Dr. Steven Gundry, a former cardiac surgeon, transitioned his practice to preventative medicine, focusing heavily on diet, gut health, and longevity science. His philosophy, most notably detailed in The Plant Paradox, centers on the idea that certain foods cause inflammation and chronic disease. People seeking to implement his specific, personalized protocols often wonder about the financial commitment required for a direct consultation. The total expense involves not only the doctor’s time but also a range of specialized diagnostic tests necessary to tailor his treatment plan.
Understanding Direct Consultation Fees
Accessing a direct, personalized consultation with Dr. Gundry or his affiliated clinical team often involves a concierge-style fee structure operating entirely outside of traditional insurance networks. This model ensures the patient receives extended, highly focused attention from the medical staff, but it requires the patient to cover all costs out-of-pocket. The initial visit is typically the most expensive, reflecting the extensive time required for a comprehensive health review and the formulation of a foundational protocol.
The Gundry Clinical Program, a structured path to follow his protocols, often begins with a one-time enrollment fee that can be around \\(999, followed by a recurring monthly charge for ongoing support. This initial payment covers the administrative setup and the first phase of diagnostic work. The goal is a deep-dive analysis of a patient’s medical history, which can take an hour or more of dedicated provider time.
Follow-up visits are necessary to track progress and adjust the treatment plan, and they are generally shorter and less expensive than the initial consultation. While a first visit might be 60 to 90 minutes, subsequent appointments often last 30 minutes, with per-visit fees ranging from approximately \\)225 to over \\(400. The recurring monthly fee in the Clinical Program, often around \\)199, covers this ongoing oversight, including regular check-ins and support from a dedicated care coordinator.
This financial model is common in functional and restorative medicine, where practitioners spend significantly more time with patients than standard insurance typically covers. Patients should understand that the quoted fees are for the provider’s time and expertise, and they are expected to pay the full amount at the time of service. The benefit of this high-cost approach is a highly personalized and detailed health strategy, though the overall expense quickly surpasses typical co-pays or deductibles.
The Separate Cost of Specialized Testing
The cost of the advanced diagnostic laboratory work Dr. Gundry uses is a major financial component of his protocol. These specialized tests are distinct from routine annual blood panels ordered by a primary care physician. They dive into markers of inflammation, gut health, and metabolic function not typically covered by standard health insurance.
The tests frequently ordered include highly detailed lipid panels, which evaluate particle size and density for a more nuanced view of cardiovascular risk. Functional medicine also relies on comprehensive gut microbiome analysis and tests for specific food sensitivities and inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and homocysteine. The cost of these external laboratory tests can vary significantly, often amounting to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
In a traditional direct consultation model, patients pay the lab directly, often utilizing cash-pay discounts negotiated by the clinic. However, the Gundry Clinical Program often includes up to four annual in-depth lab reports within the monthly membership fee at no additional charge. This all-inclusive structure bundles the high cost of specialized testing into the ongoing membership, making the total expense more predictable. These advanced diagnostics are foundational to his approach, providing the data needed to create an individualized dietary and supplement regimen.
Alternative Ways to Access Dr. Gundry’s Protocols
For those who find direct consultation fees financially prohibitive, several lower-cost ways exist to engage with Dr. Gundry’s health philosophy. His books, such as The Plant Paradox, offer a comprehensive guide to his protocol, including the “Yes” and “No” food lists. The price of a book provides a complete, actionable overview of his dietary recommendations for a fraction of the cost of a single office visit.
His commercial entity, Gundry MD, also offers a variety of educational resources and products designed to implement his core principles. This includes online courses, like the 90-Day Transformation Plan, which provide a structured, step-by-step approach to adopting the lifestyle changes he recommends. While these courses require a fee, they are significantly less expensive than the personalized clinical program.
Dr. Gundry hosts a popular podcast, a free resource that regularly discusses his latest research, patient anecdotes, and health insights. By listening to his podcast and reading his books, individuals can self-implement many of his protocols, such as focusing on gut health and reducing lectin consumption. While these alternatives lack the personalization of clinical oversight, they provide an affordable entry point to his preventative medicine philosophy.