Question 1

1)    Do I qualify?

Accepted Answer

·      We are willing and able to help anyone struggling with weight through our comprehensive approach.
·      Patients with a BMI of over 25 are considered candidates for treatments to help reduce weight.  We practice evidence-based medicine, and medications are generally indicated for patients with a BMI of 27 or higher in the setting of an additional risk factor.  Some medications might be approved for a BMI of 25.  We will help you choose the proper medication as well as lifestyle and nutrition modifications that will work for you.
·      BMI calculator can be found here.(https://asmbs.org/patients/bmi-calculator)
·      We also have experience treating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety and would be able to evaluate and treat you irrespective of your weight.

Question 2

2)    What to expect?

Accepted Answer

·      It is essential to understand that significant, sustainable lifestyle change and weight loss is often a one to two-year process.

·      We utilize in-person and telehealth services to provide care and will collaborate to determine which option(s) works best for you.

·      Intake Process: Your initial consultation will take approximately 45 to 90 minutes. We take an in-depth history, focusing on determining and addressing any underlying causes leading to excess weight, and review/order any necessary testing. Please understand that this in-person first visit consists entirely of data gathering. We will review your health history, measure your resting metabolic rate (RMR), take body measurements, and perform a physical exam. Additionally, you will undergo a complete bioimpedance assessment to determine your body mass components. We use all of this information to determine your individualized treatment plan, which will include nutrition, exercise, behavioral analysis, and medications as indicated. It is not until the second visit that we review medications and together form a treatment plan. We do not provide medication prescriptions on your first visit.

·      Initial Follow-Up: The first follow-up will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour. During this time, we work together to prescribe your customized plan. We thoroughly discuss the weight loss plan, including options for medications, nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral modification. We send you home with resources to contemplate which modifications work best for your lifestyle. We prescribe medication as indicated during this visit and begin counseling for nutrition and physical activity. 
·      We will see patients routinely on a bimonthly/monthly basis until patients reach a maintenance state and feel comfortable sustaining the plan.  After which, we move towards every 3-month appointments.

Question 3

3)    Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

·      Yes, we accept most major insurances.  It is your responsibility to verify if our physicians are in-network. We will also ask you for your insurance information prior to booking your first appointment.

Question 4

4)    Where can you provide care?

Accepted Answer

·      Our physicians are licensed in Illinois and Indiana and can provide telehealth services in either state.

Question 5

5)    Do you prescribe weight loss medications?

Accepted Answer

·      Yes. We prescribe medications as clinically indicated. We will help determine if these medications are covered through your insurance. Given national shortages, we will also help you to find these medications for the period necessary for your individual circumstances.

Question 6

6)  Do you have a fee for cancellation?

Accepted Answer

·     Credit card authorizations must be on file with our office prior to your first appointment. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment,  it is $ 25. No-show appointments will result in a $50 charge.

Question 7

7) Does insurance cover weight loss medication?

Accepted Answer

·     In most cases, yes, although your plan may not cover all types of medications. To be a candidate for weight loss medication, you must have a BMI of 30 or more or a BMI of at least 27 and one obesity-related comorbidity.
·     We will work with your insurance company to determine which medications are covered and find the most effective and affordable option for you. Many new drugs are now available, including some with weight loss results similar to sleeve gastrectomy.

Question 8

8) How long does it take for insurance to approve weight loss medication?

Accepted Answer

·     The timeline for each insurance company is different. Most health plans approve medications within one to four weeks.

Question 9

9) Should I check with my insurance company before I schedule an appointment for weight loss services?

Accepted Answer

·     Yes. If you are considering medical (non-surgical) weight loss options, please call your insurance company at the customer service number provided on your card so you are aware of what services are covered. Our practice will also provide a financial transparency document when you become a member of our practice. Also, please let us know if you change jobs or health plans because your coverage may change.

Question 10

10) What type of behavioral, nutritional, and lifestyle health counseling is available?

Accepted Answer

·     We have a variety of options. Individual nutritional and behavioral counseling is available. Additionally, we will have one to two weekly and virtual group sessions available.

Question 11

11) Do you offer meal replacements?

Accepted Answer

·     Yes. We have very high-quality, affordable meal replacements available with programs that can range from 800-1200 calories.  Depending on your preference, we can offer complete meal replacements during the early stages of weight loss and/or single meal replacements. All of these are nutritionally complete options that will support you during your weight loss phase. Meal replacements are optional and not required.

Question 12

12) What is priority weight monitoring?

Accepted Answer

·     Remote monitoring allows us to oversee your progress in real time. This allows for personalized treatment plans based on individual patient data, including age, medical history, and lifestyle home monitoring of weight. Studies have shown this practice results in more prosperous, sustained weight loss.

Question 13

13) Do you sell or prescribe 'compounded' weight loss/diabetes medications including Wegovy/Ozempic (semaglutide) /Zepbound/Mounjaro (tirzepitide)?

Accepted Answer

As physicians, our first priority is our patient's safety.  As such,  we  do not provide or prescribe 'compounded medications'. Please see the latest FDA update: HERE.(https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/medications-containing-semaglutide-marketed-type-2-diabetes-or-weight-loss)

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