Medical weight loss is a science-backed approach to weight loss, which involves a comprehensive plan tailored to an individual's needs and supervised by healthcare professionals. It focuses not just on diet and exercise, but also considers medical conditions, medication use, and psychological factors, with the goal of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight to improve overall health.
No, not for my services, but I do work with your insurer to get medication coverage. Choosing to bypass insurance or third-party payers allows me to provide you with superior, unobstructed care. Insurance coverage for weight management is traditionally lacking and dealing with insurance companies would divert valuable resources from direct patient care. More importantly, it empowers me to practice based on the latest evidence and my expertise in weight management, rather than being confined by an insurer's protocols. This approach keeps our relationship straightforward and patient-centered, ultimately benefitting you with uncompromised, high-quality care.
Weight loss medications can be a valuable tool for anyone experiencing even early health consequences of excess body weight. Typically medications are reserved for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 and higher, or 27 and higher if they also have weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. However, it is possible that you may meet other metabolic criteria (such as visceral or abdominal adiposity, genetic predisposition, or serious metabolic health risks) that indicate the need for medication. Additionally, those who are dealing with the health consequences of excess weight and need a more structured, medical approach to weight loss could benefit from these medications. This is why I perform a comprehensive weight wellness visit for every patient starting at my practice.
For the safety and welfare of my patients, I firmly advocate the use of FDA-approved medications, such as Wegovy, from regulated pharmacies, rather than compounding pharmacies. Compounding pharmacies, although they can provide valuable services in certain circumstances, lack the stringent oversight and consistent production processes that come with FDA-approved pharmaceuticals. This can lead to variations in dosage and purity, which could affect efficacy and safety. As for selling my own medications, it could potentially create a conflict of interest. My primary role is to provide you with the best medical advice, not to sell you products. Thus, I believe prescriptions should be filled independently to maintain the integrity of our patient-physician relationship.
I welcome patients who are grappling with the early health impacts of excess weight, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or fatty liver disease, among others. These are individuals who recognize the need for change, often spurred by a conversation with their primary care provider about the necessity to achieve a healthier weight.
My patients' ages range from early career to retirement, most of them balancing their health needs alongside a bustling life. They value the convenience and privacy of Telehealth consultations, understanding that weight management is a journey that doesn't require disruptive clinic visits. While they are ready and willing to commit to positive lifestyle changes, they also understand the benefit of having a medical professional guiding their weight management journey.
Lastly, my patients are those who appreciate the quality and individualized care that comes from investing in their health. They understand that out-of-pocket investment in their health now can pay dividends for their overall well-being and longevity in the future.
Telehealth is a digital technology that enables healthcare professionals to provide healthcare services remotely. It leverages the internet and digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patient health, provide health education, and deliver care in a more convenient and flexible manner.
For patients, Telehealth means you can access medical services from the comfort of your home, office, or wherever you have a stable internet connection. This not only saves time on travel and waiting in clinics, but it also provides a secure and private environment for you to discuss your health concerns. In the case of my practice, I use Telehealth technology to deliver personalized weight management plans and to monitor progress in real-time, ensuring the best possible care for my patients.
Medical weight management is far from 'unnatural'. It's about using all the tools and resources available to achieve sustainable weight loss and improve health. Our bodies are complex systems and weight management can be influenced by a variety of factors including genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. Just as we use medicine to manage conditions like hypertension or diabetes, using medication as a part of a comprehensive weight management plan simply means addressing all aspects of this complex issue. It's a smart, holistic approach to achieving and maintaining a healthier weight.
Prescribing the right weight management medication is an art that requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of each patient's unique health and social profile. It's not a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Each medication has its own unique mechanism of action, potential side effects, and interactions. Additionally cost and coverage issues can be an unfortunate limiting factor. As an expert in this field, I consider various factors such as your medical history, current health status, lifestyle, personal preferences, and insurance coverage/costs when choosing the most suitable medication for you. The goal is to optimize efficacy while minimizing potential risks, to support your journey towards sustainable weight loss and improved health.
Out of respect for myself and my patients I kindly request that all visits are cancelled or rescheduled 24-hours in advance. If a schedule change is necessary within 24-hours I charge a $20 cancellation fee. Additionally, I make a consistent effort to run on time all of the time, so I do ask that my patients return this effort. If you are unable to be reached within 5 minutes of your visit, I will ask you to reschedule and you will be required to pay the $20 cancellation fee.
