If you have made the decision that you want to do the DUTCH test, the next logical step is to determine whom to approach regarding the ordering and interpretation of the test. When you are in New York City, no matter which borough you are in, or even if you are upstate in New York, you will be surprised by the choices open to you.
This post shows you how to choose a qualified DUTCH test provider in New York, who can order the test, and how to get started.
Can You Order the DUTCH Test Yourself in New York?
One of the questions people ask most often – and its importance cannot be overstated. There’s no direct option for buying the DUTCH test on a consumer basis, like some other, simpler wellness tests in the state of NY. Instead, it should be ordered by a licensed healthcare practitioner, a functional medicine practitioner, or a dietitian operating in NY.
This is not just some extra paperwork you have to deal with. The DUTCH test result can be quite complex as it analyzes 35+ hormone and metabolite levels, metabolic processes, cortisol curves, and organic acids – among other things. If not interpreted correctly by someone who understands your medical history and knows your signs and symptoms, an educated guess can turn into a disaster.
That’s why it makes sense to order the test in collaboration with a specialist.
Who Can Order the DUTCH Test in New York?
Several types of licensed healthcare professionals in New York can order and work with the DUTCH test. Knowing your options helps you find the right fit:
Functional Medicine Physicians (MDs and DOs)
Medical doctors and osteopathic doctors who specialize in functional medicine are some of the best professionals capable of analyzing results from the DUTCH test. They will be able to relate the hormones analyzed with other medical problems and, if need be, prescribe any medication required by patients whose cases are complicated due to problems like adrenal dysfunctions, thyroid disease, or metabolic disorders.
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs)
One of the groups of healthcare professionals that use the DUTCH test frequently is the naturopaths. Naturopaths are experts at taking root causes of hormone problems and usually understand much about this particular test.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs)
A lot of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in integrative/functional medicine in New York are also capable of using the DUTCH test in their practices. In many instances, they offer appointments to clients much more easily than physicians do.
Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Functional Nutritionists
Registered and qualified dietitians who practice functional nutrition in New York may include the DUTCH test in their scope of practice, especially where issues related to hormones are intertwined with nutritional matters.
OB-GYNs and Reproductive Endocrinologists
For women interested in the DUTCH test due to fertility issues, menstrual cycle disorders, PCOS, and/or menopause, consulting OB-GYNs and reproductive endocrinologists with a background in functional medicine would be ideal.
Where to Search for a DUTCH Test Provider in New York
Finding the right provider starts with knowing where to look. Here are the most reliable directories and search strategies:
1. The Precision Analytical Provider Directory
As per Precision Analytical, the company providing the DUTCH test, they have an officially recognized directory “Find a Provider.” One can look up through their website to find licensed professionals in the state of New York who have ordered multiple DUTCH tests and are listed with the lab.
2. The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Directory
IFM is considered the premier certification authority for functional medicine in the US. One can refer to their directory, available online at ifm.org, to look up IFM-trained physicians or practitioners in a particular geographical area. There are quite a number of IFM-trained professionals in the state of New York, especially in New York City.
3. dutchtesting.org
dutchtesting.org is an exclusive website designed specifically for everyone seeking to learn more about the proper use of the DUTCH test, including knowing which test to use and who the best providers are. For New Yorkers seeking help in finding a suitable provider or starting off by taking a free consultation, this website will be the easiest place to start their journey.
4. Telehealth Platforms
For those who happen to be living in regions of New York where access to a functional medicine provider may be difficult, or for those for whom it is easier to access healthcare services virtually than physically, websites that offer DUTCH testing via telehealth are a good choice. Fortunately, there are various websites available throughout the country that will offer their services virtually and deliver the DUTCH test kit to their clients’ doorsteps.
5. Word of Mouth and Community Referrals
It would be unwise to overlook the impact of word-of-mouth marketing. The functional medicine network of providers in New York, especially in areas such as Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Hudson Valley, is quite interconnected. All one needs to do is inquire among their local wellness communities or even within their own primary care practitioner circle, and they could stumble across some really good providers.
