Functional and Nutritional Medicine explained: How it works, cost in Sydney and what to expect
… how can it support my health ? …. and what are the likely costs involved ?
Functional Medicine, also referred to by some as the ‘the Medicine of the Future’, is a unique patient centered system of healing.
In comparison to mainstream (traditional Allopathic) Medicine, your Functional practitioner focuses on finding the underlying “root” causes of your health problem, rather than only managing your symptoms.
An approach to medicine that asks the questions:
“Why am I sick?”
“Why did I develop these symptoms or conditions?”
Rather than another prescription of drugs (to manage your conditions or symptoms), the Functional Medicine approach is used to address the factors that lead to or aggravate your chronic diseases. It looks beyond your diagnosis to map out a personalised treatment approach.
Can Functional Medicine replace my primary care provider?
No, that is not the intent.
The Functional Medicine approach is focused on your health and function collaboratively, but it does not replace the need for primary care. In some cases, it might be important to manage your conditions by using in combination with prescription or surgery, which a primary care provider or a physician offers.
I regularly work in partnership with primary care providers as this is the best and most thorough outcome for you.
How is Functional Medicine different from other forms of alternative medicine?
Each method in alternative medicine has its own unique approach and the Functional Medicine approach is unique in several ways:
It seeks for the CAUSE/S of your disease, rather than focus on managing the symptoms. For example, focusing on eliminating the factors that increase your inflammation, rather than only addressing the pain (often the result of chronic inflammation). It's like looking through a different lens at your organ function to find your "why ". It takes time however can be very powerful for your preventative health and longevity.
The focus is on you, rather than simply your diagnosis or condition.
I use a comprehensive evaluation process, which includes your physical, emotional and psychological state. Information is gathered about your current and past lifestyle and dietary choices, emotional and physical traumas, and the way your body reacted to these.
Do no harm! Avoiding where possible, the potential for harmful side effects by using natural alternatives instead of only prescription drugs or surgeries.
Your treatment is personalized for you, rather than the same drug for all patients with the same disease or symptoms. There is significant personalized education involved in your functional consultation.
Your treatment protocol might include nutritional and dietary guidelines, emotional resets, lifestyle changes, herbal medicine or nutritional supplements. Every patient receives their own Functional Health plan.
Is it scientific?
The evaluation and treatment methods used in Functional Medicine are based on clinical studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
The field of Functional Medicine was initially developed by Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a former Professor of biochemistry at the University of Puget Sound, a previous Director of Nutritional Research at the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, and an internationally recognized leader in the Nutritional Medicine field for over 25 years. Dr. Bland’s interest and expertise in biochemistry and physiology led to a deeper and more accurate understanding of the factors that shift our body’s function from health to disease.
Over time, many scientists and clinicians have been contributing from their experience to the field of Functional Medicine. This is now a well-recognized and keenly sought field internationally.
How are Functional Medicine providers trained?
Functional Medicine providers are registered health care practitioners who undertake advanced training to learn about the external and internal factors that contribute to diseases. They learn how to firstly IDENTIFY these factors and how to ADDRESS them by using specific recommendations from lifestyle, nutritional, and herbal medicine.
My training was conducted through one of the largest International providers of Functional and Nutritional training, the American Academy of Functional Health.
What happens during your Functional meetings?
During your evaluation process, I will ask about your past and current lifestyle, diet, and your external environment (work, home, etc.). You will also be asked about the function of different organs, and we might look at your labs. During our meeting, we will go over your health concerns and the possible factors that might be aggravating your conditions.
In other words, we will try to understand ‘what’ is driving your inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance, damage to the cells, and conditions. Throughout the process, I will provide you with guidance and education so you can move towards better function and health.
Is it covered by insurance?
Medical insurance was initially designed to cover emergency care, such as surgery after an injury. It was not intended to pay for doctor visits or preventative care. In many cases, providers who work under the insurance companies are still functioning in the same way. That is the reason why most primary care visits are done within < 15 minutes.
While primary care services are essential services, it is almost impossible to complete a full evaluation and understand the external, internal, environmental, and nutritional factors that are aggravating your condition or keep you ill in the 15 minutes that insurance companies allow.
To spend 1-on-1 time with you, conduct a comprehensive assessment, develop treatment protocols that are personalised to your body, get to know you and provide education – we initially typically need between 60-90 minutes. Your initial first visit may extend to 120 minutes.
