Gut Health & Microbiome Testing

The GI-MAP uses quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology to analyze a fecal sample and detect the DNA of specific gut bacteria, fungi, parasites, and other microbes. Beyond evaluating microbial populations, it measures digestive function, intestinal barrier integrity, immune markers, and gastrointestinal inflammation - a more comprehensive assessment than standard culture-based stool testing.

Consumer companies, including ZOE, use DNA sequencing and machine-learning models to generate dietary recommendations from a microbiome profile. Because microbiomes vary widely between individuals, clinical interpretation is essential - SPOKEmed uses clinical-grade qPCR to identify pathogens, detect dysbiosis, and measure GI function markers, with all results interpreted by a licensed clinician. Consumer tests are designed for general wellness insight; SPOKEmed's testing is designed to diagnose clinical contributors to digestive and metabolic dysfunction.

No. The kit is shipped directly to your home. You collect the stool sample at home and return it to the laboratory using the prepaid materials included in the kit.

The laboratory typically returns results within approximately 3-4 weeks of receiving the completed sample. Once results are received, a follow-up consultation is scheduled within 1-2 weeks to review findings and discuss your personalized plan.

Some patients benefit from repeat testing approximately 4-6 months after implementing recommendations to assess treatment response and guide next steps. Retesting is optional, determined individually, and purchased separately.

SPOKEmed operates on a direct-pay model and does not accept health insurance. The service may qualify for HSA or FSA reimbursement depending on your individual plan and eligibility.

SPOKEmed can work with patients nationwide via telehealth. Michelle Middleton, PA-C is licensed to prescribe medications in Florida and New York. Gut microbiome testing, consultation, and personalized treatment planning are available to patients in all states, with prescription-based services limited to Florida and New York.

Not necessarily - microbiome testing is not routinely ordered for all GLP-1 patients. It may be recommended if you are experiencing persistent digestive symptoms or if your metabolic progress appears disproportionate to your lifestyle efforts. Contact Michelle directly to discuss your individual situation.

The human microbiome is associated with a wide range of health and disease outcomes - including metabolic conditions, inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular risk, and mental health. The microorganisms within the digestive tract play an active role in immune regulation, hormone metabolism, and nutrient absorption. At SPOKEmed, testing is used to identify whether gastrointestinal factors are contributing to your specific clinical presentation - not as a general health screen.

A clinical diagnostic test differs from consumer wellness screens in method and purpose. SPOKEmed uses the GI-MAP, which relies on qPCR to measure the abundance of microorganisms in a stool sample - enabling precise quantification of microbiota including pathogens, parasites, and fungal overgrowths. Results are interpreted by Michelle Middleton, PA-C in the context of your full health picture, making findings clinically actionable rather than general.

Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in gut microbiome composition - reduced diversity, overgrowth of harmful organisms, or depletion of beneficial bacteria. The GI-MAP identifies dysbiosis by evaluating the relative levels of commensal, opportunistic, and pathogenic microorganisms. At SPOKEmed, these findings inform microbiome-based treatment recommendations tailored to your results.

Testing at SPOKEmed is primarily intended for patients presenting with symptoms or health concerns that may have a gastrointestinal root cause. It is most actionable when there is a specific symptom, metabolic concern, or pattern to investigate. The initial $60 consultation is the appropriate starting point to determine whether testing is clinically indicated.

FMT is an area of emerging microbiome research that involves transferring gut microbiota from a healthy donor to a recipient to restore microbial balance. FMT is not a service offered at SPOKEmed. Michelle addresses gut microbiome imbalances through personalized nutrition, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle protocols informed by GI-MAP diagnostic testing.