Services and Fees

This program can be a very effective and powerful means of weight loss.  Patients may expect to lose between 7-12 pounds on this program per month.  Some patients may lose more or less depending on individual dietary and exercise performance.  As a result, initial considerations and regular follow-up are important.

The decisions for therapy are based on recommendations by the physician with agreement by the client.  These recommendations are based on a physician’s careful medical history, physical examination and diagnostic examinations by lab/blood work and EKG.  Patients must meet a minimum requirement of being overweight by having a BMI (body mass index) of 25 or greater or a body fat percentage that is elevated. (For females: >30%, for males >25%)

There are several plans available to our clients depending on what the physician and the client perceive is needed.  Services include the following:

This program includes the use of medications, dietary consultation and an exercise prescription to treat obesity or overweight. The initial consultation and physical examination for the program is $20.  Larger fees do not apply because not everyone will qualify to enter into the program. 

Diagnostic workup will need to be done which includes an EKG and certain lab work.  The fee for these services will be $140.

(Note: If a patient had the required lab work and EKG performed within the previous 60 days and brings in that information, then the lab fee will be waived.  Furthermore, the first visit will be treated as the Program Initiation Appointment (see below) to decrease delay in therapy.)    

Laboratory workup required includes the following:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Basic Metabolic Profile (also known as Chem-8)
• Hepatic Function Panel (also known as Liver Function Tests)
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• Lipid Profile

If you are found to be fit for our program, you will be asked to return to our office for a Program Initiation Appointment.  At this time, medications will be dispensed here in the office or prescribed depending on what medication is recommended for you.  Initial dietary consultation will be made and a plan for physical exercise will be discussed.  We will also make arrangements for you to meet with our registered dietitian.

The breakdown of the initial visit fees are the following:

*If the first visit is actually the Program Initiation Appointment due to no need for lab or EKG being performed, then the total cost for the Physician portion of the visit will be included.)

The client will follow-up with the physician and dietician every 4 weeks from that point onward.  Every 4 weeks the client will receive medications, a B12 injection and as needed follow-up lab according to a schedule.  The fees every 4 weeks will average $145 (varying from $115 to $170 dollars depending on the services provided according to the treatment schedule.  At the 4th and 36th week mark, limited lab work will be done to monitor liver function tests to assess for safety.  Treatment will continue until the patient achieves the desired goal.  The client may continue to follow-up with the physician and/or dietician as needed for maintenance.

This therapeutic program includes all of the services provided under the “Teach Me to Live Right” program with the addition of psychological services for behavioral modification.  Individual consultations provided by a licensed psychologist and group sessions are available.  The client requiring psychological services would typically have two individual sessions with the psychologist and two group sessions (as numbers of participants become available) per month initially.  The typical client may require this intensive therapy for 5-6 months and then reduce visits with the psychologist as needed.  Therapy will be based on effect.

From time to time, someone may fall off the proverbial wagon.  This program is strictly for those who have a good understanding of physical exercise requirements and dietary consideration but need the extra boost of medication therapy and following by a physician during the process of getting re-established.  Lab work and EKG may or may not have to be done prior to start of the program depending on how recently they have been performed, but a physician’s exam is required.  Limited dietary consultation with the physician may be discussed.

*If the first visit is actually the Program Initiation Appointment due to no need for lab or EKG being performed, then the total cost for the Physician portion of the visit will be included.)

Fees for follow-up appointments vary between $75 to $130 depending on the services provided and are based on the treatment schedule.  Lab work will be done after 4 weeks to assess for safety.

If it has been recommended by a patient’s primary care physician that a patient be sent to a bariatric surgeon for consideration for gastric bypass, lap band procedure or gastric sleeve procedure, pre-surgical evaluation may be needed depending on a patient’s insurance requirements.  These services are offered by referral from a bariatric surgeon for a nominal fee.

The fee for a 6 month program of pre-surgical evaluation is $600 ($100 per month).  This fee includes ongoing physician evaluation, dietary consultation, monitoring of weight and BMI and correspondence between insurance companies and the bariatric surgeon.  If certain insurance companies require longer intervals of evaluation, then the fee will extend prorated to that time-frame.

Payment for services is rendered in full before services are given.  Refunds will be made for any services that have not rendered to the patient in the case that a patient is found to not be able to continue in the program after the initial examination.

Payments may be made in cash, personal check, cashier’s check or credit card.  Money orders will not be accepted.  A fee for a returned check will be made in the case of insufficient funds.