Move beyond managing symptoms.
Address the Root Cause
Reclaim your health with Functional Medicine.
Welcome! I’m Dr. Amy Beard and as a board-certified Family Medicine MD, I have treated countless patients with thyroid and hormone dysfunction in the conventional model of care.
I came to a sound conclusion:
The conventional treatment model for thyroid and hormone dysfunction is inadequate.
Despite what some practitioners may say, thyroid function and hormone balance CAN and SHOULD be optimized through a strategic diet, lifestyle, environment and nutraceutical plan. If and when prescriptions are required, they should be highly personalized at the lowest dose possible to optimize well-being.
I’ve done this both ways. The Functional Medicine approach leads to exceedingly better outcomes.
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
In the conventional model of medicine, practitioners often...
Don’t draw enough labs.
Often times the only thyroid labs drawn are TSH and (maybe) T4, neglecting the overall function of the thyroid. Basic hormone panels also neglect upstream factors that impact hormonal balance.Rely too heavily on labs.
Symptoms matter too! Just because a physician says your labs are “normal” doesn’t mean you’re crazy. It means they haven’t looked deep enough.Don’t call it what it is. 90-95% of hypothyroid patients actually have an autoimmune thyroid condition, but many clients either don’t know that or don’t know realize the pill isn’t actually treating the issue.
Provide insufficient treatment. Simply prescribing a thyroid medication or hormone replacement is not enough. The thyroid and hormonal balance can and SHOULD be optimized through diet, nutrient status, toxin reduction, stress reduction, etc.
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.
Our Solution
In-Depth Investigation
- We address the root cause. Thyroid and/or hormonal imbalances are symptoms of an upstream physiological issue, and our job is to find and address the cause(s). We investigate nutrient status, gut health, toxin exposures, lifestyle, infections, and much more.
- We draw comprehensive lab panels in order to assess full thyroid and hormone function. We may also use advanced specialty tests to assess other factors that may be contributing to the imbalance, such as nutrient deficiencies, cortisol, heavy metals, etc.
- We take time to listen to our clients. Your symptoms and concerns matter to us and we tailor your plan with them in mind. If a client doesn’t feel well, we know there is more to investigate and try. We never brush off a concern simply because labs are “normal.”
Comprehensive Care Plans
Our recommendations address the multiple facets of lifestyle and environment that optimize thyroid function and hormonal balance including:
- 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
- Lab recommendations
Personalized Nutraceuticals & Prescriptions
Our treatments are strategic. When necessary, we work with clients to find the lowest possible dose of medication to optimize health. Furthermore, we use the data from our comprehensive lab panels to customize your prescription. We’ve partnered with Stanley Pharmacy to provide convenient, reliable and customized prescriptions for our clients.
- Get the exact customized dose tailored specifically for your needs, every time. No more combining or cutting pills.
- No additives, lactose, gluten, alpha gal proteins, fillers or dyes.
- We never run out, so you never have to switch a prescription that’s working well.
- Your prescription will ship right to your door.
- **Prescriptions are only available for clients in Arkansas (or Mississippi with a referral).
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.
Request Videos & New Client Information
Start your Functional Medicine journey with educational videos by Dr. Beard and information on how to become a client.
Our Process & Pricing
Functional Medicine is a process, and we’re in this together.
Most thyroid and hormone 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. New clients begin with an initial consultation, a comprehensive case review and care plan consultation to discuss and implement thyroid optimization strategy. After the initial consultations, existing clients can transition to 6-month consultations for prescription management.
Getting Started in the Program
The new client package – $575
- A 60-min initial consultation w/ Dr. Lindley Kinard
- The ordering and reviewing of your labs*
- A case review & comprehensive care plan developed by Dr. Beard and Dr. Kinard based on your health history, initial investigation notes, and labs
- A 60-min care plan consultation w/ Dr. Kinard to review & discuss recommendations**
- A comprehensive written care plan for thyroid and/or hormone optimization
- A prescription or prescription recommendation***
Once the prescription is stable clients may transition into maintenance consultations every six months.
