Functional Medicine for anyone, from anywhere

Move beyond managing symptoms.

Address the Root Cause

Reclaim your health with Functional Medicine.

Functional Medicine is the Future.

The conventional medicine model is failing people with chronic conditions, leaving them with pills, progressing symptoms and little hope.

I’ve been there. My consultants have been there.

Each of us have experienced our own healing journey with Functional Medicine. We have been the patient. It’s the reason why we’ve dedicated our careers to helping others find healing.

Meet Dr. Beard and discover her approach to Functional Medicine.

Certified functional medicine practitioner. Amy Beard MD.

Functional Medicine determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual.The Institute for Functional Medicine

We believe the Functional Medicine approach...

  1. Starts with listening. We make time to thoroughly understand each patient’s history, lifestyle, concerns, and goals.

  2. Is proactive, not reactive. Our goal is to optimize your health, not treat symptoms with pills.

  3. Is tailored to each unique individual. We don’t believe in pre-packaged, self-help-in-a-box solutions. Professional oversight and customization produces better outcomes.

  4. Empowers the client. We provide resources and education so that each client can play an active role in their pursuit of optimal well-being.

  5. Creates a strong relationship between client and healthcare provider. We strive to recreate the relationship that clients had with their doctors 50 years ago. They knew you. We are the high tech version of the time when doctors understood all aspects of a client's family history, lifestyle and environment.

So what exactly do we do? We...

  • Investigate all aspects of your health, including genetics, sleep quality, diet and nutrient status, physical activity, environmental and toxin exposures, and stressors to identify the root cause(s) contributing to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, immune dysfunction, alterations in microbiomes, etc.

  • Utilize standard and/or advanced diagnostic testing as needed to uncover the underlying imbalances and what may be causing them.

  • Develop personalized, integrative plans. We provide comprehensive recommendations and guidance on nutrition, exercise, toxin exposures and remediation, sleep, stress management, nutraceutical supplementation, standard and/or advanced diagnostic testing and therapeutic protocols.

  • Treat the metabolic imbalances and dysfunctions that contribute to chronic illness with an individualized & comprehensive approach. This approach includes a combination of interventional therapeutic protocols, diet protocols, exercise prescriptions, stress management techniques, nutraceuticals, and/or medications.

  • Empower, equip and educate our clients. We use a team approach to provide clients maximum support to implement recommendations and lifestyle interventions to optimize health. We consider our clients a part of the team.

We do this 100% online by utilizing Zoom, our HIPAA-compliant virtual meeting room. We can come to you no matter where you are.

Are you tired of being told you’re fine because your labs are “normal”?

Are you tired of seeing one doctor after another and not getting better?

Are you tired of being told “you’re just getting older”?

Are you tired of all the pills?

We hear you.

I’m ready to feel good again. Why should I choose your functional medicine practice?

  • Credentials matter. We have the team of experts with the training and credentials you need.
  • Our 100% online platform offers unparalleled accessibility to your healthcare team.
  • Our team approach provides enhanced client support and accountability.

Credentials matter when it comes to choosing a provider.

  • Dr. Beard is one of only 5 certified Functional Medicine practitioners in the United States who is also a board certified MD and dietitian.
  • As a Medical Doctor (MD) board certified in Family Medicine and ER trained, Dr. Beard has vast experience working in conventional medicine. The shortcomings of conventional medicine in treating and resolving chronic disease led her to adopt a Functional Medicine approach.
  • As a Dietitian, Dr. Beard uses her extensive training in nutrition to help clients optimize nutrient status and utilize food as medicine.
  • As an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, Dr. Beard has completed extensive training in systems biology, equipping her to move beyond the conventional model of medicine in order to uncover and address the root causes of chronic symptoms and disease.
  • Specifically, Dr. Beard and her team have training in a Functional Medicine approach to cardiometabolic, gastrointestinal, hormone and immune imbalances, energy and mitochondrial dysfunction, detox, and reversing cognitive decline (The Bredesen Protocol).

100% Online is a 100% Better Experience.

  • No waiting rooms; your appointment will begin and end on time.
  • No time wasted on travel or getting ready for your appointment.
  • Record and save your consultations to your computer for later reference.
  • Schedule convenient follow up appointments to stay on track.
  • Our unique accessibility makes us your back-pocket resource for optimal health.

Reaching your goals requires a seamless team of advocates.

