Functional Medicine Telemedicine in Florida and Georgia: A 2026 Guide

How to Choose a Provider

Choosing a functional medicine provider requires looking beyond marketing claims. A high-quality provider prioritizes depth over volume. Direct Integrative Care operates on a membership model capped at 99 active clients. This limit ensures that each member receives the time and continuity necessary for complex case management. In contrast, volume-driven clinics often rely on high patient throughput, which can limit the depth of clinical thinking per visit. For additional details, review the .

Credentials and Training

Board certification in Preventive Medicine is a strong baseline. Additional training in Integrative and Functional Medicine, such as an Osher/Weil fellowship or IFM Scholar designation, indicates a commitment to advanced education. Dr. Kim holds these credentials, along with a UCLA medical acupuncture certification. These specific training paths suggest a provider who integrates conventional rigor with integrative modalities. For additional details, review the Customer Experience.

Scope of Practice

Clarify the scope of the relationship. A consultative practice works alongside your primary care physician. It does not replace primary care. The provider should be transparent about what they do and do not do. For example, a telemedicine-only practice cannot perform physical examinations, procedures, or infusions. Understanding these boundaries prevents misaligned expectations. For additional details, review the Frequently Asked Questions.

Questions to Ask Before Committing

Before signing a membership agreement, ask specific questions about the care model. These questions help you determine if the provider is a good fit for your specific health goals. For additional details, review the About.

• What is the membership cap? A low cap suggests more time per patient.
• How often will we meet? Clarify the frequency of video consultations.
• What testing is included? Ask if lab work is ordered and reviewed as part of the membership.
• How do you handle emergencies? A telemedicine practice should clearly state that it does not provide emergency care.
• What is the cancellation policy? Understand the financial commitment and exit terms.

Verifying Credentials and Claims

Functional medicine is a broad field with varying standards. You can verify a provider's credentials through independent databases. Check the American Board of Preventive Medicine for board certification. Verify fellowship training through the issuing institution, such as the University of Arizona for Osher/Weil programs. For IFM Scholar status, check the Institute for Functional Medicine directory. These steps ensure that the claims on a provider's website are accurate.

The Telemedicine Care Process

Initial Assessment

The first step is a comprehensive review. This is not a quick check-in. It involves a deep dive into your health history. The provider looks for patterns and root causes rather than just treating symptoms.

Ongoing Management

Understanding Membership Costs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Patients often make mistakes when seeking functional medicine care. One common error is expecting a cure for complex, chronic conditions. Functional medicine focuses on root-cause management, not quick fixes. Another mistake is not coordinating with your primary care physician. A consultative provider works alongside your primary care team, not against them. Finally, patients sometimes fail to verify the provider's license in their state. You must be physically located in a state where the provider holds an active medical license at the time of each consultation.

Telemedicine vs. In-Person Care

Care for Specific Conditions

Regulatory Rules and Patient Protections

Telemedicine is regulated by state medical boards. You must be physically located in a state where the provider is licensed. This is a legal requirement, not just a preference. The practice does not provide emergency or urgent care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. This disclaimer is critical for patient safety. It clarifies the scope of the telemedicine relationship. Patients should also understand that this is a consultative practice, not primary care. It works alongside your primary care physician.

Local Specifics for Florida and Georgia

Timing Your Care

Timing matters when seeking functional medicine care. If you are experiencing a new, acute symptom, seek immediate care from an emergency department or urgent care. Telemedicine is not for emergencies. For chronic conditions, timing is less critical, but earlier engagement can lead to better long-term outcomes. Starting the process involves completing an intake form and scheduling an initial consultation. This process may take a few weeks. It is important to be patient and thorough during the initial assessment.

Long-Term Outcomes

Key Takeaways

• The practice is led by Yoon Hang Kim, MD, MPH, with advanced training in Integrative and Functional Medicine.
• Membership is capped at 99 clients to ensure depth of care.
• The practice is telemedicine-only for membership services; no physical exams or procedures are performed.
• You must be physically located in a state where the provider is licensed.
• The practice is consultative and works alongside your primary care physician.
• It does not provide emergency or urgent care.
• Costs are based on a transparent monthly membership fee structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Direct Integrative Care serve Florida and Georgia?

Is this a primary care practice?

No, this is a consultative practice. It works alongside your primary care physician and does not replace primary care.

Can I get a physical exam?

No, membership services are provided by secure video or telephone consultation. No physical examination, procedures, injections, infusions, imaging, or hands-on treatment are performed as part of membership.

What conditions do you treat?

The practice focuses on root-cause medicine for complex conditions, including autoimmune disease, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, mast cell activation syndrome, mold-related illness, and integrative oncology support.

How much does it cost?

The practice runs on transparent monthly membership tiers with a one-time registration fee. Specific costs depend on the membership tier and services included.

Do you provide emergency care?

No, this practice does not provide emergency or urgent care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

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