What to Expect During Your First Functional Medicine Consultation

At Via Nova Health, your journey begins with a comprehensive and personalized functional medicine consultation. Our practitioners take the time to understand your complete health story—going far beyond a typical medical intake. During your first visit, we will explore not only your current symptoms but also your past medical history, family health background, lifestyle habits, nutrition, sleep quality, emotional health, stress, and environmental exposures. We may also ask about your early childhood health, travel experiences, and important life events that could have influenced your wellbeing.

Our team will review any prior lab results or medical records you bring, and may perform a focused physical examination based on your needs. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, our approach centers on identifying underlying patterns, root causes, and potential imbalances in your health.

When needed, your practitioner may recommend specialized laboratory testing to investigate areas such as nutrient status, hormone balance, gut health, or possible toxic exposures. Together, we will develop a personalized plan that may include dietary recommendations, lifestyle adjustments, stress management strategies, and targeted supplementation. At Via Nova Health, our mission is to address the root causes of illness, not just alleviate symptoms.

To ensure you get the most from your first appointment, we recommend taking the following steps:

1. Gather Your Medical Information
Before you arrive, collect any relevant medical records, such as previous test results, diagnoses, and a list of your current medications. Don’t forget to include any vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter remedies you regularly take. This information gives your Via Nova Health practitioner a comprehensive view of your health history.

2. Document Your Health Story
Take some time to write down your health history, including major illnesses, surgeries, allergies, and any significant life events that may have affected your health. Keeping a symptom diary for at least a week before your visit—tracking your sleep, energy, digestion, mood, and any specific concerns—can provide valuable insights for your care team.

3. Reflect on Your Lifestyle
Functional medicine at Via Nova Health focuses on the root causes of health concerns. Be ready to discuss your daily habits, including diet, exercise, sleep patterns, stress levels, and any exposure to environmental factors. Honest and detailed information about your lifestyle helps us build a care plan tailored just for you.

4. Complete Via Nova Health’s Intake Forms
Our intake forms are more comprehensive than standard medical forms and are designed to help us understand your unique needs. Fill these out thoughtfully before your appointment, as they guide your practitioner’s assessment and ensure we address all relevant aspects of your health.

5. Prepare Your Questions and Goals
Make a list of your most important health questions, concerns, and goals. Bringing these to your appointment ensures you won’t forget to discuss what matters most to you during your time with your Via Nova Health practitioner.

6. Embrace a Collaborative Approach
At Via Nova Health, we believe in a partnership between you and your care team. Come prepared to actively participate in your health journey, and keep an open mind as we work together to uncover the root causes of your concerns and develop a personalized plan for your wellbeing.

At Via Nova Health, your well-being is our top priority. During your consultation, our dedicated healthcare providers will take the time to thoroughly understand your health needs in order to deliver the most effective, personalized care possible.

Your provider will begin by discussing your current symptoms or health concerns. We’ll ask detailed questions about when your symptoms started, their severity, and any factors that may influence them—ensuring we have a clear understanding of what you’re experiencing.

Our team will also review your medical history, including any past illnesses, surgeries, or chronic conditions. We’ll go over all medications you’re currently taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter remedies, and supplements. This helps us prevent any potential interactions and ensures your treatment plan is safe and effective.

We recognize the importance of a holistic approach. That’s why we’ll also inquire about your family’s medical history to identify any hereditary factors, and discuss lifestyle habits such as your diet, exercise routine, tobacco or alcohol use, recent travel, or any major life changes. These insights help us better understand your overall health context.

If you have previous test results, imaging studies, or records from other healthcare professionals, please bring them to your visit. Reviewing this information allows us to form a complete picture of your health and collaborate effectively in your care.

This comprehensive approach ensures that your provider can recommend the most appropriate next steps or treatment options, tailored to your unique needs. Our mission is to guide you on your path to better health with compassion, expertise, and respect.

Unlike standard medical appointments, your initial consultation at Via Nova Health will typically last between 60 to 90 minutes. This extended time allows our practitioners to conduct a thorough review of your medical history, lifestyle, nutrition, and current health concerns. By taking this comprehensive approach, we can uncover the underlying factors that may be contributing to your health issues.

Follow-up appointments at Via Nova Health are generally shorter, usually ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. These sessions are tailored to your ongoing needs and the complexity of your personalized health plan. Our commitment to longer, more in-depth consultations ensures that you receive a care plan that is uniquely suited to your individual situation, supporting your journey toward optimal health and well-being.

Your first functional medicine consultation with Dr. Jeff Matz, DC, MS at Via Nova Health is an important step toward improving your overall wellness. Dr. Matz takes a personalized, holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on understanding the root causes of your symptoms rather than just treating the symptoms themselves. During your consultation, you will discuss your health history, current concerns, and lifestyle factors, allowing Dr. Matz to create a tailored plan that aligns with your unique needs. Be prepared to share detailed information about your health, and feel free to ask any questions you may have about functional medicine. This consultation will lay the foundation for a path toward optimal health and long-term well-being. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Lesslie SC, India Hook SC, Riverview SC, Newport, SC, Catawba SC, Tega Cay SC and surrounding areas.