  • The Expert: Dr. Beard’s advanced training in nutrition, Functional and conventional medicine means she works diligently with your clinician and consultant to leave no stone unturned. Her recommendations are extensive and highly personalized to help uncover and address the root cause issues.
  • The Clinician: Dr. Beard has recruited highly trained Functional Medicine clinicians to assist her in providing exceptional care.  By utilizing our clinicians to see clients and having Dr. Beard oversee all cases, it allows for ample face-to-face time with each client to deeply investigate their case, customize their clinical care, answer all of their questions, and provide appropriate and adequate resources to further their understanding. This approach also allows Dr. Beard the necessary time for research, which is crucial for ensuring desirable patient outcomes.
  • The Consultant/ Coach: Optimizing diet, lifestyle and environmental factors is foundational to the Functional Medicine approach, but requires more than just an expert recommendation. It requires an empathic, supportive professional leading you through therapeutic plans and implementing lifestyle and environmental changes. Our consultants have extensive training in coaching, administering interventional therapeutic protocols, and designing and implementing diet plans, exercise programs, and stress management techniques.
  • The Client: While we bring our training and expertise to every encounter, we recognize our clients as the experts of their own experience. We take time to truly listen and then seek to empower clients with knowledge and resources to be their own best advocate and change-maker. Our clients are a crucial part of our team – we investigate together, we find solutions together, we make healing happen together.

Work With Us!

Step 1

Sign Up

You’ll get an email with instructions on how to get started, along with free educational videos and content from Dr. Beard!

Step 2

Complete the New Client Paperwork

The investigative process begins here! Our Functional Medicine intake forms take some time, but are the necessary first step in obtaining a comprehensive and holistic picture of your health history and lifestyle.

Step 3

Schedule Your Initial Consultation

Once you’ve requested the new client paperwork, we’ll provide a link to our calendar for you to schedule your initial consultation. Please note that all paperwork must be completed 1 week prior to your appointment.

Our Process & Pricing

Functional Medicine is a process, and we’re in this together.

Most chronic conditions are the result of underlying metabolic imbalances that have been at work for months, years, or even a lifetime. Uncovering and correcting those imbalances will require patience and commitment.

We offer two paths of care for clients to choose from based on budget, patience and complexity of health issues. The first path includes functional health consultations only, while the second path incorporates clinical oversight and possible lab testing. In either path, clients work closely with a Functional Medicine Health Consultant, as they support the implementation of all aspects of your care plan and monitor your progress.

The first step for all new clients is a Health & Medical Investigation. So if you’re unsure which path is best, we can help you weigh the options at the initial visit.

The Initial Health & Medical Investigation includes:

  • A 60-min online video-conferencing consultation with a Functional Medicine Health Consultant who has reviewed your comprehensive intake forms.
  • Additional investigation of your health history, medical and health timeline, lifestyle and environmental exposures, diet and nutritional status, stressors, sleep hygiene, and many, many other things.
  • Initial education on the underlying imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms/ condition.
  • Initial recommendations and options for the next steps of your health optimization pathway.

 

Path 1: Functional Medicine Health Consultations & Care Plan

Getting Started with Path 1 ($375)

  • 60-min Initial Health & Medical Investigation as outlined above – $150
  • Care Plan Development & a 60-min Care Plan Consultation – $225

Additional costs in this path may include:

  • Regular follow-up coaching consultations – $100-300/ month
  • Nutraceutical customization (costs vary)

Regular sessions with a Functional Medicine Health Consultant are excellent for clients needing to optimize the Functional Medicine lifestyle fundamentals: diet and gut health, exercise and movement, sleep, stress management, nutrient deficiencies, detoxification, and environmental toxin exposures. This can be a very cost effective way of addressing your health concerns, and many of our clients experience significant improvements when these areas are addressed. At any point a client may request for Dr. Beard’s input and clinical oversight. Requesting clinical oversight would transition that client into Path 2.

Path 2: Functional Medicine Clinical Oversight & Team-Based Care

Getting Started with Path 2 ($875)

  • 60-min Initial Health & Medical Investigation as outlined above – $150
  • Clinical Review & Care Plan Package – $725
    • A 60-minute consultation with a Functional Medicine Clinician
    • Dr. Beard’s case review & development of a team-based Care Plan
    • A 60-minute care plan consultation with your Health Consultant.

As a part of your comprehensive care plan, additional costs in this path may include:

  • Follow-up consultations with a Clinician and/or Health Consultant
  • Nutraceutical customization and/or medication management
  • A therapeutic protocol
  • Standard and/or Specialty Lab testing

Path 2 is best for more complicated cases or for clients who opt for a more aggressive approach to uncovering and addressing the root causes of complex chronic health issues. In addition to working with a Functional Medicine Health Consultant, this option includes working directly with a Functional Medicine Clinician with Dr. Beard’s clinical oversight. From the information gathered during the initial health investigation, and any subsequent consultations with a Functional Medicine Health Consultant, Dr. Beard and the Functional Medicine Clinician complete a comprehensive case review. Clients then spend 60 minutes with their Clinician for further investigation and collaboration to determine the best approach for uncovering and addressing the root causes of the client’s health issues. After this visit, the Clinician and Dr. Beard create a comprehensive Care Plan that will be implemented by the Health Consultant. The cost of the Care Plan is impacted by therapeutic protocols, nutraceutical supplementation, and lab testing, as well as the number of consultations necessary to implement all recommendations.

