Article

Find Mold Doctors & CIRS Specialists Near You (Or Access Care From Anywhere)

December 1, 2025

The most common question patients ask about mold illness care isn't about treatment protocols or testing options. According to SurvivingMold.com, the top inquiry to their official practitioner directory remains: "Is there a Shoemaker Certified Practitioner near me?"

For most people, the answer is no. And that's exactly why understanding your options—local and remote—matters more than your zip code.

This guide walks you through finding qualified CIRS practitioners, evaluating local services, and accessing expert care from anywhere. Because in 2025, geography shouldn't determine whether you get better.

Medical Disclaimer: This guide provides educational information only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions.

The CIRS Specialist Problem
Why Telehealth Changes Everything
Finding Qualified CIRS Practitioners
State-by-State Mold Challenges
Evaluating Local Remediation Services
The Testing Landscape
Insurance and Cost Realities
Key Takeaways

The CIRS Specialist Problem

The 50/24 Collision No One Talks About

Here's a public health crisis hiding in plain sight: Research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that roughly 50% of US homes have some degree of dampness or water damage. Meanwhile, Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's research reveals that 24% of the population carries HLA genes that prevent proper biotoxin clearance.

Do the math. One in four people can't properly clear mold toxins from their system. Half of all buildings are potentially making them sick. Yet qualified specialists who understand this condition cluster in a handful of regions, leaving most Americans in what practitioners call "CIRS deserts."

The World Health Organization estimates that 21% of American asthma cases may be attributable to dampness and mold exposure. That's millions of people whose respiratory issues might trace back to their building—not pollen or pets.

Why Most Doctors Miss Mold Illness

If CIRS isn't on a practitioner's radar, it won't be detected. Period.

Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome commonly receive diagnoses of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, anxiety, ADD, PTSD, or IBS before anyone considers biotoxin illness. Many are told their symptoms are "all in their head."

One family documented making over 300 doctor appointments before finally receiving a CIRS diagnosis. That's not unusual—it's the norm for this condition.

The problem isn't that doctors don't care. It's that CIRS requires specific training that most medical schools don't provide. Understanding mold exposure symptoms requires recognizing patterns that standard medical education overlooks.

The Geographic Trap

Three distinct training pathways exist for CIRS practitioners: the Shoemaker Certification program (most rigorous), Proficiency Partners, and training through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). But even combining all three, qualified practitioners remain scarce.

As the official SurvivingMold.com website acknowledges: "While we don't have practitioners in every region as of yet..." They follow that admission with an important observation: "It's a new Zoom world."

That acknowledgment from the source of Shoemaker Protocol training itself validates what patients have discovered through necessity: telehealth isn't a compromise—it's often the only path to competent care.

Why Telehealth Changes Everything

The New Standard of Care

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption across medicine, but for CIRS patients, remote care was already becoming essential. When qualified specialists exist in limited numbers and specific regions, bringing the expert to the patient makes more sense than the reverse.

What telehealth enables for mold illness care:

Expert consultations with CIRS-trained practitioners regardless of location
Lab result interpretation by specialists who understand biotoxin markers
Treatment protocol management with ongoing provider access
VCS monitoring through online visual contrast sensitivity testing ($15 nominal fee)

The math works in patients' favor: After initial diagnosis and protocol establishment, local primary care providers can often manage ongoing monitoring while specialists handle the complex decision-making remotely.

How the MoldCo Model Works

As the first telehealth platform dedicated exclusively to mold toxicity, MoldCo was built around a simple reality: most people who need CIRS care can't access it locally.

The infrastructure already exists for remote care to work:

Biomarker testing through LabCorp and Quest—with locations in virtually every American city
Environmental testing through specialized labs like Mycometrics and EnviroBiomics—ship-to-home kits that bypass the need for local inspectors
Provider consultations via video with CIRS-trained practitioners licensed in your state

Our $99 starter panel runs 40-60% below standard lab pricing because we've optimized for accessibility, not profit margins. Results arrive within days, interpreted by specialists who actually understand what the numbers mean.