*The cost of your labs are not reflected in the cost estimate. Clients in Arkansas (and Mississippi with a referral) may use insurance to pay for standard labs. Clients in other locations (or those who wish not to use insurance) may pay our very reasonable cash rates using an HSA, FSA or credit card.
**At your care plan consultation, Dr. Kinard may recommend a therapeutic protocol & diet, supplements, lifestyle modifications and/or options for advanced diagnostic testing. The initial program fee does not include the cost of additional testing, supplements, protocols, or consultations that may be recommended for thyroid and/or hormone optimization.
***We can prescribe and manage prescriptions for clients in Arkansas (and Mississippi with a referral). For major changes in dosage of prescription, we require an appointment to monitor the new prescription. If this occurs, a follow up appointment will be required (30 minutes, $200). We can provide our prescription recommendation to clients outside of Arkansas and Mississippi, but clients will need to work with a primary care provider or an endocrinologist to fill and manage their prescription.
Prescription Maintenance
Labs & Prescription Refill Consult – $350 every 6 months
Includes:
- Pre-ordering a comprehensive lab panel to inform prescription, diet, supplement & lifestyle recommendations*
- A 60-min consultation w/ Dr. Kinard to review your lifestyle and labs
- Updated lifestyle & supplement recommendations based on your current lifestyle and lab results
- Prescription management
*Lab costs not included; supplement costs not included.
Functional Medicine 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.
Required Documents for Prescription Management
To manage thyroid medication, we require clients provide documentation of the following annually:
- Comprehensive physical exam by your PCP
- EKG (12 lead)
- Signed “Consent to Treat” form (provided and discussed with Dr. Kinard)
To manage bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, we require clients provide documentation of the following annually:
- Comprehensive physical exam (must include breast exam) by your PCP
- Mammography or thermography of breasts
- Signed “Consent to Treat” form (provided and discussed with Dr. Kinard)
Request Videos & New Client Information
Start your Functional Medicine journey with educational videos by Dr. Beard and information on how to become a client.
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.
Diurnal Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones
This advanced hormone testing was developed to improve on available hormone testing options. This test offers the most extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones along with their metabolites. Additionally, the daily (diurnal) pattern of free cortisol is included, along with melatonin (6-OHMS), 8-OHdG, and six organic acids.
Organic Acids Test
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with over 70 markers. It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. The test also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and is the only OAT to include markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis can help assess digestive and absorptive functions, the presence of opportunistic pathogens and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic remediation of GI disorders. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to prescriptive and natural agents is also performed for appropriate bacterial and fungal species at no additional charge.
NutrEval
Genova’s NutrEval FMV evaluates overall nutritional status to determine personalized supplementation needs for antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, digestive support, and other select nutrients. This advanced diagnostic tool to guides nutritional therapies, often augmenting and speeding recovery of complex chronic conditions.
Urine Toxic Metals
Urine elements are traditionally used to evaluate exposure to potentially toxic elements and wasting of nutrient elements. Additionally, the comparison of urine element concentrations before and after administration of a chelator can be used to estimate net retention of potentially toxic elements.
SIBO Breath Test
Genova’s SIBO breath test captures exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine.
Optimal Nutrition Evaluation (O.N.E.)
The Optimal Nutrition Evaluation is a nutritional test to assess the functional need for antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals, digestive support, and amino acids. Insights gained from the ONE nutritional test allows clinicians to target nutritional therapies to the precise needs of their patients.
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
Amy Beard, MD, IFMCP
Director, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner
Dr. Amy Beard was born and raised along the banks of the Mississippi River and has called Little Rock, AR home for the past 20+ years. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. She became a...
Lindley Kinard DNP, APN, FNP-C
Functional Medicine Clinician
Lindley is passionate about providing exceptional medical care with the utmost kindness. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she thrived working with kids as a Registered Nurse in CVICU at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She now loves caring for patients of all...
