Do I need labs before my first appointment?

No. Bring what you have—we’ll order what’s actually needed after your initial visit.

What It's Like To Work With Us at The Facility Denver Functional Medicine

Q: Do you offer discovery calls?

Not typically. They tend to become half-visits without intake or labs. If you have unique logistics to discuss, we’re happy to do a brief logistics call.

Q: How often are functional medicine follow-ups?

Early visits are usually every 4–6 weeks to build traction; then we spread them out as systems stabilize so you’re not dependent on constant appointments.

Q: Can you coordinate with my specialists?

Yes—collaboration with specialists is central to our approach when additional data or care is needed.

The Facility Denver
Nov 11
6 min read

If you’ve been searching for functional medicine in Denver and wondering what it’s actually like to work with a clinic like ours, you’re in the right place. At The Facility, we combine advanced lab testing, personalized nutrition, and real-world behavior strategies to help you understand your body — not just manage symptoms. This blog walks you through our entire process, from booking to lab review to follow-ups, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before your first visit.

Why We Built The Facility Denver Functional Medicine Clinic

We built The Facility to fill a massive gap between rushed primary care and the often vague world of wellness. Traditional medicine has become mostly symptom management — ten minutes, one problem, one prescription. On the flip side, the wellness world can be full of fads, opinions, and confusion.

Our job is to bridge that gap. We connect your symptoms, systems, and story so you can understand what’s really happening in your body — and we know when to bring in specialists to get more data when needed.

Functional medicine isn’t anti-medicine; it’s complete medicine. It’s communication, collaboration, and connection.

“We don’t treat conditions; we treat humans.”

Functional Medicine Practitioner Team – Dr. Mitchell Rasmussen and Kate Daugherty, Certified Nutrition Specialist at The Facility Denver. — Dr. Mitchell Rasmussen and Kate Daugherty, Certified Nutrition Specialist at The Facility Denver.

Why We Skip Discovery Calls

You might notice we don’t offer free discovery calls or free initial consults. It’s not because we don’t want to connect: connecting is the best part of what we do. It’s because those calls almost always turn into half-visits without your history or lab data, leaving you with more questions than clarity.

Instead, we make everything transparent on our website — our process, our pricing, and our next steps — so you can book directly, complete your intake, and spend your first hour actually getting somewhere.

If there’s a unique logistical situation (previous lab history, complex scheduling, unique lab interests), we’re always open to a quick logistics call or email. But for most people, skipping the sales call means getting real help faster.

“Do you offer free discovery calls?” We don’t—on purpose. In functional medicine, meaningful guidance requires your history and labs, not a quick chat. Instead of a sales call, you’ll book a real visit and complete a comprehensive intake so we can start helping you faster.

The Facility Process: Step by Step

Step 1 — Book & Complete the Comprehensive Intake

Once you schedule your initial appointment, you’ll get our detailed digital intake form right away.

It’s not your typical checkbox questionnaire. [Peek at this Instagram post!] >>>

We ask about your health decade by decade, digestion, sleep, hormones, energy, food habits, and stress. We also ask what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what your top priorities are right now.

By the time we meet, we’ve already reviewed your story and started connecting dots.

"You are considered before we’ve ever met you." - Dr. Mitchell Rasmussen, DC, CFMP, CFN

Step 2 — The 60-Minute Initial Visit

This is where we start the real work. We’ll connect your symptoms, history, and habits into patterns and find the “low-hanging fruit” (the simple, high-impact changes that can help you feel better quickly).

Expect to leave with a few immediate action steps. These aren’t just vague “eat better, sleep more” tips... they’re tailored to your body and lifestyle.

We call this phase your pre-season. It’s where we build the foundation before optimizing finer details through lab data.

Mitchell says, “Establish a habit before optimizing a habit.”

What happens at the first functional medicine visit? We review your comprehensive intake, connect patterns across systems, and give you a short list of high-impact actions to start immediately. This builds momentum before labs return so you see progress quickly and sustainably.

Step 3 — Functional Medicine Labs

After your first visit, we’ll order the right labs — not all the labs.

New patients start with our Baseline Biomarker Panel, which includes both standard and advanced markers for metabolism, inflammation, nutrient status, and organ function.

We might later add specialty tests (gut microbiome, hormones, mold, heavy metals, etc.) depending on your case.

We interpret every marker through the lens of functional medicine: what’s optimal, not just “normal.”

