Frequently Asked Questions

PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions in which infections, immune dysfunction, inflammation, or other triggers can lead to sudden or fluctuating changes in behavior, mood, anxiety, OCD, tics, sleep, learning, or other neurological symptoms including developmental delay. These conditions often follow a relapsing and remitting pattern and typically require ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustments over time rather than one-time treatment.

PANS/PANDAS symptoms often change over time and causes are typically multi-layered. A membership model allows for structured ongoing care, scheduled follow-ups, messaging for brief updates, and monthly group education and questions. This model allows care to be more consistent and responsive compared to isolated visits. With these complex patients there are rarely quick fixes and steady consistent progress is how these kids heal.

No. Functional medicine patients are seen using a visit-based model. Patients schedule an initial visit, a treatment plan visit, and follow-up visits as needed. Membership is only used for PANS/PANDAS care, as these patients typically require ongoing structured management.

Common conditions include chronic fatigue, thyroid imbalance, autoimmune conditions, digestive issues, chronic inflammation, mold illness, Lyme and tick-borne disease, hormone imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, and complex chronic illness where underlying contributors need to be evaluated.

Functional medicine care is available for adults with chronic health conditions. PANS/PANDAS care is focused on pediatric patients and adolescents.

The intake visit is where we review medical history, symptom history, prior labs and testing, timeline of illness, current symptoms, and previous treatments. We then discuss possible contributing factors, recommended testing if needed, and outline next steps. For PANS/PANDAS patients, we also determine the appropriate level of ongoing care after the intake.

Patients are placed into the appropriate level of care after the intake visit based on clinical complexity, stability, and how frequently treatment adjustments are needed. Most new PANS/PANDAS patients begin in Active Care and move to lower levels of care as stability improves.

This depends on the level of care and the patient's condition. Many patients are seen every 3-6 months for follow-up visits, with additional visits scheduled if symptoms change or treatment adjustments are needed.

Yes. Additional follow-up or check-in visits can be scheduled if new symptoms develop, treatment changes are needed, or more frequent follow-up is required.

Messaging is available for brief updates, clarification, and simple questions. Messaging is not a substitute for visits. Clinical decision-making, medication changes, treatment adjustments, and lab interpretation typically require a scheduled visit so that adequate time can be dedicated to the issue.

No. Visits included in membership are intended to be used within the 6-month membership period and do not roll over. This helps maintain consistent follow-up and structured care.

This varies widely depending on the condition and the patient's progress. Patients are expected to move from Active Care to Structured Care and then to Maintenance Care over time. Some patients remain in maintenance for long-term monitoring and periodic follow-up.

Wayfinder Functional Medicine is a cash-based practice and does not bill insurance. Upon request, patients can be provided with a receipt (superbill) that they may submit to their insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on their insurance plan. Based on your insurance, routine lab work may be covered.

If you are unsure which type of appointment is appropriate, you can request a free, brief introductory call and we can help determine the appropriate starting point.

Currently we treat patients living in Utah and Idaho.

This practice uses a structured, phase-based model of care designed for complex and chronic conditions that require ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustments over time rather than isolated visits. The goal is to provide organized, consistent, long-term care for complex conditions.