About Us

MEET OUR DEVOTED STAFF THAT HOLDS YOUR HEALTH

AS THEIR #1 PRIORITY!

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100% Devoted to Health
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Warm & Friendly Care
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Certified Medical Professionals

Why Root Function Wellness?

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More than 25+ years of professional experience
Friendly and compassionate care
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Medical staff devoted to your health
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Highly qualified providers

Our team

Functional Medicine professionals who are committed to your care and well-being.

  • Dr. Amy Wagoner

    Dr. Amy Wagoner, MD is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine and a Certified Practitioner of the Institute For Functional Medicine.


    Dr. Amy Wagoner is from a small South Dakota farming community and knew from a very young age she wanted to become a doctor.  Her childhood dream of becoming a doctor was often considered an unlikely reality.  With dedication, determination and focus, Dr. Wagoner was able to fulfill her dream with the support of family.


    Dr. Amy Wagoner is proud to offer Functional Medicine services to Watertown, South Dakota and the surrounding area at her Root Function Wellness clinic.  Dr. Wagoner will work diligently to teach her patients about the benefits of functional medicine.  She will help her patients find options available to improve their wellness by using the proven techniques and strategies of Functional Medicine.


    Dr. Amy Wagoner treats patients of all ages!


    Medical Background for Dr. Amy Wagoner

    Dr. Amy Wagoner completed her undergraduate course work at the University of Illinois and the University of Utah.  She returned to South Dakota for medical school and graduated cum laude from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine in 1997 with a Medical Degree.  Dr. Wagoner completed her residency training at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Family Medicine Residency Program and became Board Certified in Family Medicine in 2000.  Since 2000 she has been practicing Family Medicine while caring for patients of all ages.  Dr. Wagoner enjoys the variety of unique conditions and challenges found in a rural Family Medicine practice because no two days are alike.


    Finding Functional Medicine

    In 2014, Dr. Amy Wagoner became aware of Functional Medicine and felt it made sense to look at the body as one whole system rather than just the individual parts.  Dr. Wagoner was determined to keep learning more about this functional medicine approach to care.  Shortly after this, Dr. Wagoner started her training to learn more about Functional Medicine.


    Very quickly Dr. Wagoner became convinced of the benefits of the functional medicine approach to providing patient care.  She began applying some of the knowledge to the patients already under her care at that time.  She quickly noticed that visit after visit, patients would return with fewer symptoms and less need for medication.


    Dr. Wagoner can attest, that as a healthcare provider it is rewarding to see an empowered patient transform from chronic illness to thriving wellness.  After seeing the power of functional medicine practices, she knew she must continue her training and complete her Functional Medicine education.  In 2018, Dr. Amy Wagoner, MD became a Certified Practitioner from the Institute for Functional Medicine.


    Dr. Amy Wagoner is excited to serve your functional medicine needs and help to empower you to reach your most optimal level of health.

  • Dawn Clearwater

    Dawn Clearwater RN FMCHC has been a nurse for over 30 years. Most of that time has been focused on Women’s Health. She is very excited to help all of Dr. Wagoner’s patients at Root Function Wellness meet their health goals and experience the full power of Functional Medicine in empowering their health!


    Dawn has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Northern Colorado. She knew from a very early age that being a nurse was her calling. She has also completed training at the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy and completed her certification to become a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach.


    Dawn became interested in Functional Medicine when she tried changing her diet and reducing stress to help with chronic pain issues. It was through this experience that she realized that medications and traditional medicine do not always have all of the answers to resolve an issue. It was during this time that she was asked to expand her knowledge to include Functional Medicine Health Coaching. Dr. Wagoner has been instrumental in helping Dawn in this new endeavor.


    As a coach, Dawn can offer guidance in following a treatment plan given to a client by their provider. This may include help with nutrition, exercise, stress, sleep, relationships, and spirituality. She also offers Reiki treatments. Reiki is a method of aligning the energy centers in the body to promote healing.


    “By sharing this knowledge with others I can help them reach personal goals and feel better physically which can lead to emotional health as well.”

  • Lisa Sauer

    Hello, I’m Lisa Sauer, the medical receptionist at Root Function Wellness. I was born and raised in Watertown, married my high school sweetheart, Dan. We raised our family here and now are fortunate enough to have all 3 children and 2 grandchildren right here as well! I’m  passionate about patients feeling welcome, heard and supported throughout their wellness journey. I have had over 10 years of experience in front desk operations, scheduling, and patient communication. I strive to create an organized environment that reflects the holistic care we provide. I’m so proud to say I’m part of this team that focuses on the root causes of health issues and supports each patient’s path to optimal well-being.