Hannah Tikson, MS, FMCHC
Functional Medicine Consultant
Hannah is passionate about helping people optimize their health so that they can love God and others at their highest capacity. She has worked on the Amy Beard MD team since 2017 and in the field of fitness and wellness as a coach, teacher, researcher and educator...
Jennifer Pickett, MS, FMCHC
Functional Medicine Consultant
Jennifer is a Dietitian turned Functional Medicine Health Coach. She realizes that the last thing a woman needs is another unrealistic diet plan. She believes that to make the shift from “knowing what to do” to the actual “doing”, one must start with their mindset by...
Paul Buch, BS
Food Sourcing and Traditional Cooking Techniques
I grew up learning farming, gardening, cooking and “old school” practical knowledge from my mother. For thousands of years mothers and grandmothers passed on their knowledge to their daughters and sons. That changed dramatically in the last 100 years, for the worse....
Amy Beard, MD, IFMCP
Director, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner
Dr. Amy Beard was born and raised along the banks of the Mississippi River and has called Little Rock, AR home for the past 20+ years. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. She became a...
Lindley Kinard DNP, APN, FNP-C
Functional Medicine Clinician
Lindley is passionate about providing exceptional medical care with the utmost kindness. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she thrived working with kids as a Registered Nurse in CVICU at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She now loves caring for patients of all...
Hannah Tikson, MS, FMCHC
Functional Medicine Consultant
Hannah is passionate about helping people optimize their health so that they can love God and others at their highest capacity. She has worked on the Amy Beard MD team since 2017 and in the field of fitness and wellness as a coach, teacher, researcher and educator...
Jennifer Pickett, MS, FMCHC
Functional Medicine Consultant
Jennifer is a Dietitian turned Functional Medicine Health Coach. She realizes that the last thing a woman needs is another unrealistic diet plan. She believes that to make the shift from “knowing what to do” to the actual “doing”, one must start with their mindset by...
Paul Buch, BS
Food Sourcing and Traditional Cooking Techniques
I grew up learning farming, gardening, cooking and “old school” practical knowledge from my mother. For thousands of years mothers and grandmothers passed on their knowledge to their daughters and sons. That changed dramatically in the last 100 years, for the worse....
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!
Other conditions we address include...
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…
I wanted to write this letter to thank you and your team for changing our lives forever with your Functional Medicine Practice. Because of your diet program we are living healthier, eating better, and feeling physically stronger. Every stage of your program made so much sense to us that we found it very easy to follow and the results were immediate. For someone who loves carbs and sugars, we now have no cravings for such foods. We enjoy eating clean foods and look forward to meal planning which was always a chore prior to this plan. We could go on and on about how much happier we are now but one thing is certain and that is you have shown us that eating healthy with exercise promotes a longer quality life which we look forward to now.
I have been seeing Dr. Amy Beard for several years now and have always received great care. My health issues are somewhat complicated and Dr. Beard has really helped me achieve a better quality of life. She is refreshingly knowledgeable about non-pharmaceutical and non-surgical treatments for many health issues but is also extremely up to date when it comes to traditional western medicine also. I believe the combination of these approaches makes Dr. Beard unique and completely unparalleled when it comes to preventing and treating disease. Dr. Beard takes the time to talk about not only your symptoms but also your lifestyle and will explain why lifestyle is so important to our overall health and wellbeing. She has been a blessing to me. I don't know where I would be without her thoughtful and caring approach to healthcare.
After delivering my fourth baby I could not get back to myself. Instead of only spending 5 minutes with me and prescribing me more antidepressants to cover the symptoms, Dr. Beard and her team spent TIME with me to find the best way back to health…that would not hurt me in the long run. I feel better than I have in a very long time and have her (and her team) to thank. I would like to also say that the HCG diet was certainly the springboard to my good health…that’s for sure.
Request Videos & New Client Information
Start your Functional Medicine journey with educational videos by Dr. Beard and information on how to become a client.
In our Functional Medicine approach 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.
Meet Dr. Beard and discover her approach to Functional Medicine.
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