Getting a stool test done is one thing. Waiting to find out what it means is another. You may wonder what comes next once the report is in hand.
If you’re considering GI MAP testing at Functional Medicine by Dr. Marina Fest, DNP, in Staten Island, or you’ve already completed the test with us, it helps to know that receiving the report is only one part of your care. Here’s how that works in our practice.
From GI MAP Results to a Personalized Plan
Your GI MAP results are one piece of information Dr. Fest uses to build a personalized plan with you and adjust it as your care continues.
What the GI MAP report actually looks at
GI MAP stands for Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus. It’s an advanced DNA based stool test that uses qPCR to analyze the gut microbiome, and it’s more detailed than a standard stool test.
The test looks for bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses, along with markers of gut health and inflammation. That means your report can include information on harmful pathogens, beneficial bacteria levels, inflammation markers, digestive function, and immune response within the gut. Knowing these categories ahead of time makes your results easier to understand.
Why results aren’t read in isolation
GI MAP is one part of a larger process. Before testing, Dr. Fest completes a comprehensive functional evaluation that reviews your medical history, lifestyle, stress, environment, digestion, hormones, and prior labs. Depending on your needs, GI MAP may sit alongside other advanced testing, such as hormone panels, micronutrient testing, and inflammatory and immune markers.
Your care plan is individualized based on clinical findings and your health priorities. So when Dr. Fest looks at your gut results, she’s placing them next to everything else she’s learned about you, including the symptoms that brought you in. For some patients that’s bloating and gas, constipation or diarrhea, acid reflux, or food sensitivities. For others it’s chronic fatigue, brain fog, skin concerns such as eczema or acne, or autoimmune concerns.
Turning findings into a root cause protocol
Dr. Fest uses GI MAP because it allows highly personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique biology. After results are reviewed, the next step in our approach is a personalized root cause protocol.
Depending on what’s found and what you need, that protocol may include nutrition strategies, supplementation, gut restoration, hormone optimization, and lifestyle modulation. Not every patient will need every piece. The point is that the plan comes from your findings, not from a generic gut checklist.
Your goals, concerns, and preferences also matter here. A patient centered approach means those are central to treatment, so the plan should be something you can realistically follow.
Understanding your results, not just receiving them
Education is built into our care. Patients often tell us they appreciate Dr. Fest’s collaborative, listening focused, and educational style. When you understand why a particular strategy is part of your plan, it’s easier to ask good questions and make decisions with us rather than simply being told what to do.
Monitoring and adjusting after the plan begins
Once your protocol starts, care doesn’t stop. Our monitoring phase includes progress tracking, protocol adjustments, follow up testing, and education. If something isn’t working the way we hoped, we adjust. If new information comes in, your plan can change with it.
Continuity of care is one of the things that defines our practice. It’s also why we’re not a fit for one time visits without follow up, prescription only solutions, or rushed appointments.
Who this kind of follow through tends to suit
This approach is a good match for people who want deeper answers, feel unheard despite normal labs, value personalized concierge style care, and are ready to invest in long term health. We aim to keep costs transparent as well, so you can expect clear information about functional medicine costs.
Where we see patients
Our office is at 2627 Hylan Blvd C5, Staten Island, NY 10306, and we primarily serve Staten Island. Florida patients can receive telehealth services.
Let’s Talk Through What Your Gut Is Telling You
Whether you’re thinking about GI MAP testing in Staten Island or wondering what your results could mean for your care, we’d be glad to talk with you. Dr. Fest’s goal is to help you understand the why behind your symptoms and build a plan you can work through together over time.
Book your appointment and call (347) 222-9107, or email lifestyledoctorwellness@gmail.com to schedule a consultation.
FAQs
What does a GI MAP test check for?
GI MAP is a DNA based qPCR stool test. It looks for bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses, along with markers of gut health and inflammation, including beneficial bacteria levels, digestive function, and immune response within the gut.
What happens after my GI MAP results are reviewed?
Results help shape a personalized root cause protocol. Depending on your needs, it may include nutrition strategies, supplementation, gut restoration, hormone optimization, and lifestyle modulation.
Will my plan change over time?
It can. Ongoing care includes progress tracking, protocol adjustments, follow up testing, and education.
Can I work with Dr. Fest if I live outside New York?
We primarily serve Staten Island. Patients in Florida can receive telehealth services.
