-term wellness
✅ Addresses lifestyle, nutrition, hormones, gut health, and inflammation
Our goal is not just to help you feel better temporarily — but to help your body function optimally for the long term.
Absolutely. There is no cookie-cutter protocol at Merge Medical Center.
Your plan is based on:
  • Advanced lab testing
  • Detailed health history
  • Lifestyle factors
  • Your unique biology
Every recommendation is tailored specifically to you.
Your no-cost consultation lasts about 10–15 minutes and helps us determine if we’re the right fit.
During this call we:
  • Review your main health concerns
  • Explain our functional medicine approach
  • Discuss recommended testing
  • Review program investment
  • No treatment is provided during this appointment , and is only by phone.
We work with patients experiencing a wide range of chronic and complex concerns, including:
Hormonal & Metabolic Health
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Adrenal fatigue
  • Perimenopause and menopause symptoms
  • Low testosterone
  • Insulin resistance
  • Weight resistance
  • Metabolic syndrome

Digestive & Gut Health
  • IBS
  • Bloating and gas
  • Acid reflux
  • Leaky gut
  • Food sensitivities
  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea
  • Microbiome imbalances

Energy, Brain & Mood
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Anxiety
  • Depression support
  • Poor focus and concentration
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Burnout

Inflammation & Chronic Conditions
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Joint pain
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Long-standing unexplained symptoms

Preventive & Longevity Care
  • Advanced wellness optimization
  • Healthy aging support
  • Cardiometabolic risk reduction
  • Performance and vitality optimization
If you don’t see your concern listed, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not directly bill insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
However:
  • We provide an itemized receipt with CPT and ICD codes
  • You may submit this to your insurance for possible reimbursement
  • HSA and FSA funds are typically accepted
Many patients receive partial reimbursement depending on their plan.
Note: You can use your insurance for lab testing 
Insurance-based care often limits:
  • Time with patients
  • Depth of testing
  • Preventive care options
  • Personalized treatment plans
By operating outside of insurance restrictions, we can provide longer visits, deeper investigation, and truly individualized care.
Do you see patients outside the Charleston area?
Yes. We work with patients from across the United States.
Your initial consultation can often be completed by phone, and we will guide you through any necessary in-person steps.
Functional medicine visits are intentionally longer than conventional visits so we can fully understand your health story.
Timing varies by program and phase of care.

Recommended Reading

If you’re interested in learning more about root-cause health and how it applies to your care, we’ve put together a recommended reading list below.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help.
📞 Call: 843-469-1001
📍 Merge Medical Center — Serving Charleston and beyond