Learn more about what these tests measure in our complete mold illness testing guide.

When Travel Still Makes Sense

Telehealth handles most CIRS care effectively, but some situations benefit from in-person evaluation:

Complex cases with multiple comorbidities requiring physical examination
Initial evaluation when visual or physical findings might inform diagnosis
Treatment resistance where hands-on assessment could identify missed factors

The cost-benefit calculation: One trip to a specialist for initial evaluation, followed by ongoing telehealth management, often works better than either approach alone. For comprehensive information about treatment protocols, see our CIRS treatment guide.

Finding Qualified CIRS Practitioners

What to Look For

Not every doctor who claims mold expertise actually understands biotoxin illness. The key differentiator: Do they treat mold as an allergy issue or an inflammatory response?

Shoemaker Protocol training remains the gold standard, with three pathways:

Certification - Most rigorous, directly supervised by Dr. Shoemaker's team
Proficiency Partners - Practitioners working toward full certification
A4M Training - American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine pathway

Understanding the distinction between mold allergy vs mold illness matters here. Allergists treat IgE-mediated responses. CIRS practitioners address systemic inflammation that standard allergy testing misses entirely.

Red flags when evaluating practitioners:

Dismissing biotoxin illness as unproven
Only testing for IgE mold allergies
Unfamiliarity with CIRS biomarkers (C4a, TGF-beta-1, MSH, VIP)
No interest in environmental testing results

Five Questions to Ask Any CIRS Provider

Before committing to a practitioner, ask these verification questions:

"Are you trained in the Shoemaker Protocol?" - Look for specific training pathway, not vague claims
"Which CIRS biomarkers do you typically order?" - Should mention C4a, TGF-beta-1, MSH, VIP, MMP-9 at minimum
"How do you approach binder therapy?" - Should discuss cholestyramine or Welchol, not just "detox supplements"
"What's your experience with ERMI/HERTSMI-2 interpretation?" - Environmental testing knowledge matters
"Do you work with indoor environmental professionals?" - Complex cases require collaboration

Official Resources for Finding Practitioners

The SurvivingMold.com practitioner directory maintains the official list of Shoemaker Certified practitioners. However, this list doesn't capture all qualified providers—many trained practitioners aren't formally listed.

MoldCo's provider network offers an alternative pathway, connecting patients with CIRS-trained practitioners who specifically focus on telehealth delivery.

State-by-State Mold Challenges

High-Risk Regions

Geography affects mold exposure risk, though building condition matters more than zip code. That said, certain regions face amplified challenges:

Southeast States (Florida, Louisiana, Texas):

Year-round humidity creates constant mold pressure
Hurricane and flooding events cause episodic water damage
Higher mold allergy prevalence: St. Louis (19%), Dallas (18%), Memphis (17%), Oklahoma City (17%)

Coastal California:

Earthquake damage creates hidden water intrusion pathways
Coastal moisture challenges year-round
Progressive building codes help but don't eliminate risk

Variable Climate Regions:

Spring flooding in river valleys
Summer humidity in the Midwest
Fall hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts
Winter condensation issues in poorly insulated buildings

The decontamination approach must match climate: Montana (dry, extreme cold) and Florida (high humidity, mild temperatures) require fundamentally different remediation strategies.

For climate-specific prevention strategies, see our mold prevention guide.

The Climate Escape Reality

Some CIRS patients find that relocating to drier climates significantly improves their health. This isn't imagined—it validates that location can function as medical intervention.

Reports from 9News Australia documented patients like Richard Barry who experienced "immediate" improvements—brain fog clearing overnight—after moving to pristine air environments. The tradeoff: "compounded isolation" and inability to enter contaminated buildings without reaction.

Relocation isn't practical for most people. But understanding that environment dramatically impacts symptoms helps explain why some patients improve simply by addressing their living situation—without medication changes.