Average Cost of Implementing Your Care Plan in Path 2: $575-975 (without lab testing)

We find it advantageous to first address underlying lifestyle, diet and gut health issues with a therapeutic protocol prior to testing. In many cases, lab testing can be avoided when these key areas are addressed, as symptoms often improve and/or resolve. In some cases, however, we may need to further investigate with lab testing prior to, during or after an initial protocol or lifestyle and diet modifications.

Cost of Lab Testing

Lab testing costs can vary greatly between clients. The range for standard labs alone is typically $200-300 (cash pricing). Specialty lab kits and panels can range from $200-$600, and sometimes these tests will need to be repeated to monitor progress. All lab tests require a 60-minute consultation with a Functional Medicine Clinician to review and discuss lab results. Our team will work with you to determine which tests, if any, will provide the most valuable information for the case. We always strive to avoid unnecessary testing.

Follow-Up Consultations

Additional consultations are available to further refine your plan or follow-up at a later time. The consultation rates are listed below. 

Follow-Ups with a Health Consultant

  • 40 min = $100
  • 50 min = $125
  • 60 min = $150

Follow-Ups with a Functional Medicine Clinician

  • 30 min = $200
  • 60 min = $350
  • **60 min with your clinician and Dr. Beard = $550

**Working directly with our Functional Medicine Consultants and Clinicians and utilizing Dr. Beard’s expertise for case reviews and recommendations is the most cost effective way to successfully meet your Functional Medicine needs and goals. With that said, Dr. Beard is available to join 60-minute videoconferencing follow-ups with you and your clinician for those that would prefer to have her involved face-to-face. As previously mentioned, her oversight is present in all clinical cases, but we recognize in some cases clients prefer she be included in the conversation with their clinician.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not accept insurance for our consultations, nor can clients bill insurance independently. Due to the current insurance model, there are no appropriate codes for reimbursement of our services. However, many health savings accounts will cover our consultation fees and services.

Clients in Arkansas and Mississippi (Mississippi clients require a referral) may use their insurance for standard labs. Please check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and note that we are considered an out-of-network specialist. For clients outside of these states, or clients who would prefer not to use insurance, we have negotiated very reasonable cash fee rates for many standard and advanced lab tests. We can provide these rates upon request.

 

Live Empowered with a Comprehensive Care Plan

Regardless of the path you choose (consultant-only or clinical oversight), you will receive a personalized, comprehensive care plan. You can be sure you’ll leave your care plan consultation with so much more than a list of supplements. Our hope is to empower you with ample individualized resources and recommendations to take back your health.

 

Our Care Plans Include:

  • An outline of our primary physiological concerns, as discussed in your consultations
  • An individualized therapeutic nutrition plan complete with approved food lists, calorie and macronutrient recommendations (when appropriate) and extensive handouts & resources for implementing your plan
  • Recommendations for optimizing sleep
  • An exercise prescription detailing optimal frequency, intensity, duration and type
  • Stress management resources to help you identify the best ways to activate your relaxation response and facilitate restoration and healing
  • Toxin reduction recommendations based on your exposures
  • A personalized protocol or nutraceutical plan
  • Medication adjustment (if necessary; available only with clinician oversight)
  • Lab recommendations (if necessary; available only with clinician oversight)

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

For some clients, getting to the root cause requires digging deeper with advanced specialty labs.

Want to see what some of our advanced diagnostic lab tests look like? Click the name of a lab report below to view a sample. Please note that it is imperative these tests be interpreted by someone with the appropriate training. 

Why do you use Functional Medicine consultants?

Dr. Beard’s Functional Medicine personalized care plans are comprehensive and often require the implementation of therapeutic protocols and significant changes to diet and lifestyle. Dr. Beard recognizes that clients need more than her clinical expertise alone to be successful with her recommendations. She believes the best practice of Functional Medicine requires the use of professionals trained and mentored in coaching techniques, positive psychology, behavior change and optimizing nutrition, exercise, stress management and mind-body-spirit well-being. Furthermore, it is Dr. Beard’s mission to make Functional Medicine more accessible “to anyone, from anywhere.” Utilizing consultants and having an online model is the most cost-effective way for Dr. Beard to offer her expertise to our clients.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Amy Beard standing arms crossed

Amy Beard, MD, IFMCP

Director, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner

Dr. Amy Beard is a Board Certified Family Medicine MD, an Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, a Dietitian, an ER Physician, a previous Cardiac Rehab Medical Director, and has extensive clinical and personal experience in Functional Medicine...