Remember, this is your body, and I believe that you should be the one to decide the type of care that you deserve.
Partnering with an appropriate practitioner to educate and guide you on preventative care is a true investment in you allowing you to take control of your health journey one step at a time. You then own your process, for life.
My initial consultations are best in person in clinic for appropriate review and measurement of Body Composition (BIA). Any subsequent consultations can be arranged digitally and Australia wide via Zoom or Facetime.
Explanation of Appointments and Fee Schedule :
Your consultation costs don’t simply cover what happens when you walk into your appointment. The fee schedule reflects Victoria’s mission to provide prepared and considered one on one time with you at your booked appointment. Prices reflect time allocated to
establishing your unique top 3 health goals
reviewing your pathology results
detailed review of your Past Medical history and your story collected at entry consultation
interpretation of your body composition
entry forms and results required to prepare, so you receive the maximum value from your consultations.
a dynamic evolution of yout unique Functional Health and supplement plan.
Unfortunately our health system is not set up to cover long practitioner consults, required for detailed history taking, interpretation of investigative work and established personalised treatment plans and as such, fees are private fees and no Medi-care rebate is applicable.
The cost of any Functional lab testing if required, will be discussed at your consultation.
All consultation costs include this preparation time required before your allocated appointment.
Fees include time invested in preparing for your consultation, reviewing your labs, extended pathology and preparation before your appointment commences in clinic or by zoom. This time ensures you receive the maximum one on one time invested in you at your appointment.
Consultation types
Complimentary 15 minute consultation by phone
Scheduled for us both to understand your unique health issues, my processes, and to see if my approach may be able to support you. This appointment is simply booked online and Victoria will call you at your appointed time.
Initial Functional + Nutritional Health consultation including Body Composition analysis : 90-120 mins - $395
Your entry consultation to truly understand you—not just your symptoms. Allowing time and space to explore your health story in detail, A comprehensive body composition analysis to indicate key markers . A supplement and pathology review and advanced Microbiome testing is ordered where appropriate at this session. This cost includes Victoria’s preparation time for your appointment. A consultation that builds a strong foundation for a personalised Functional Health plan that guides you forward, is specific empowering and achievable.
Extended Follow up consultation : > 60 mins - $350
This consultation is suited to a returning client after a period of absence > 4 months from Victoria’s care or where pathology work or ordered Functional Health tests require interpretation and reporting including updating of treatment plans , supplement plans and the time required for preparation prior to your appointment. This ensures you receive the maximum one on one time invested in you at your appointment.
Long Consultation : < 60 mins. $300
This consultation is best suited where blood work requires interpretation, your Functional Health plan is revisited and updated and you supplement plan is reviewed. This includes the time required for preparation prior to your appointment. This ensures you receive the maximum one on one time invested in you at your appointment.
Short Consultation : up to 30 minutes $250
This consultation is best suited where clarity is required around your treatment plan or if your supplements require review. This includes the time required for preparation prior to your appointment.
Initial Skin and Hair consultation : 60-90 mins - $350 Includes a $300 treatment or product credit
A refined experience to understand deeper influences on your Skin and Hair health. Victoria will explore your unique presentetion, facial ageing patterns, skin history, structure and challenges including complex biological factors contributing to your aesthetic concerns. Entry photography included. She will provide guidance on the most appropriate world class regenerative treatments suitable to you.
Your entry consultation is guided by a Functional, Nutritional and whole body approach. Victoria suggests you bring along your skin care routine to this appointment. You’ll leave with a clear, personalised aesthetic pathway including costs. A $300 credit on curated VP skin care or 1st treatment is included if booked within 2 weeks of this consultation.
These are private fees and no Medi-care rebate is involved.
A $100 booking deposit is required for all appointments.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please note, I really value your time, I aim for punctuality for you and I hope you respect my time and the challenges of late cancellations. I also understand that last minute things happen.
In 2026 a cancellation fee of $100 is applied to consultations cancelled within 48 business hours of appointment without prior arrangement.
Victoria Pavasovic CFNMP RN MACN
Certified Functional and Nutritional Medicine Practitioner
Certified Co-Biome Microbiome Practitioner
Professional Food and Nutritional Coach
Skin + Hair Health + Restoration
Compounded VP Nutraceuticals