State Licensing: The "Wild West" Warning

Here's a critical finding most articles miss: Only Florida, Texas, New York, and Washington DC have robust licensing requirements for mold assessors and remediators.

In the other 46 states, anyone can claim mold expertise. No certification required. No oversight. No accountability.

What this means for you:

In licensed states (FL, TX, NY, DC): Verify credentials through state databases (Florida DBPR, Texas TDLR, NY Labor Law Article 32)
In unlicensed states: Extra due diligence required—ask for IICRC certification, references, and insurance documentation

The lack of regulation makes finding qualified local services harder, not easier. It's another reason many patients rely on national networks and telehealth rather than rolling the dice on local providers.

Evaluating Local Remediation Services

Why Standard Remediation Fails CIRS Patients

Most mold remediation follows the IICRC S520 standard—the industry benchmark for mold cleanup. The problem: that standard was designed for the general population, not people with biotoxin illness.

Michael Rubino, a Council-Certified Mold Remediator known as "The Mold Medic," explains the distinction in an interview with Dr. Will Cole:

"For these people [hypersensitive/CIRS], the mainstream approach to mold remediation will not suffice... We have to look at it from a particle standpoint, not just a visible growth standpoint."

Standard remediation often kills or covers mold without removing the particles that trigger CIRS symptoms. As Cleanfax trade publication confirms, companies performing standard remediation with standard materials "simply won't be able to achieve success for the CIRS client."

For comprehensive remediation guidance, see our mold remediation guide.

What "CIRS-Literate" Remediation Looks Like

Remediation that actually helps CIRS patients differs from standard approaches:

Physical particle removal - Not just killing mold, but removing the fragments that cause inflammation
HEPA containment protocols - Preventing cross-contamination during work
Post-remediation verification - Testing with HERTSMI-2, not just visual inspection
Understanding treatment thresholds - Knowing that ERMI values >2 contraindicate certain CIRS treatments

The Change the Air Foundation provides resources for understanding remediation standards that work for sensitive individuals.

Five Questions to Ask Remediation Companies

"Do you follow protocols for chemically sensitive or immunocompromised patients?" - Standard answer should be yes, with specifics
"How do you verify success?" - Answer should include post-remediation testing, not just "it looks clean"
"What's your containment process?" - Should describe HEPA filtration and barrier construction
"Will you provide clearance testing documentation?" - Essential for CIRS patients
"Do you work with indoor environmental professionals?" - Complex cases need IEP collaboration

The Remediation Decision

CIRS patients face what researchers describe as a "difficult decision to invest in thorough and painstaking remediation or move to a new 'safe' environment."

The math isn't encouraging: Since 50% of buildings have water damage, there's roughly a one-in-two chance that any building a CIRS patient enters could cause illness. Finding safe housing is often harder than finding safe healthcare.

This reality drives some patients toward extreme avoidance strategies—living in vehicles or tents in pristine air. While effective for symptoms, this approach creates isolation and practical challenges most people can't sustain.

The Testing Landscape

Body Testing: National Lab Networks

Good news: the infrastructure for CIRS biomarker testing already exists nationwide.

LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics maintain locations in virtually every American city. Through these networks, you can access:

C4a - Inflammation marker often elevated in CIRS
TGF-beta-1 - Another key inflammatory marker
MSH, VIP - Regulatory hormones disrupted by biotoxin exposure
MMP-9, VEGF - Additional markers informing treatment decisions

Results get sent to your CIRS practitioner for interpretation. The testing happens locally; the expertise is delivered remotely.

MoldCo's $99 starter panel packages key biomarkers at 40-60% below standard lab pricing. You receive results within days, reviewed by specialists who actually understand what elevated C4a or low MSH means for your treatment.

For detailed information about what these tests reveal, see our complete mold testing guide.

