Frequently Asked Questions

Functional medicine represents a transformative, science-based approach to healthcare that offers hope for individuals struggling with complex, chronic conditions. At Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine, we practice a model of medicine rooted in the understanding that each person is biochemically unique.

Our team takes time to deeply listen to your story, investigate and address the root causes of imbalance, and design personalized treatment plans that integrate nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and appropriate therapeutic support.

👉 Watch a short video from the Institute for Functional Medicine to learn more.

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We recommend nutritional supplements when clinically indicated—as an adjunct to nutrition and lifestyle therapy. Our team partners only with companies that uphold the highest standards of third-party testing and quality control.

As a convenience to our patients, we offer access to a secure, online dispensary stocked with physician-vetted products. You’re always welcome to purchase supplements elsewhere, but we strongly encourage research and caution when shopping outside of professional-grade sources, as the supplement industry is not well regulated.

Lab costs vary depending on the complexity of your condition and your personalized care plan. Some foundational labs cost under $100, while more advanced testing panels may cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars in total.

We are always mindful of cost and will help you prioritize testing based on clinical relevance, available resources, and your goals. We can order tests in a stepwise fashion to help manage costs over time.

Functional medicine seeks to answer why illness occurs and addresses those root causes to restore health. Instead of simply matching symptoms to prescriptions, we take a systems-based approach—looking at how genetics, environment, nutrition, stress, sleep, movement, and spiritual well-being interact to influence health outcomes.

This method emphasizes partnership, education, and empowerment for long-term healing and vitality.

We do not contract with or bill insurance companies. However, if you are a non-Medicare patient, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement by submitting a superbill to your insurance provider. You may also be able to use funds from your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-pocket expenses.

Our team can provide you with superbills upon request, but we do not communicate directly with insurance companies. If administrative support is needed for insurance-related communication, an hourly fee may apply.

We support patients dealing with a wide variety of chronic, often complex conditions. Areas of clinical focus include:

• Cognitive decline prevention and early intervention
• Burnout and stress-related disorders
• Hormone imbalances (perimenopause, menopause, andropause)
• Gut and microbiome health
• Autoimmune diseases
• Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
• Metabolic dysfunction and inflammation
• Brain fog, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders

We also work with high-functioning individuals who are motivated to optimize their healthspan, brain vitality, and longevity.

We are committed to delivering exceptional care and building strong therapeutic partnerships. Clinical services already rendered are non-refundable. However, if you are dissatisfied with your experience, we encourage you to let us know so we can address your concerns.

Unopened lab kits may be returned within 30 days of purchase for a refund, minus shipping and handling. Please contact our team to initiate any returns or changes.

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency department.

Our practice is not equipped to provide emergency medical or psychiatric services. However, if you are hospitalized, we encourage a trusted friend or family member to notify our office so we can support continuity of care when possible.

Helpful Contacts:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Mobile Crisis Hotline (Asheville & Surrounding Areas): 1-888-573-1006

Your follow-up schedule will be personalized to your needs. During the initial phase of care, visits may occur more frequently (e.g., monthly), and then transition to every 2–3 months or as needed for maintenance and continued progress. Your plan will be reviewed regularly and adapted based on your progress and preferences.

Absolutely. Healing often happens best in community. We welcome the involvement of trusted loved ones—with your consent—in care planning, education, and support. We also provide resources and tools to help family members understand and support your healing journey.

Dr. Libert and our team serve as integrative and functional medicine consultants. We do not function as primary care providers and require all patients to maintain an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician for routine screenings, emergency care, and urgent medical needs.

Our membership plans are designed to enhance your experience and provide consistent, high-touch support throughout your healing journey.

Depending on the level you choose, benefits may include:

• Direct messaging with your care team
• Prescription refills
• Lab coordination
• InBody Body Composition Analysis
• Monthly coaching sessions
• Access to educational programs and live office hours with Dr. Libert

For a full comparison of plans, please visit our Membership Options page or speak with our Patient Care Coordinator.

Yes, we offer secure telemedicine appointments for patients residing in states where our providers are licensed to practice. Virtual visits allow us to support patients beyond the Asheville area while maintaining the same level of personalized care.

If our philosophy of care resonates with you, we invite you to schedule a complimentary strategy session with our Patient Care Coordinator. This brief call gives you the opportunity to share your story, ask questions, and determine whether our services are the right fit for your needs. We’d be honored to walk with you toward vibrant health, clarity of mind, and greater joy.

While many of our patients experience remarkable improvements, we cannot guarantee specific results. Healing is a dynamic, individualized process that depends on many factors—including your level of commitment, consistency, and willingness to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

We promise to bring our full presence, clinical expertise, and compassion to every encounter and walk beside you with wisdom and care as you move toward your goals.