Functional medicine is a way of looking at health that asks how the body’s systems are working together, rather than looking at each symptom on its own. Dr. Ryan Kneessi, ND, brings that perspective to his naturopathic practice in Odenton, and he works with many people from Annapolis both in person and by telehealth.
What a functional approach looks like
In a functional visit, your story matters as much as your lab results. Dr. Kneessi asks when things changed, what was happening in your life at the time, how you sleep and eat, and how stress shows up for you. He then looks at how those details might connect, since research has linked digestion to immune signaling, blood sugar to energy and mood, and the stress response to thyroid and sex hormone patterns.
The outcome of that conversation is a plan that makes sense to you. Each recommendation comes with an explanation of the mechanism behind it, so you understand why you are doing it and can make informed decisions along the way.
Functional lab testing
Testing is often a part of functional care, and it can include more detailed thyroid panels, hormone panels, markers of inflammation and blood sugar regulation, and nutrient status. The guide to functional lab testing for longevity explains what these tests can show, and the article on cortisol patterns describes why a single blood draw can miss parts of the stress response. Dr. Kneessi also explains markers like reverse T3 and pregnenolone that standard panels often leave out.
Testing is never pushed. The free consult is a good place to talk through which tests, if any, are likely to be useful for your situation and which ones you can skip.
Naturopathic doctor or functional medicine doctor?
Functional medicine describes an approach, while naturopathic doctor is a licensed profession in Maryland. Dr. Kneessi is a licensed naturopathic doctor who uses a functional, systems-based way of thinking. In practice that means detailed history taking, targeted testing, and education on nutrition, lifestyle, botanicals, and nutrients.
How visits work
It starts with a free 15-minute call. The initial consult is a longer visit to go through your history and goals, followed by any testing and a review visit where results are explained in plain language. Annapolis residents can meet by telehealth any weekday or in person in Odenton from Tuesday through Thursday, which is usually about a 20 to 30 minute drive from downtown.
Frequently asked questions
Is functional medicine the same as naturopathic medicine?
They overlap a great deal. Naturopathic medicine is a licensed profession with its own training, and functional medicine is a systems-based approach that many naturopathic doctors use. Dr. Kneessi practices as a licensed naturopathic doctor with a functional perspective.
Do I need lab testing to get started?
No. Many people begin with changes to sleep, nutrition, and daily routines, and add testing later if it seems likely to answer a specific question.
Can a naturopathic doctor be my primary care provider?
No. In Maryland, naturopathic doctors do not serve as primary care providers, so Dr. Kneessi works alongside your existing doctors rather than replacing them, and he encourages you to keep your regular checkups.
Does insurance cover naturopathic visits?
Naturopathic doctors in Maryland are not currently able to contract with insurance companies, so visits are paid directly. Some people submit receipts to their plan or use HSA or FSA funds, and it is worth checking with your plan before your first visit. The initial consult is $395, and the 15-minute introductory call is free.
Start with a free 15-minute consult
If you live in Annapolis and want to see whether a naturopathic approach fits what you are looking for, the simplest first step is a free 15-minute consult. It is a short conversation about your goals, your history, and whether working together makes sense, with no pressure to book anything further. You can schedule your free consult here.
If you would rather learn on your own first, the free 28-Day Longevity Reset sends one short, educational email a day with simple habits around sleep, light, movement, and food, so you can get a feel for how Dr. Kneessi thinks before you ever meet.
The office is at 1350 Blair Dr Suite HH, Odenton, MD 21113 (inside Odenton Chiropractic), and the phone number is 443-510-1339. In-office and virtual visits are available Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and Monday and Friday are virtual only.