Environmental Testing: Ship-to-Home Options

You don't need a local mold inspector to test your environment. Specialized labs offer ship-to-home testing kits:

Mycometrics and EnviroBiomics provide ERMI and HERTSMI-2 testing
Kits ship directly to your address
You collect a dust sample following simple instructions
Mail it back; results arrive in days

Key threshold to know: ERMI values above 2 indicate environmental contamination levels that contraindicate certain CIRS treatments. Your environment must be addressed before some protocol steps can succeed.

For information about interpreting environmental results, see our mold inspection and detection guide.

Finding Trustworthy Local Testing

If you need local environmental assessment, prioritize independence. Avoid companies that both test AND remediate—the conflict of interest is obvious.

What to look for:

Accreditation from recognized bodies
Clear reporting that explains findings in plain language
Reasonable turnaround without sacrificing accuracy
No financial interest in remediation recommendations

For broader environmental considerations, our indoor air quality guide covers testing and improvement strategies.

Insurance and Cost Realities

The Hard Truth About Coverage

CIRS treatment is typically out-of-pocket. Insurance companies haven't caught up with the science, and coverage for biotoxin illness remains inconsistent at best.

Homeowners insurance only covers mold damage when caused by a "covered peril"—meaning sudden, accidental water damage. Gradual moisture problems? Not covered. Long-term humidity issues? Not covered.

When coverage does apply, limits are typically $1,000-$10,000 per occurrence for mold damage. Comprehensive remediation often costs more.

Regional cost variations affect everything from testing to remediation. Urban areas generally cost more due to demand; rural areas may cost more due to limited qualified providers requiring travel fees.

Making Care Accessible

Despite insurance gaps, pathways to affordable care exist:

MoldCo pricing runs 40-60% below standard lab costs—our $99 starter panel versus $150-200+ elsewhere
Documentation for insurance submission - We provide records you can submit for potential reimbursement
HSA/FSA eligible - Many mold-related expenses qualify for tax-advantaged health spending accounts
The long-term calculation - Proper diagnosis and treatment vs. years of misdiagnosis, ineffective treatments, and progressive illness

State Insurance Variations

Insurance regulations vary significantly by state:

Some states mandate certain mold coverage minimums
Exclusion limits differ based on state law
Appeals processes and consumer protections vary

If your claim is denied, know that appeals rights exist. State insurance commissioners' offices can provide guidance on challenging denials.

Key Takeaways

The CIRS specialist shortage is real - Most Americans live in "specialist deserts" with no local access to qualified practitioners trained in the Shoemaker Protocol
Telehealth isn't a compromise—it's often superior - Expert consultations, lab interpretation, and treatment management work effectively through remote care, with local labs handling specimen collection
Standard remediation doesn't work for CIRS - The IICRC S520 standard targets general population needs; CIRS patients require particle-focused protocols that physically remove contamination
Only 4 states license mold professionals - Florida, Texas, New York, and DC have oversight; in other states, verify credentials independently and thoroughly
50% of buildings have water damage - Your zip code matters less than your building's condition; environmental testing (ERMI/HERTSMI-2) reveals risk regardless of location
Testing infrastructure exists nationwide - LabCorp and Quest provide biomarker testing everywhere; ship-to-home kits handle environmental assessment without local inspectors
Insurance coverage remains limited - Most CIRS treatment is out-of-pocket, but strategic pricing and HSA/FSA eligibility make care accessible

Related Resources

Understanding Your Condition

Testing and Diagnosis

Taking Action

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Medical Disclaimer

This guide provides educational information about finding mold illness care and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The availability of services, licensing requirements, and insurance coverage varies by state and changes over time. Always verify credentials independently and consult with qualified healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment decisions.

MoldCo connects patients with licensed healthcare providers who specialize in biotoxin illness. Individual results vary, and treatment should always be supervised by a qualified provider. Testing, diagnosis, and treatment decisions should be made in consultation with your healthcare team based on your specific circumstances.

Statistics cited in this article come from peer-reviewed research and government sources including the World Health Organization, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For current information about Shoemaker Certified practitioners, visit SurvivingMold.com. State licensing databases can be accessed through individual state regulatory websites.