Step 4 — The 90-Minute Lab Review & Plan

Once labs are back (usually 1–2 weeks), we meet again for a deep dive. You’ll get explanations without the overwhelm. We focus on what matters most right now, how the pieces connect, and how to translate that information into action. Your plan might include nutrition, sleep, light exposure, supplements (only when they earn their keep), and behavior shifts that support your physiology long term.

“Everything is connected, everybody’s different, and everything matters — but not everything is important right now.”

Step 5 — Follow-Ups That Evolve as You Do

Your follow-ups happen when they need to. Typically, every 4–6 weeks early on as we build traction, then gradually less often as you stabilize and gain confidence.

We want you to learn your body — not depend on us forever. Many patients check in once or twice a year for a “health reset” or to review new goals.

How often are functional medicine follow-ups?

Early visits occur every 4–6 weeks to build traction, then we intentionally spread them out as your systems stabilize. The goal is independence—so you understand your body and don’t rely on constant appointments.

Special Tracks & Alternate Paths

Couples & Fertility

For couples navigating fertility, each partner completes their own intake, and we do a combined 90-minute visit. We review individual biology and shared lifestyle factors, then build a team-based plan that fits both partners.

Already Have Labs?

We meet you where you are. If you already have recent, comprehensive labs, we’ll use what’s useful and only fill the gaps — not repeat testing unnecessarily.

What It Feels Like to Work With Us

Most people tell us their first visit feels different. Not rushed, not surface-level.

We hear things like: “This is already the most thorough appointment I’ve ever had.” and “Why hasn’t anyone ever asked me these questions before? ”

Our goal isn’t just to get you answers. It’s to make sure you feel seen, heard, and understood. The simple way to say it? Healthcare should feel human.

Who We’re a Great Fit For

You’ll love working with us if:

You want to understand your body, not just fix a symptom.
You’re curious, proactive, and ready to make changes.
You value clarity and real explanations over hype or fear.

We might not be the best fit if:

You need frequent check-ins or coaching between visits (we can refer you to a health coach).
You prefer quick fixes or “detox in a box” approaches.

We focus on teaching you the why so you can own your health decisions long term. Click here to get started as a new patient.

FAQs

Do you offer discovery calls?

Not typically. They tend to become half-visits without your intake or labs. If you have unique logistics to discuss, we’re happy to do a brief logistics call.

Do I need labs before my first visit?

No. Bring what you have, but we’ll order what’s actually needed after your initial appointment.

What happens at the first functional medicine visit?

We review your comprehensive intake, connect patterns across systems, and give you a short list of high-impact actions to start immediately. This builds momentum before labs return so you see progress quickly and sustainably.

How fast will I feel better?

It depends on your starting point, but most people notice early wins from foundational changes within 2–4 weeks.

Do you take insurance?

We’re an out-of-network, time-based clinic. You pay for visits directly; many labs are billed through the testing company. We can provide superbills upon request for patients in Colorado.

Can you coordinate with my specialists?

Yes, collaboration is a core part of what we do.

If you prefer content in audio format, check out Facilitated Episode 33 | Inside Functional Medicine At Our Clinic: What It's Really Like to Be a Patient for a conversation between Dr. Mitchell Rasmussen and Kate Daugherty | Listen here

Work with us at The Facility Functional Medicine:

Dr. Mitchell Rasmussen and Kate Daugherty inside Kiln Littleton where The Facility Functional Medicine Clinic is located — The Facility Denver Functional Medicine Clinic Team: Kate Daugherty and Mitchell Rasmussen

If you’re curious about functional medicine and how it could work for you, we’d love to help. Book an initial consultation with our Denver-based clinic (we see patients locally and via telehealth) and take the first step toward a health journey that doesn’t stop with you.

Meet The Functional Medicine Team behind Facilitated:

Mitchell Rasmussen, DC, CFMP: Mitchell is a certified functional medicine practitioner with a doctorate in chiropractic at The Facility Functional Medicine Clinic in Denver, Colorado.

With lots of letters behind his name, he entered chiropractic with a clear goal: to practice Functional Medicine. His biggest passion is the immune system. He has focused his post-doctoral education on immunology and clinical applications for chronic diseases like Lyme, tick-borne pathogens, viral burden, and mold exposure.

The Long Version

Kate Daugherty Functional Nutritionist at The Facility Denver

About Kate Daugherty, MS, CNS: Kate is a certified nutrition specialist and functional nutritionist at The Facility Functional Medicine Clinic in Denver, Colorado.

She began her career journey in neuroscience, which seamlessly transitioned into human nutrition. Utilizing food as medicine to treat the mind-body connection is truly remarkable. Kate believes that our eating habits nourish our soul as profoundly as they do our body.

The Long Version