frequently asked questions
Dr. Lisa Gengo, ND, PA-C, IFMCP, answers the questions she most often hears from patients in Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Fairfield, and Ridgefield, CT, as well as the tri-state area. Whether you're struggling with fatigue, unexplained weight gain, gut issues, or cardiovascular concerns, these FAQs will help you understand what functional medicine is, how it works, and what to expect as a patient.
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What is functional medicine and how is it different from conventional medicine?
Functional medicine looks at the whole person — not just your symptoms — to find and treat the root cause of illness. While conventional medicine excels at acute care and managing disease, functional medicine focuses on preventing and reversing chronic conditions by addressing diet, lifestyle, hormones, gut health, stress, genetics, and environment. Dr. Gengo combines advanced lab testing and personalized treatment plans to help your body heal from the inside out.
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Why am I always tired, even when I sleep enough?
Persistent fatigue is one of the most common reasons patients come to Dr. Gengo — and it's rarely "just stress." Low thyroid function, adrenal dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies (like iron, B12, or Vitamin D), hormonal imbalances, sleep apnea, blood sugar instability, and chronic inflammation are all root causes Dr. Gengo investigates with comprehensive lab testing. Most patients find their energy dramatically improves once the underlying cause is identified and addressed.
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Why can't I lose weight even though I eat well and exercise?
Unexplained weight gain or the inability to lose weight despite eating right is often a sign of an underlying metabolic issue — not a lack of willpower. Thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, cortisol imbalances, estrogen dominance, and gut dysbiosis can all prevent weight loss. Dr. Gengo uses functional testing to identify exactly what's blocking your metabolism so you can finally get results that last.
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Can stress really affect my heart and metabolism?
Absolutely. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which raises blood sugar, increases blood pressure, promotes belly fat storage, and drives inflammation — all major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Dr. Gengo evaluates the full picture, including your stress response and adrenal function, as part of a comprehensive assessment. Addressing stress physiology is often a key part of improving both heart health and metabolic function.
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I've tried everything — diet, medication, supplements. How is this different?
Dr. Gengo goes deeper than most providers. She uses comprehensive functional lab panels — including advanced cardiovascular markers, hormone levels, micronutrient testing, inflammatory markers, and gut health assessments — that are often not part of a standard workup. She then creates a personalized, multi-system treatment plan that addresses the real reason you're not feeling well, not just managing symptoms.
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What conditions does Dr. Gengo specialize in?
Dr. Gengo specializes in cardiovascular health, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, unexplained weight gain, gut health issues, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, and Type 2 diabetes. Her approach is especially effective for patients who feel "off" but have been told their lab work is normal, or those whose symptoms haven't improved with conventional treatments alone.
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How do I schedule an appointment or discovery call?
You can book your free 15-minute discovery call directly through our online scheduling link at calendar.app.google/khbzWfquR1BKaHE68, call us at 203-434-9143, or email drgengo@gmail.com. We serve patients in Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Fairfield, and Ridgefield, CT, as well as via telehealth throughout Connecticut.
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How long is a typical appointment?
Your initial consultation is typically 60 minutes. This comprehensive visit allows Dr. Gengo to review your full health history, order appropriate lab work, and begin building your personalized treatment plan. Follow-up appointments are generally 30–40 minutes.
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What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring a list of your current medications and supplements, any recent lab work or test results (from the past 1–2 years), your health insurance card, a list of your main health concerns and symptoms, and any questions you'd like to discuss. The more information you can share, the more effectively Dr. Gengo can help you.
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Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes! Dr. Gengo offers telehealth appointments for patients throughout Connecticut. Virtual visits are available for most consultations and follow-ups, making it easy to access high-quality functional medicine care from the comfort of your home. In-person appointments are available at 111 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905.
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Does Dr. Lisa Gengo replace my primary care physician?
No. Dr. Gengo works alongside your primary care physician to provide a more comprehensive, root-cause approach to your health. She focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of chronic symptoms — like fatigue, weight gain, high cholesterol, and hormonal imbalances — that may not be fully addressed in a conventional setting. Most patients continue to see their primary care doctor for routine care and acute issues.
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Will my medical insurance pay for my labs?
Although we do not directly accept insurance, we send conventional blood work to a lab that will file with your insurance company. The costs of integrative labs vary and will be discussed with you at the time of your visit. We have affordable in-house testing rates if lab companies do not accept your insurance or you do not have insurance coverage.
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Will my insurance company reimburse me for my visits?
Yes, most insurance companies cover Naturopathic Physician visits. However, it does depend on your insurance plan. You can check with your medical insurance company for coverage. We are pleased to supply you with a medical receipt with the appropriate information for reimbursement with your insurance company.
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Can I use my FSA/HSA to pay for services?
Yes, we accept FSA and HSA as payment. You can add your FSA/HSA card during the scheduling process before your initial visit. We also accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards.
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What is your cancellation policy?
We require 48 hours' notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a fee. We understand that life happens — please contact us as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment.
