# Root Cause Medical Clinic > The medical team of Root Cause Medical Clinic work together to identify the root causes of patients' health issues and solve them naturally with a tailored program. Based in Clearwater FL, the clinic was founded by Drs. Vikki and Rick Petersen. Individual medical programs blend functional medicine, lab testing, nutrition, chiropractic, and physical therapy. The clinic serves the Tampa Bay area, and treats patients in-person and via telemedicine. Root Cause Medical Clinic has operated since 1992 and is known for a drug-free, surgery-free approach to chronic health conditions. The clinic's Root Cause Method identifies underlying stressors — structural, dietary, hormonal, digestive, or neurological — that prevent the body from healing, and addresses them through individualized 3–4 month programs. The clinic also serves as a destination clinic for patients traveling nationally and internationally. --- ## Core Medical Services - [Medical Services Overview](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/medical-services-overview/): Hub page listing all clinical disciplines offered including functional medicine, nutrition, chiropractic, physical therapy, and IV therapy. - [Hiatal Hernia Natural Treatment](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/): Flagship service page covering the clinic's natural approach to Hiatal Hernia Syndrome, with 85% success rate, addressing digestive, structural, mechanical, and neurological factors without surgery or drugs. - [Functional Medicine](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/functional-medicine/): Treatment of chronic conditions without surgery or drugs, using advanced lab testing to identify root causes. - [Clinical Nutrition](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/functional-nutrition/): Therapeutic nutrition programs and nutritional counseling as a core component of patient treatment plans. - [Chiropractic Care](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/chiropractic/): Structural correction and pain relief using chiropractic as part of the integrated team approach. - [IV Therapy & Vitamin Injections](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/vitamin-injections-and-nutritional-ivs/): Overview of IV nutrient therapy and injection services that deliver healing nutrients directly into the bloodstream. - [Root Cause Treatment Programs](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/root-cause-medical-treatment-programs/): Describes the individualized 3–4 month program structure, what to expect, and how the multi-disciplinary team collaborates per patient. - [Gut Health Appointment](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/gut-health-appointment/): Consultation booking and information for patients with digestive concerns. - [Gut Reset Program](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/gut-reset-program/): Structured program for restoring gut health and microbiome balance. - [Weight Loss Center](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/weight-loss-center/): Root cause approach to weight loss addressing hormonal, digestive, and nutritional factors rather than caloric restriction alone. - [Women's Health](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/womens-health/): Services addressing hormonal imbalances, fibrocystic breasts, autoimmune disease, and other conditions disproportionately affecting women. - [Gluten Sensitivity Treatment](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/gluten-sensitivity-treatment/): Diagnosis and treatment of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease as root causes of broader systemic conditions. - [Integrative Medicine](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/integrative-medicine/): Overview of the clinic's integrated team model combining multiple disciplines under one roof. - [Internal Medicine](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/internal-medicine/): Internal medicine services provided within the functional medicine framework. - [Holistic Medicine](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/holistic-medicine/): The clinic's whole-body approach to diagnosis and treatment. - [Alternative Medicine](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/alternative-medicine/): Natural medicine options offered as alternatives to drug-based conventional treatment. - [Nutritional Genomics](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/nutritional-genomics/): Services addressing genetic predispositions through targeted nutritional interventions. - [Destination Clinic](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/destination-clinic/): Information for patients traveling from outside the Tampa Bay area or internationally for in-person treatment. ### IV Therapy & Injection Services - [Myers Cocktail IV Therapy](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/ivs-and-injections/myers-cocktail-iv-therapy/) - [Vitamin C IV