What to Look for in a DUTCH Test Provider
Not all practitioners who can order the DUTCH test have equal experience interpreting it. Here’s what to look for when evaluating a provider:
DUTCH-specific training or certification
Provider training and certification services are available at Precision Analytical. The provider who completes the clinical education program will be able to interpret the results in a precise and detailed manner compared to the one who rarely uses the test.
Experience with hormone health, specifically
Select a provider that routinely handles patients suffering from conditions related to hormones, such as adrenal dysfunctions, menopause, PCOS, testosterone problems, and hormone replacement therapy. The interpretation of hormone tests will require clinical knowledge, and therefore, it is vital to find a provider who has extensive clinical experience.
A root-cause approach
The ideal providers of the DUTCH test will utilize the findings for designing a tailored treatment strategy. This could involve a nutritional regimen, supplementation, lifestyle changes, or hormone treatments. Functional medicine and root-cause medicine should be part of the language used by these providers.
Clear follow-up process
In a good company, you should expect an appointment to go through the results, not just an email that includes your results in a PDF file. Before anything else, ask how the procedure will be conducted when your results are received.
Transparent communication
Your provider is supposed to discuss what kind of test it is, what they hope to find out with a particular type of test (Complete, Plus, or Cycle Mapping), and what results they are anticipating from the test itself.
New York City vs. Upstate New York: What to Expect
There is an existing network of functional medicine practitioners in New York – specifically in New York City-Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens – in great numbers, and also complemented by telehealth practitioners. There is a varying waiting time for consultation and treatment, so it would be best to approach multiple possible practitioners all at once.
The Upstate area of New York consists of Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Hudson Valley, and more, and they also have a network of functional medicine providers, albeit fewer in number, but still developing. Moreover, telemedicine becomes extremely helpful in ensuring DUTCH-tested providers for the rural area of Upstate New York.
Whatever city or rural Upstate New York you belong to, the combination of physical directories together with telemedicine can ensure that there will be access to a trained DUTCH provider.
How to Get Started Today
If you’re ready to find a provider and take the first step, here’s a simple action plan:
- Begin by scheduling a consultation from dutchtesting.org, where a physician will assess your condition free of charge and help decide whether the
- DUTCH Complete or DUTCH Plus is right for you.
- Find DUTCH-registered healthcare providers through the Precision Analytical provider search using your zip code in New York state.
- Find out about board-certified functional medicine physicians using the IFM provider directory in your region.
- If you lack access to a local provider, telehealth options may be considered.
- Always ask the right questions before settling on a provider – the above are great starters.
The proper provider can make or break your DUTCH analysis experience. Making sure you have found the right one goes a long way in getting more value out of your test results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I order the DUTCH test myself in New York without a doctor?
No. In New York state, the DUTCH test needs to be prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner, a functional medicine doctor, or a registered dietitian. This will help ensure that your test results are appropriately analyzed and applied to treatment.
What types of providers can order the DUTCH test in New York?
Professionals licensed to prescribe the DUTCH test in New York state include functional medicine physicians, naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered dietitians, and specific OB-GYNs/reproductive endocrinologists who practice functional medicine.
How do I find a DUTCH-certified provider near me in New York?
Some good places to begin your search would be from the Precision Analytical “Find a Provider” directory and the IFM practitioner directory, and you may also want to refer to the dutchtesting.org website for other helpful information.
Is telehealth an option for getting the DUTCH test in New York?
Absolutely. A number of telemedicine platforms exist that allow individuals from New York State to access licensed professionals who can perform the test for them through remote means. The testing kit will be sent to you, and you simply send back the samples through the mail.
How do I know if a provider is qualified to interpret the DUTCH test?
Ensure that the professional you are seeking has received training from Precision Analytical, works regularly with hormonal problems, and can discuss the results with you. You can ask them how many DUTCH tests they order every year.
