FMT in California
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Birch, NMD, RMSKLast updated April 27, 2026
Learn about fecal microbiota transplant for recurrent C. difficile. Share your history and questions with Dr. Jonathan Birch, NMD through an in-person or virtual case review.
FMT treatment information here concerns C. difficile only. Research on other conditions is educational and investigational, not an offer of treatment. All questions are welcome; a case review does not guarantee FMT.
Why California Patients Choose Our Specialty FMT Program
FMT is used for recurrent C. difficile in specific clinical circumstances. Our case-review process gives you space to discuss your history, ask questions, and understand risks and alternatives. Research on IBS, IBD, and other conditions remains investigational and is not a treatment offer.
Individual Case Review
Tell us about your situation and questions. A clinician reviews your history and discusses appropriate next steps without promising a particular treatment.
Multiple Delivery Methods
For recurrent C. difficile, delivery methods may include capsules, enema, or colonoscopy. Eligibility, risks, and alternatives need individual review.
Virtual Case Reviews
Start with a telehealth consultation if travel is difficult. Any C. difficile treatment or capsule delivery depends on eligibility and applicable requirements.
FMT Availability Across California
Click your area below for a city-specific page detailing how Purety Clinic serves your region — including drive times, local FMT options, and the in-person vs virtual pathway that fits your situation.
Central Coast
Our home base. Central Coast patients can contact our Santa Barbara clinic for an in-person case review. Travel time depends on your location and traffic.
Los Angeles Metro
LA-area patients can request an in-person or virtual case review. We discuss travel needs and any appropriate C. difficile treatment options during consultation.
San Francisco Bay Area
Bay Area patients can start with a virtual case review. For recurrent C. difficile, treatment eligibility and delivery options require individual clinical review.
Sacramento Valley & Beyond
Sacramento and Northern California patients can ask about a virtual consultation before making travel plans.
San Diego & Orange County
San Diego and Orange County patients can request a virtual case review to discuss their history, questions, and next steps.
California FMT — Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get FMT in California?
Ask your gastroenterologist about FMT for recurrent C. difficile and local referral options. Purety Clinic in Santa Barbara offers case reviews with Dr. Jonathan Birch, NMD in person or virtually. Treatment eligibility, delivery method, and travel needs are discussed individually. For information on delivery methods and cost, see our fecal transplant program overview.
Is FMT legal in California?
FDA enforcement discretion applies under specific conditions to FMT for C. difficile infection not responding to standard therapies, including informed consent. It is not blanket approval of FMT or of this clinic's protocols. Rebyota and Vowst have specific FDA-approved indications for preventing recurrent C. difficile after antibiotic treatment in adults; they are not the same as conventional FMT. Other indications are investigational and generally require an investigational new drug application. A clinician's license does not establish approval for those uses.
Does insurance cover FMT in California?
Coverage is inconsistent. Some California insurers cover colonoscopy-based FMT for recurrent C. difficile under the colonoscopy benefit. Most do not cover specialty outpatient FMT. We operate on a fee-for-service basis with full transparency on costs during the initial consultation.
How does virtual FMT consultation work for California patients?
A virtual case review begins with your medical history, prior treatment, and questions. The clinician discusses any needed testing and appropriate next steps. For recurrent C. difficile, treatment and capsule delivery, if appropriate, depend on clinical eligibility and applicable requirements; a consultation does not guarantee treatment or eliminate the need to travel.
Where in California is in-person FMT available?
Ask your gastroenterologist about current hospital or outpatient options for recurrent C. difficile. Purety Clinic is located in Santa Barbara and offers in-person case reviews. Any FMT treatment requires individual clinical review and discussion of risks, alternatives, and applicable requirements.
How long does it take to start FMT treatment?
Contact the clinic for current case-review availability. Timing depends on clinical review, any required testing, and the appropriate care plan. Neither treatment eligibility nor a shipping or procedure date is guaranteed.
Have Questions About Your Care?
Tell us what you're dealing with and what you'd like to understand. Dr. Birch personally reviews every California inquiry so we can discuss your questions and next steps.
Visit Our Santa Barbara Clinic
Purety Family Medical Clinic
2323 Oak Park Ln, Suite 102
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Request a California FMT Case Review
Tell us about your situation. Dr. Birch personally reviews every California FMT inquiry.
(805) 500-8300About the Author
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, 2014). Has performed over 1,000 fecal microbiota transplant procedures and 4,000+ regenerative injections. One of the most experienced FMT clinicians in the United States.
Read full bio →References & Further Reading
- van Nood E, et al. Duodenal Infusion of Donor Feces for Recurrent Clostridium difficile. NEJM, 2013.
- Quraishi MN, et al. Systematic review with meta-analysis: efficacy of FMT for recurrent and refractory C. difficile. Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2017.
- Costello SP, et al. FMT on 8-Week Remission in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 2019.
- Kao D, et al. Oral Capsule– vs Colonoscopy-Delivered FMT on Recurrent C. difficile: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 2017.
This page is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Treatment information concerns C. difficile only; research on other conditions is educational and investigational, not an offer of treatment. Donor screening reduces but does not eliminate infection risk. Serious complications can occur, and results are not guaranteed.
Two Licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctors. One Practice.
The naturopathic medical doctors caring for our patients at Purety Family Medical Clinic.
Dr. Jonathan Birch, NMD, RMSK
Founder · Naturopathic Medical Doctor
Licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor and Registered in Musculoskeletal Sonography. Practicing root-cause integrative medicine since 2014. Areas of focus include FMT and microbiome restoration, hormone and thyroid optimization, autoimmune and Long COVID protocols, ozone and IV nutrient therapy, and PRP and regenerative injections.
Read Dr. Birch's full bioDr. Dena Birch, NMD
Naturopathic Medical Doctor · Women's Health & Pediatrics
Licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor leading our women's health and holistic pediatric care. Areas of focus include perimenopause and bioidentical hormone therapy, PCOS and thyroid, fertility support, pediatric eczema, immune issues and recurrent infections, and gentle well-child care for families.
Read Dr. Dena's full bio