Hello..

You can explain why an intervention belongs in a treatment plan.

But can you explain why it belongs next?

Consider the illustrative case in today’s article: a 38-year-old woman with daily bloating, abdominal discomfort, infrequent bowel movements, and a breath-test report labeled positive for SIBO.

A possible treatment target comes into focus.

Then you review another detail: she has already tried probiotics and antimicrobials, and she feels worse.

The positive result is still there. But has it settled what should happen next?

This is where two related questions can quietly become confused:

“How do I address this finding?”

And:

“What does this patient need first—and what supports that decision?”

You do not have to doubt a finding to question its priority.

That distinction is at the heart of our new article:

Positive SIBO Test: Are These Three Assumptions Driving Your Next Move?

Dr. Robert Conti and I examine three assumptions worth checking before allowing a positive finding to organize the entire plan—and offer three questions you can use to examine your next move.

This is not another SIBO protocol. Whether you have treated SIBO for years or are beginning to study functional medicine, it is an invitation to look more closely at the reasoning behind the order.

Prefer to listen—or explore the idea further?

There is also a companion audio: Why This Intervention—and Why Now?

It is not a word-for-word reading. In this clinical commentary, I invite you to consider a plan you have written, reviewed, or studied—and work through a practical exercise to explain what belongs now, what should wait, and what would change your decision.

READ THE ARTICLE + LISTEN TO THE AUDIO

As you do, keep one question in mind:

“Have I explained why this intervention might help—or why it should happen next?”

Warmly,

Dr. Ron Grisanti, D.C.
Founder, Functional Medicine University

Robert Conti D.C., CICC

FMU Student Advocate

A patient may need many things—but they cannot all be first.

P.S. If this approach resonates with you personally and you are exploring care for your own health, you’re welcome to learn more about becoming a patient in my practice and whether it may be a good fit for your needs.

Learn about becoming an FMU student

Keep sharpening your clinical thinking—one week at a time.

Did today’s article give you a new question to bring to your next case?

Join my weekly clinical commentary series, soon to be called Clinical Thinking, for brief, case-based reflections on the reasoning behind clinical decisions.

Together, we’ll examine the assumptions worth questioning, the findings that may change a plan, and the distinction between knowing what could help and determining what deserves priority.

The goal is not simply to give you more information. It is to help you think more clearly about the information you already have.

You do not need to be an FMU student to participate.

GET MY WEEKLY CLINICAL INSIGHTS