COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 91
These platforms operate legally by embedding physician oversight
into the order process, while still granting access and results to the
individual consumer or their designated practitioner. Because of
this structure, anyone can order and receive lab results from these
platforms, regardless of licensure status, as long as they do not
cross the line into diagnosing or treating without appropriate
credentials [9, 10].
Impact of the Direct Access Revolution
The shift toward direct access testing has had several profound
impacts on healthcare:
Consumer Empowerment
Individuals now have unprecedented ability to take charge of
their own health monitoring and decision-making processes.
Support for Wellness Professionals
Non-licensed wellness coaches and educators can now
incorporate objective biomarker data into their guidance and
support services.
Expanded Functional Medicine Reach
The availability of specialty laboratory testing has enabled
widespread adoption of functional medicine approaches to
health optimization.
Growth of Interpretation Services
The market has responded with advanced lab interpretation
training programs (e.g., Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, Nutri-Q,
Metabolic Healing) designed for non-licensed professionals.
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