  • Samantha Sandness

    Hello everyone!  My name is Samantha (Sam for short) and I am one of the medical receptionists at Root Function Wellness.  I handle some of the marketing and do the social media posts!  I have a very strong passion for functional medicine and mental health/wellness.  I have gone through my own journey and witnessed it around me.  Functional medicine has changed my life in more ways than one.  Now I want to shout it from the rooftops and be able to help so many other people feel the absolute best that they can!  My other passions are my faith, my family, my horses, and rodeo; which is what I spend most of my time doing outside of work.  When my husband Dana and I aren’t at work we are chasing the kiddos around, spending time outside, and trying to chase down our own dreams.  It is a wild and crazy ride, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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Nbc-hwc is a national board certified health and wellness coach.
The institute for functional medicine is a certified practitioner.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Functional Medicine?

    Functional Medicine is a medical care approach that seeks to take a root cause look at what might be causing dis-ease and symptoms to develop. By looking deeper into the complexity of your body systems to uncover the source of your symptoms, we have a better chance to reverse the problem and restore health. 

  • Is Functional Medicine right for me?

    Functional Medicine is right for anyone who is willing to take part in maintaining or restoring their optimal level of wellness. Please understand that it may take a little time and some effort.  This treatment plan may recommend that you alter your eating habits, your stressors and change some of your lifestyle habits for the best results possible.  Nutraceutical supplements and medications are often used to enhance function for your total wellness.  If you are willing to invest time in your health that is beyond the effort of swallowing a daily medication, then you are a great candidate to experience the full power of Functional Medicine!

  • What are some common body systems treated by Functional Medicine?

    Allergy

    Autoimmune

    Cardio Metabolic

    Chronic Pain

    Dermatologic

    Emotional

    Fatigue

    Gastrointestinal

    Gynecologic

    Hormonal

    Mental Illness

    Neurological

    Pediatric

    And MORE….

  • What is Direct Pay?

    Root Function Wellness is an insurance-free, direct pay, fee-for-service clinic. This means that you will be expected to pay your bill at the time of service.  Our clinic can accept payments via cash, check, debit card, credit card, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).  We also have the option of Care Credit Services that may allow you to budget the cost of your visit over several months interest free. You can learn more about this option and complete a credit application at CareCredit.com.

    Upon request, Root Function Wellness will provide you with a written receipt for your visit with all of the necessary diagnoses and billing codes that would be requested by your insurance company.  If you are eligible for reimbursement from your health insurance provider, you may submit the receipt for reimbursement of your expenditures at our clinic.  Submitting your receipt may also mean that your expenses are applied toward your deductible.

  • Can I cut back on my medications with Functional Medicine?

    Functional Medicine care often allows you to cut your need for prescription medications and chronic medical care follow-up.  Consider that according to the website GoodRx.com (a discount prescription service) in September 2023, the monthly cost of Humira was over $6000, Advair was $411, and Lantus insulin was $300.   How much could you save if you could cut back or quit taking even one of your current prescription medications?

  • What is my first step to get started?

    When you request an appointment at Root Function Wellness, you will be asked to complete medical intake forms that you must complete and return to our office at least 5 days prior to your requested appointment time.  Root Function Wellness will also ask that you request prior medical records from your primary healthcare provider, so we can avoid the expense of repeating tests.  All information will be reviewed in detail prior to your visit, so that your full 90-120 minutes of time with your provider will be spent focused on your personal health and wellness needs.  

  • What will happen at my first clinic visit?

    On the day of your first visit to Root Function Wellness you will spend 90 minutes face to face with Dr. Amy Wagoner or Lori Steinley PA-C, PT as she listens to your priorities and your history.  Your information will be gathered and organized during this conversation.  By the end of your first visit we will agree on how to go ahead with empowering your path toward wellness.  If any lab testing, supplements or medication changes are recommended we will discuss why the information is important for your care plan and what costs would be expected.   

  • What can I expect related to follow-up visits?

    Follow-up visits are  often recommended at two (2) to four (4) month intervals.  At Root Function Wellness most follow-up visits are typically scheduled for 45-60 minutes.  As your symptoms begin to improve, your treatment recommendations will be adapted to your most current needs.  It is not uncommon for patients to stop some of their prior medications after following a functional medicine plan of care.  

  • Why is your clinic insurance-free?

