Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order my own test kits and have Dr. Quin read them?
How quickly should I expect an answer from Quin Functional Medicine if I email the practice?
We are committed to responding to email inquiries within 48 hours with the exception of weekends and holidays. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should contact your primary care practitioner or call 911.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Dr. Quin often booked 4-6 weeks in advance but we always do our best to get you in as soon as possible.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine, rather than targeting individual symptoms, focuses on the optimal functioning of the entire body and its organs. It addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach in partnership with understanding the conditions and history in which the disease manifested. Genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors all have a direct influence on long-term health and chronic health issues.
How is the Quin Functional Medicine Approach different from that of other practitioners?
Dr Quin integrates her knowledge from several certifications and training programs, including the Institute for Functional Medicine, Quicksilver Scientific, and The Kalish Method of Functional Medicine. Dr. Quin has completed all the advanced trainings at the Kalish Institute for Functional Medicine, and is a weekly participant at the Kalish Institute's Clinical Rounds. The Kalish Method addresses the 5 most chronic symptoms of fatigue, depression, weight gain, hormone imbalances, and digestive problems that are typically misunderstood/misdiagnosed by conventional medicine practitioners who attempt to address the symptoms, not the root cause.
How long does it take to get results?
Results vary by each person. Some people feel dramatic improvement within the first few months, others may take a year of dedication to get relief from chronic symptoms. Our standard programs are for a minimum of 6 to 12 months. Remember, your body didn’t fail overnight. Years of stress and illness take their toll and require time to restore. On average it takes one month of repair for each year you’ve suffered from a specific problem.
How many labs will I need?
Our patients generally order 3-4 lab tests at the end of the first functional medicine visit.
How long does it take to get the lab results?
The results of your lab test(s) will be sent to our office 2 to 4 weeks after mailing your specimens to the lab. After evaluation, if you are not already scheduled for a follow-up appointment, we will contact you to schedule an appointment so Dr. Quin can review your results and go over your corresponding wellness program.
Can my regular doctor order the lab tests for me?
Dr. Quin uses specific functional lab tests from small lab companies that have proven to be reliable. Larger national labs and local hospital-based labs are not helpful for these types of highly specialized tests.
What laboratories does Dr. Quin use and why?
Dr. Quin has found that the accuracy of your lab findings and the lab analysis expertise of the clinician analyzing the lab findings is key to you uncovering what you truly need to uncover true health. Quality is not equal across all lab companies. Many times we see “normal” test results from conventional lab companies and our lab tests find many “functional” problems. The lab companies we use have the highest testing standards and are the most clinically useful. These are not replacements for conventional medical tests, these tests are only used to detect “functional” issues rather than medical problems that your conventional doctors treat. Our functional labs play a role in identifying issues related to the functioning of organ systems and cellular health. Frequently, these labs uncover potential problems that might escalate into more significant health issues later on. However, when treated within our practice, these can resolve, staving off the development of bigger health issues.
What if I have previous labs from 6 months ago?
Generally, if labs are older than 6 months, we will need to order current labs to effectively design a therapeutic program. We will also need to order new labs if any treatments were given after the labs were collected.
What types of lab tests are required?
Depending on the type of test, the samples required are saliva, urine, blood, or stool. Most labs we use are collected by the client using test kits that are self-administered at home. For labs that require a blood draw, mobile phlebotomists can be utilized to perform any necessary blood draws in the comfort of your home.
How much do the lab tests cost?
What is the best way to schedule an appointment?
The easiest way to schedule an appointment is with our ONLINE SCHEDULER. You can also email us at
How long are the consultations?
Consultation length depends on the patient's needs at the time of the visit and whether we have labs to review during the consultation. The initial visit is 90 minutes, and follow-up consults generally range from 20-45 minutes for visits that don't include a lab review, and 60-90 minutes for visits that do include a lab review. Patients are only billed for the time spent during the consultation.
Does Dr. Quin offer any in-person consultations?
Dr. Quin is currently only seeing patients via telemedicine.
What are the fees for consultations?
Fees vary based on the type of consultation and time. Please contact our office for more information on fees.
How do I fill out the new client paperwork?
Health history forms are filled out directly into our HIPAA compliant patient portal online. When you schedule your initial visit, you will be sent a link to fill out your initial health history forms.
Can I purchase supplements other than from Quin Functional Medicine?
