Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept insurance?
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We do not take insurance in our office, to cover your visit. However, we do accept Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flex Spending Accounts (FSA). HSA and FSA will cover all services and products at our facility.
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If you have insurance, this may be used for your prescription medications (please bring your prescription insurance card on your first visit).
1.
What should I bring on my first visit?
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If you have scheduled an initial weight loss evaluation, please bring in a current, valid driver's license and your prescription insurance card.
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A list of all your medications (dose, how prescribed, and reason prescribed).
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An official copy of your most recent labs (within past 12 months). This can also be requested in the office on your first visit or an order may be provided to you.
2.
How much weight can I expect to lose on your program?
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Most clients who incorporate healthy lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, physical activity and behavior modifications can expect to lose 1 - 2 pounds per week on average.
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For example, I (Mrs. Staten, owner) lost 70 pounds over the course of nine months, with the use of medications, behavior changes, and strict dietary logging. This is an average of 1.9 pounds per week. It may not seem like much when you quantify it on a weekly basis, but every bit counts, so just stick with it and eventually you will reach your goal. ​
3.
What kind of food will I have to eat?
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We focus on eating regular foods. Although, we do encourage supplements while actively losing weight, this is to protect your body from losing essential nutrients, vitamins, and muscles.
4.
How long will it take to achieve my weight loss goal?
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Everyone progresses at different rates, throughout their weight loss journey. There may be factors that cause you to have slower progress than others such as stress, underlying health conditions, depression, frustration, high expectations and many others.
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A rule of thumb is: if you have 30 pounds of weight or more to lose, expect a time frame of 4 - 6 months depending on how consistent, persistent, and determined you are to change your lifestyle.
5.
How much does medications cost?
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Medication cost varies depending on your insurance. If your insurance carrier covers obesity medications you can expect to pay $0 - $35 per month for most medications.
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If you do not have insurance, prescription cost can range from $15 - $80 per month, with most clients averaging $30.
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Your nurse practitioner will always take in consideration the cost of your medications when developing your plan. So you can feel reassured your weight loss plan will be affordable.
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You may contact your prescription insurance provider and ask if they cover obesity medications, to get a more accurate amount of prescription cost.
6.
How much will this program cost me?
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This will depend on the program you choose.
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Prescription program clients should allocate a monthly amount of $50 - $125 (after your initial weight loss evaluation). This estimation includes the cost of medications.
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Injection program clients should allocate a weekly amount of $18 - $50 or a monthly amount of $72 - $180.
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Supplement program clients should allocate a monthly amount of $30 - $60.
The amounts are only an estimate, and vary based on insurance, discounts, promotions, loyalty rewards, and package deals. Ask us about ways in which you can save money.
7.
Does the medications, supplements, and injections have any side effects?
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All medications, supplements, and injections may have a potential for side effects. Our goal is to provide safe, quality healthcare to our clients. Therefore, we evaluate your health, medications and previous experience with medications, supplements, and injections to choose the best option for you. Providing the practitioner with complete and accurate health information is imperative to reducing the risk of adverse side effects.
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You will be provided with literature, for supplements and injections, in order to determine if this is a good option for you.
8.
I have had weight loss surgery, can I attend this program?
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Many of our clients, have had weight loss surgery. Some have lost weight and regained it and others have lost weight and kept it off, but have reached a plateau. Regardless of your situation, yes you can attend our program. Because we continue to teach you lifestyle changes and behavior modifications, on your visits, you will build the habits necessary, to maintain your continued weight loss.
9.
I have physical limitations that do not allow me to exercise. Can I still lose weight?
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Absolutely, positively yes! Your dietary behaviors is the most important factor towards your weight loss success, next to changing your thoughts about food and physical activity.
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Always remember, "there is no exercise plan, that can out-do a bad diet". Our nurse practitioner will help assist you in making the necessary dietary changes, as well as, find innovative ways in which you can incorporate alternative physical exercise. Your plan will be tailored to meet your specific needs, so there is no one-size-fits-all.
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