Lindley Kinard DNP, APN, FNP-C, IFMCP

Certified Functional Medicine Practitoner

Dr. Kinard is a Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing, an Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, a previous Registered Nurse in CVICU at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and a mother of two young boys.  Lindley is an exceptional Functional...

Hannah Tikson, MS, FMCHC

Functional Medicine Consultant

Hannah is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach; she has a Master’s in Exercise and Nutrition Science, professional experience as a coach, educator and researcher, and is a mother of two young girls.  Hannah is passionate about helping people optimize their...

Jennifer Pickett, MS, FMCHC

Functional Medicine Consultant

Jennifer is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, has a Master’s in Human Nutrition, 25 years of experience as a Dietitian, and is a mother of two teenagers.  Jennifer is a Dietitian turned Functional Medicine Health Coach. She realizes that the last thing a...

Memory Mayberry, RN, BSN, Integrative Nutritional Health Coach

Functional Medicine Consultant

Memory is a Certified Integrative Nutritional Health Coach, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, was a Trauma Nurse Leader at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and is a mother of two teenagers.  I was born and raised in central AR. Although my upbringing was in the city...

Paul Buch of amy beard md

Paul Buch

Owner, Head of Research and Product Development, Patient Liaison

Paul is, first and foremost, Dr. Beard’s husband. Together, they run AmyBeardMD.com as their passion and ministry. Paul manages many aspects of the business, including, but not limited to, research, product development, sales, and client satisfaction. His...

Anna Grace Terrell

Patient Care Coordinator + Marketing & Social Media Manager

Anna Grace is the Patient Care Coordinator and Marketing & Social Media Manager for the Amy Beard MD team. She is eager to serve the team and our patients each day and loves that she gets to play a role in helping others heal and thrive. Anna Grace graduated from...

Our Clients

  • Gain more energy
  • Overcome brain fog
  • Reach mood stabilization
  • Achieve hormonal balance
  • Restore gut health
  • Reduce/Resolve Inflammation
  • Optimize immune function
  • Lose weight
  • Sleep better
  • FEEL BETTER!

We Treat the Following (and more!)

Acne, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, Arthritis, Asthma, Autism, Spectrum Disorder, ADD, ADHD, Autoimmune Diseases, Cancer Prevention, Chronic, Fatigue, Chronic Sinusitis, Depression and Anxiety, Detoxification and Healing, Diabetes, Digestive Disorders (IBD, IBS, GERD/Reflux), Eczema/Psoriasis, Elevated Cholesterol, Environmental and Food Allergies, Fatigue, Female Disorders (PMS, Menopause, Infertility, PCOS), Fibromyalgia, Fluoroquinolone Toxicity, Healthy Aging, Healthy Weight and Metabolism, Heart Health, Hormone Balance, Interstitial Cystitis, Low Testosterone, Mercury and Heavy Metal Toxicity, Metabolic Syndrome, Pre-Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Migraines and Headaches, Multiple Sclerosis, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome, Sleep/Insomnia, Thyroid and Adrenal Disorders.

Here’s what our clients have to say…

The Hallmarks of a Functional Medicine Approach

Client-Centered Care

Functional medicine promotes health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the client and learning his/her story, the practitioner brings the client into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.

An Integrative, Science-Based Healthcare Approach

Functional medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each client is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.

Fusing Best Medical Practices

Functional medicine combines traditional Western medical practices with what is sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on restoring balance by addressing diet and nutrient status, inflammation, exercise and movement, stress, toxin exposures, genetic considerations, etc; use of both standard and specialty laboratory and diagnostic testing; and prescribed combinations of nutraceuticals, botanicals, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, and/or stress-management techniques.

How Functional Medicine is Different

Conventional medicine…

  • Primarily treats patients with a drug-centered approach
  • Breaks the problem into individual components, treating each with a separate medication
  • Is highly influenced by insurance and pharmaceutical companies
  • Relies on a physician’s traditional medical training as the only toolkit for treatment

A Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner…

  • Digs deeper to find and treat the underlying biological imbalances driving disease
  • Views the body as an interconnected system
  • Is highly influenced by evidence-based research in both traditional and non-traditional medicine
  • Is equipped with advanced training in understanding systems biology, utilizing advanced diagnostic testing and leveraging lifestyle, nutraceuticals and sometimes medication to correct imbalances

FAQs

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Let's Get to the Root Cause, Together.

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