Therapy](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/ivs-and-injections/vitamin-c-iv-therapy/) - [NAD IV Therapy — Anti-Aging](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/ivs-and-injections/nad-iv-therapy-anti-aging/) - [Phosphatidylcholine (PTC) IV Therapy](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/ivs-and-injections/phosphatidylcholine-ptc-iv-therapy/) - [UVBI Therapy — Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/ivs-and-injections/uvbi-therapy-ultraviolet-blood-irradiation/) - [Vitamin B12 Injection](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/ivs-and-injections/vitamin-b12-injection/) - [Vitamin D3 Injection](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/ivs-and-injections/vitamin-d3/) - [Inner Beauty IV](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/ivs-and-injections/inner-beauty/) - [Immunity IV](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/ivs-and-injections/immunity/) - [Recovery & Performance IV](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/ivs-and-injections/recovery-and-performance/) --- ## Company Information - [Our Philosophy — The Root Cause Method](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/our-philosophy/): Explains the three core precepts of root cause medicine and how the clinic's approach differs from conventional symptom-based treatment. - [What Is Root Cause Medicine](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/what-is-root-cause-medicine/): Foundational explanation of the methodology, authored by Dr. Vikki Petersen. - [Meet Our Doctors](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/meet-our-doctors/): Hub page for the full clinical team. - [FAQs](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/faqs/): Frequently asked questions about the clinic's approach, programs, and what to expect. - [Contact](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/contact/): Clinic contact information, phone number (727) 335-0400, and appointment scheduling. - [Patient Stories](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/patient-stories/): Hub page for the patient testimonial library (135 individual patient stories available at /patient-story/). --- ## Locations - [Clearwater Clinic](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/locations/clearwater-functional-medicine-clinic/): Physical clinic at 1000 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater FL 33756. In-person appointments Monday–Friday 9am–5pm. - [Telemedicine](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/locations/telemedicine/): Remote consultation services available to patients in eligible states. Telemedicine sessions run Monday–Friday 9am–5pm. --- ## Medical Team - [Dr. Vikki Petersen, DC, CCN, IFMCP](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/doctors-and-staff/dr-vikki-petersen-chiropractor-certified-clinical-nutritionist/): Founder, author of *Hiatal Hernia Syndrome* and *The Gluten Effect*, Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. - [Dr. Rick Petersen, DC, IFMCP](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/doctors-and-staff/dr-richard-petersen-chiropractor-ifmcp/): Co-founder and Clinical Director, Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. - [Beth Segerholm, DNP](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/doctors-and-staff/beth-segerholm-dnp/): Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. - [Vanessa Fahey, Registered Dietitian](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/doctors-and-staff/vanessa-fahey-registered-dietitian/) - [Dr. Marco Liotta](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/doctors-and-staff/dr-marco-liotta/) - [Avalon Leigh](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/doctors-and-staff/avalon-leigh/) - [Amanda Briles, APRN](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/doctors-and-staff/amanda_briles_aprn/) --- ## Patient Resources ### Symptoms Hub Condition-specific resource pages organized by presenting symptom: - [Pain](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/symptoms/pain/) - [Overweight](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/symptoms/overweight/) - [Headache](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/symptoms/headache/) - [Fatigue](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/symptoms/fatigue/) - [Digestive Problems](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/symptoms/digestion/) - [Anxiety & Stress](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/symptoms/anxiety-stress/) ### Diet & Nutrition Guides - [Keto Diet](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/diet/keto/) - [Paleo Diet](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/diet/paleo/) - [Low-Carb Diet](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/diet/low-carb/) - [Vegan Diet](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/diet/vegan/) - [Vegetarian Diet](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/diet/vegetarian/) - [Elimination