Dr. Quin recommends supplements from high quality and reputable manufacturers that can only be purchased with a practitioner’s recommendation. The wellness plan that Dr. Quin creates is carefully curated and has specific dosages based on the exact ingredients in that specific supplement. Not all ingredients are equal, and there is not a guaranteed quality when you purchase supplements elsewhere, especially on Amazon, which does not temperature control their warehouses.
What is the average cost I will incur for my initial new patient consult plus test kits?
The initial cost of lab work depends on how many test kits are purchased (generally 3 or 4). Patients can expect to spend about $1700-$2100 on labs at the time of the initial, 90-minute Functional Medicine visit.
Does my initial consultation fee include follow-ups, test kits, and supplements?
The initial consultation is an assessment of your health and recommendations on what tests are required to understand the state of your body systems. The initial consultation fee does not include any follow-ups, test kits, or supplements.
How long are the programs that Dr. Quin recommends?
Initial programs require on average a 12 months commitment, depending on the degree of your health condition.
How often should I retest?
We recommend retesting organic acids like the ION Panel every 6-12 months so we can precisely tailor the supplement programs to your body's current needs and adjust supplement prescriptions accordingly. Other tests like the DUTCH test and GI Effects can sometimes wait a year or two before retesting. Genomics testing never requires retesting, since your genes don't change. Once you have achieved your desired health results, we recommend annual ION Panel testing to ensure your body systems continue functioning optimally.
What should I do if I am struggling to stick with my protocol?
We completely understand that many times, prioritizing a wellness plan requires major life changes. Our advice is to start one product at a time and take one day at a time. Often keeping a health journal allows one to stay on track and also shows the progression that we often forget when we need a little inspiration.
What types of payment does Quin Functional Medicine accept?
Methods of payment are Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, and Venmo.
How does Dr. Quin bill her clients?
Payment is due at the time of each consultation.
How much time do I have to cancel or change a scheduled consultation?
If for any reason you cannot make your appointment, please let us know within 48 business hours so we can reschedule accordingly. A $200 cancellation fee will be charged ($100 for appointments with Caitlin) if the appointment is canceled with less than 48 business hours' notice.
Does Dr. Quin take any insurance?
We do not bill any insurance companies.
Does Dr. Quin offer any kind of discounts?
There are no discounts available at this time.
What is the return policy?
Pre-approval is required on all returns. Refrigerated items cannot be returned. Special orders cannot be returned. For unopened non-refrigerated items, upon approval, there is a 20% restock fee of the purchase price less shipping and handling. No supplement returns will be accepted after 30 days. Supplements purchased from Fullscript can only be returned to Fullscript, in accordance with their return policy. Prepaid tests can be returned for a credit with us if we receive the kit within 3 months of purchase.
How soon does my supplement/test kit order ship once I have placed an online order?
Our office ships within 24 hours of payment for a lab kit unless stated otherwise. This excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
What is Dr. Quin’s background?
Dr. Quin is a doctor of Chinese medicine by training. She has been practicing for 16 years and has treated about two thousand patients. Dr. Quin has completed multiple advanced training programs in Functional Medicine, including ones at the Kalish Institute for Functional Medicine, the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and toxic metal elimination with Dr. Chris Shade and Quicksilver Scientific. Dr. Quin also has a degree in Genetics from the University of California at Davis. Please refer to the bio section on the website for more details.
Is Dr. Quin an MD?
Dr. Quin is not a medical doctor; she does not service medical emergencies, diagnose or treat specific diseases. If you have a medical emergency, you must contact your primary care physician or dial 911.
Can I email Dr. Quin with any questions/concerns?
For most questions between visits, Dr. Quin recommends scheduling a brief consult and will do her best to get patients in at the last minute when quick check-ins are needed. If any supplements are backordered on Fullscript, please email Dr. Quin immediately and she will add a substitute to your Fullscript prescription ASAP.
If so what is the time frame in which I should expect an answer?
Dr. Quin is committed to responding within 48 hours with the exceptions of holidays. If you are experiencing a medical emergency you should contact your primary care practitioner or call 911.
How would you describe Dr. Quin’s personality/practitioner style?
Dr. Quin is deeply committed to empowering others to regain their health and live fully balanced, joyful lives. She found her way to her career through her own health challenges and knows what it’s like to have a debilitating chronic health condition. In working with thousands of patients, she practices kindness and understanding with all her interactions. Please see our testimonial page of our website for feedback from our patients.