    Health insurance is complicated.  At Root Function Wellness it is our philosophy that patients will be treated based on what they need for improved health and not what insurance dictates.  Our goal at Root Function Wellness to keep costs low is a number one priority.  Operating a medical clinic has many required expenses, but the additional cost of hiring staff to track insurance copays, coverages and deductibles is not mandatory. We will make every effort to keep the cost of your care transparent and you will be provided with a written receipt that you may submit for reimbursement to your health insurance, if the services are eligible. In some instances we may ask for you to share your health insurance information to streamline ordering of lab or imaging tests that are recommended, but Root Function Wellness will not submit claims for clinic visits to your insurance.  You will be responsible for the cost of each clinic visit.  

  • Do you accept Medicare?

    Root Function Wellness is a direct pay, insurance-free practice.  Our clinic is a non-participating provider with Medicare, but we have not opted-out of Medicare.  If you are a Medicare patient, you will be asked to pay for your visit on the day you are seen.  Root Function Wellness will file a claim to Medicare on your behalf and you will likely be reimbursed by Medicare for a portion of the cost of your visit.

  • What will be the cost for a visit?

    At Root Function Wellness we will make every effort to keep your costs low, and we will be transparent about the costs of your care.  Contact us for our current rates.  You will choose which services are most valuable to your healthcare needs. Functional Medicine care often allows you to cut back your need for prescription medications and chronic medical care follow-up.  

  • How much time do I get with the Doctor?

    Please take advantage of our FREE 15 minute phone consult with Dr. Wagoner to decide if we are a good fit for your healthcare needs.  For your FIRST onsite clinic visit you will spend 90-120 minutes with your provider reviewing your current healthcare situation.  Most follow-up appointments will be allotted 45-60 minutes with your provider unless you request more time.  How much time did you spend with your healthcare provider at your last standard clinic visit?

  • How long until I see improvement?

    As you approach what Root Function Wellness means for you individually, it is likely you will require fewer visits and the overall cost of your medical care will have been reduced.  Nothing is more rewarding than helping you to recover thriving wellness and graduating you from the need for routine appointments at Root Function Wellness.   

  • Should I keep my primary healthcare provider?

    Root Function Medicine would recommend that you keep your relationship with your primary care provider for managing preventative care, annual physicals, acute care needs (short-term illnesses or managing any injury that may occur), vaccines, etc. – because at Root Function Wellness we are devoted to Functional Medicine care of your chronic illness.  With your written permission, we would be happy to share your Root Function Wellness medical records with any provider that you choose.  

  • How can I order supplements?

    Root Function Wellness offers an online supplement dispensary service with high quality products available.   These products have been specifically recommended by your provider.  Supplements ordered can ship directly to your home from FullScripts.  You are also welcome to enroll in automatic refills through this service.

  • What common problems are treated by Functional Medicine?

    Allergy conditions:

    • Asthma
    • Eczema
    • Chronic Sinusitis or Rhinitis
    • Food Allergies
    • Environmental Allergies

    Autoimmune Conditions

    • Hashimoto’s
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Psoriasis
    • Psoriatic Arthritis
    • Crohn’s
    • Ulcerative Colitis

    Cardio Metabolic

    • Hypertension
    • High Cholesterol
    • Coronary Artery Disease
    • Peripheral Artery Disease
    • Diabetes
    • Pre-Diabetes
    • Metabolic Syndrome
    • PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
    • Obesity

    Chronic Pain

    • Headaches
    • Migraines
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Arthritis

    Dermatologic

    • Psoriasis
    • Eczema
    • Rosacea
    • Acne

    Emotional

    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Stress
    • Fatigue
    • Chronic Fatigue
    • Brain Fog

    Gastrointestinal

    • Celiac Disease
    • Gluten Sensitivity
    • Colitis
    • Crohn’s
    • Ulcerative Colitis
    • SIBO – Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
    • GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
    • Chronic Diarrhea
    • Chronic Constipation
    • Chronic Indigestion
    • Chronic Bloating
    • Leaky Gut

    Gynecologic

    • Chronic Pelvic Pain
    • Endometriosis
    • Dysmenorrhea
    • Pre-Conception Nutrition
    • Gestational Nutrition
    • Hormonal
    • Thyroid Dysfunction
    • Adrenal Dysfunction
    • PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
    • Osteoporosis
    • Reproductive Hormones

    Mental Illness

    • ADHD
    • Insomnia
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Stress

    Neurological

    • Chronic Headache
    • Migraine
    • Dementia
    • Alzheimer’s
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Parkinson’s
    • Brain Fog
    • Brain Injury

    Pediatric

    • Chronic Illness
    • Autism Spectrum