Diet](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/diet/elimination-diet/) - [Gluten-Free Diet](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/diet/gluten-free/) ### E-Books Free downloadable resources authored by the clinical team: - [Hiatal Hernia: Many Symptoms, One Cause](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/e-books/hiatal-hernia-many-symptoms-one-cause/) - [Gluten: What You Don't Know May Be Killing You](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/e-books/gluten-what-you-dont-know-may-be-killing-you/) - [The 5 Root Causes of Digestive Problems](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/e-books/the-5-root-causes-of-digestive-problems/) - [Women's Health: Optimizing Hormonal Balance](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/e-books/womens-health-optimizing-hormonal-balance/) - [5 Simple Ways to Regain Your Health](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/e-books/5-simple-ways-to-regain-your-health/) --- ## Structured Data — JSON-LD Schema Implementation Root Cause Medical Clinic uses JSON-LD schema markup across service pages following a hub and spokes architecture. The organization entity is the canonical Hub; each service page adds a page-specific Service Spoke with a FAQPage and supporting entities within a `@graph`. ### Schema Types in Use | Schema Type | Pages Where Used | |---|---| | `Organization` + `LocalBusiness` (dual type) | All pages — canonical organization Hub | | `Place` | All pages — physical location entity | | `Service` | Service pages (e.g., Hiatal Hernia Treatment, Functional Medicine) | | `OfferCatalog` / `Offer` | Service pages — itemized list of sub-services | | `VideoObject` | Health video pages — one per video page | | `Person` | Health video pages — author entity for Dr. Vikki Petersen | | `WebSite` | All pages | | `WebPage` | All pages | | `BreadcrumbList` | All pages | | `FAQPage` | Homepage, service pages, and health video pages | | `AggregateRating` | Homepage, service pages, and health video pages (three sources) | ### Canonical Organization Entity Anchored at `https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/#organization`. Fixed properties present on all pages: - **Type**: `Organization` + `LocalBusiness` (dual) - **Legal name**: Root Cause Medical Clinic CLW, LLC - **Address**: 1000 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756 - **Phone**: (727) 335-0400 - **Hours**: Monday–Friday 9am–5pm - **Founded**: 1992 - **Founders**: Dr. Vikki Petersen (Owner/Manager), Dr. Rick Petersen (Co-Owner) - **Verified profiles**: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, YouTube (Dr. Vikki Petersen channel), YouTube (Root Cause Medical Clinic channel) - **Florida Chiropractic Licenses**: Dr. Richard Petersen (CH13555), Dr. Vikki Petersen (21773) - **IFM Certifications**: Both founders certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine - **Published works**: *Hiatal Hernia Syndrome* (ISBN 9780982271148, 2021) and *The Gluten Effect* (ISBN 9780982271100, 2009), both authored by Dr. Vikki Petersen - **State registration**: Florida LLC L19000140647 - **Google Maps**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u21HtfnpJ8noYhey7 - **Geo coordinates**: 27.955312, -82.800188 ### Aggregate Ratings (as of schema implementation) - **Google**: 4.8 stars / 155 reviews - **Yelp**: 4.3 stars / 12 reviews - **BirdEye**: 4.8 stars / 159 reviews ### Service Page Schema Structure Each service page carries a `@graph` with these entities in order: `Organization`+`LocalBusiness` (with page-specific description and `areaServed`), `Place`, `Service` (with `OfferCatalog` of sub-services and `additionalProperty` for treatment philosophy and approach), `WebSite`, `WebPage`, `BreadcrumbList`, `FAQPage`, and three `AggregateRating` entities. The `areaServed` on service pages is defined by place with postal codes covering: Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, and Indian Rocks Beach, FL. ### Hiatal Hernia Treatment — Key Schema Data Points The Hiatal Hernia Natural Treatment page (`/hiatal-hernia-natural-treatment/`) is the site's most structured service page. Key encoded facts: - Success rate: 85% for mild-to-moderate Hiatal Hernia Syndrome - Treatment approach: Addresses digestive, structural, mechanical, and neurological factors - Program includes: Comprehensive evaluation (in-person or telemedicine), specialized lab testing (stool, food sensitivity, gluten, blood panels, toxicity), root cause diagnosis, customized lifestyle and diet protocols, diaphragmatic physical therapy, natural supplementation, personalized exercises, and medical progress checkpoints ### Health Video Page Schema Structure Each health video page follows a distinct `@graph` schema pattern, separate from service pages. URL pattern: `https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/[topic]-video/`. The `@graph` contains these entities in order: **1. `Organization` + `LocalBusiness`** — canonical organization Hub with page-scoped `@id` and `areaServed` (same postal code coverage as service pages). **2. `Person`** — author entity for Dr. Vikki Petersen, anchored at `[page-url]/#author`. Fixed properties: Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, co-founder, alumna of Palmer College of Chiropractic, IFM certification, Florida Chiropractic License 21773. Linked via `worksFor` to the organization entity. **3. `Place`** — physical clinic location entity with geo coordinates. **4. `WebSite`** — site-level entity with `SearchAction` for site search. **5. `WebPage`** — page entity with `mainEntity` and `about` both pointing to the `VideoObject`. Includes `datePublished`, `dateModified`, `primaryImageOfPage` (video thumbnail), and a `speakable` specification targeting `h1`, `h2`, and `.video-intro` CSS selectors. **6. `BreadcrumbList`** — three-level breadcrumb: Home → Health Videos (`/health-videos/`) → [Video Title]. **7. `FAQPage`** — 5 Q&A pairs per video page, covering the medical topic addressed in the video. Answers are detailed (150–300 words each) and include the clinic phone number as a call-to-action in each answer. **8. `VideoObject`** — core video entity. Properties include: `name`, `description`, `thumbnailUrl`, `uploadDate` (ISO 8601), `duration` (ISO 8601 period format, e.g., `PT9M30S`), `contentUrl` (YouTube watch URL), `embedUrl` (YouTube embed URL), `interactionStatistic` (WatchAction with view count), `regionsAllowed: "Worldwide"`, `author` (linked to Person entity), `publisher` (linked to Organization entity), `isPartOf` (linked to WebPage entity). **9. Three `AggregateRating` entities** — Google (4.8/155), Yelp (4.3/12), BirdEye (4.8/159), each linked to the Organization entity. **Key difference from service pages**: Video pages replace the `Service` entity with a `VideoObject` + `Person` pair. The `WebPage` entity points to `VideoObject` as its `mainEntity`, making the video the primary subject of the page rather than a treatment service. --- ## Educational Content — Blog & Videos The site contains approximately 900 educational articles and 220 video pages. Content is not individually listed here due to volume. ### Blog - [Blog](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/blog/): Primary blog hub covering functional medicine, nutrition, digestive health, gluten sensitivity, autoimmune disease, hormones, chiropractic, physical therapy, and general wellness. Primary content topics covered in blog articles: Hiatal Hernia Syndrome (largest cluster), gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, autoimmune disease and gut health, hormone imbalance and women's health, functional medicine vs. conventional medicine, chiropractic and physical therapy, nutrition and diet, fatigue and adrenal health, cancer prevention and immune support. ### Health Videos - [Videos Hub](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/videos/): Library hub for all video content. **Page type**: Each video has a dedicated page at the URL pattern `https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/[topic]-video/`. The sitemap contains approximately 220 video pages across four paginated sitemaps (`health_video-sitemap1.xml` through `health_video-sitemap4.xml`). **Page structure**: Each video page embeds a YouTube video and includes a written introduction, a 5-question FAQPage covering the medical topic in depth, and full organization schema. The `WebPage` entity designates the `VideoObject` as its `mainEntity`, meaning these pages are structured as video-primary content rather than articles. All videos are authored by Dr. Vikki Petersen. **Breadcrumb path**: Home → Health Videos → [Video Title]. The parent category is `/health-videos/`. **Content focus by volume**: Hiatal Hernia Syndrome and related digestive conditions (largest cluster, approximately 60% of video content), gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, autoimmune disease, hormones, functional medicine philosophy, and general wellness. **Representative video page**: [Doctors Miss THIS Type of Hiatal Hernia](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/doctors-miss-this-type-of-hiatal-hernia-video/) — illustrates the standard page structure: YouTube embed, medical topic introduction, 5 FAQs, VideoObject schema with duration, view count, and thumbnail, plus full organization and author entities. --- ## Patient Stories 135 individual patient success stories are available under the `/patient-story/` URL pattern. Hub page: [Patient Stories](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/patient-stories/). Topics covered include hiatal hernia recovery, digestive disorder resolution, autoimmune disease reversal, hormone restoration, and weight loss, among others. --- ## Recipes 209 clinic-curated recipes are available under the `/recipes/` URL pattern. Hub page: [Recipes](https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/recipes/). Recipes are designed to support the clinic's dietary protocols including gluten-free, dairy-free, and anti-inflammatory eating.