DR LAURA LEPCZYK
Board-Certified Anesthesiologist · Functional Medicine Physician

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about functional medicine, consultations, and working with Dr. Lepczyk

About Functional Medicine
What is functional medicine?

Functional medicine is a physician-directed, science-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It views the body as an interconnected system and uses comprehensive testing to investigate underlying factors like gut health, hormone balance, genetics, toxin exposure, and immune function.

Rather than asking "What drug treats this symptom?", functional medicine asks "Why is this symptom occurring?"

How is Dr. Lepczyk different from a health coach or wellness practitioner?

Dr Laura Lepczyk is a board-certified anesthesiologist with medical training from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and residency at Beaumont Health. She has done additional functional medicine training. This means she can order and interpret advanced diagnostic lab testing, prescribe medications when appropriate, and apply rigorous medical training to your care.

Is functional medicine evidence-based?

Yes. Functional medicine is grounded in peer-reviewed research and uses laboratory testing to guide treatment decisions. The testing and interventions used, including comprehensive metabolic panels, hormone assessments, gut microbiome analysis, and targeted supplementation, are all supported by published scientific literature.

Consultations & Appointments
How long are appointments?

Initial consultations are 60-90 minutes, allowing time for comprehensive health history review and personalized testing recommendations. Follow-up appointments are typically 15-45 minutes depending on your needs.

What happens during the first consultation?

Your initial consultation includes comprehensive review of your health history, systems-level assessment (gut, hormones, metabolism, immune, detoxification), review of previous lab work, discussion of potential root causes, personalized testing recommendations, and initial treatment considerations.

Are appointments in-person or virtual?

All consultations are conducted via telehealth (secure video appointments). This allows you to receive care from anywhere within Colorado without traveling to an office.

What states can you see patients from?

Dr. Lepczyk is currently licensed to practice medicine in Colorado only. You must be physically located in Colorado during your telehealth appointments.

Conditions & Testing
What conditions does Dr. Lepczyk work with?

Dr. Lepczyk works with patients experiencing digestive issues (IBS, SIBO, bloating), hormonal imbalances (thyroid, adrenal, perimenopause), cognitive concerns (brain fog, fatigue), autoimmune conditions, metabolic issues (weight management, insulin resistance), and environmental factors (mold illness, toxin exposure).

What types of testing are used?

Comprehensive testing may include gut microbiome analysis, hormone panels (thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones), metabolic testing, genetic testing for methylation and detoxification, toxicity screening, and immune function panels. Testing is individualized based on your symptoms and health history.

Cost & Insurance
Do you accept insurance?

This is a cash-pay practice. Dr. Lepczyk does not bill insurance directly. However, you may receive a superbill to submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

What should I expect to invest in my care?

Your investment includes consultation fees and recommended testing. Testing costs vary based on what's clinically indicated for your situation. During your complimentary callback, we can discuss your specific situation and provide more detailed information about anticipated costs.

Supplements & Fullscript
What is Fullscript?

Fullscript is a secure online dispensary used by healthcare practitioners to provide professional-grade supplements. Unlike retail supplements, products on Fullscript are third-party tested for purity and potency, manufactured under pharmaceutical-grade standards (GMP), and stored in climate-controlled facilities. As my patient, you automatically receive discounts on all orders, with products shipped directly to your door.

Do I need to be a patient to order supplements?

Anyone can create a Fullscript account and order foundational wellness supplements like multivitamins, omega-3s, vitamin D, and magnesium. However, for targeted protocols addressing specific health conditions (hormones, gut health, detox support), I recommend completing a consultation and appropriate testing first so we can personalize recommendations to your unique needs.

Why professional-grade supplements instead of retail?

Professional-grade supplements offer several advantages: independent third-party testing verifies what's on the label is actually in the product, bioavailable forms are used for better absorption, therapeutic dosing is based on clinical research, and products are free from common allergens, fillers, and artificial ingredients. Many retail supplements fail independent testing for purity and potency.

How much do supplements cost?

Supplement costs vary widely depending on your protocol. Foundational daily supplements typically run about $200 per month. More comprehensive protocols addressing specific conditions may range from an additional $150-$300/month. All patients receive automatic discounts, and protocols are adjusted based on your budget and priorities. Supplements are never required, they're recommended when clinically appropriate.

Supplements & Protocols
How do I order recommended supplements?

Supplements are dispensed through Fullscript, a professional-grade supplement platform. You'll receive access to your personalized Fullscript dispensary where you can order recommended products at a discount with direct shipping to your home.

Are supplements required?

Supplements are recommended based on your individual testing results and clinical needs, not as a blanket protocol. Treatment plans are always developed collaboratively, and you're an active participant in deciding what interventions feel right for you.

Dr. Lepczyk's boxer puppy

Ready to Work Together?

Schedule a callback to explore whether physician-led functional medicine is right for you.

Book Free Discovery Call *Telehealth consultations available throughout Colorado