Frequently Asked Questions

Weight Loss Program
Peptides
Hormone Optimization
Functional Medicine

Weight Loss Program

  • Over 80% of patients (not on GLP-1s) regain their weight and then some after a significant weight loss. This can be due to your body initiating compensatory mechanisms to help the body get back to the previous, higher, weight where it felt it’s previous homeostasis— it’s “set point.”

    Compensatory Mechanism:

    • Slows metabolic rate

    • Thermogenesis: your muscles work more efficiently to conserve calories (a walk that used to burn 300 calories now only burns 250 calories)

    • Crave calorie dense foods, high carb and sugar

    • Increase ghrelin (hunger) hormone secretion to increase appetite

    Now with GLP-1s, they suppress these compensatory mechanisms. It is wise to support the body through the post weight loss phase. Perhaps the body will soon recognize it’s new weight as it’s new “set point” and will stop trying to fight back. This is estimated between 3-12 months time frame. If you are discontinuing GLP-1, I do recommend a slow taper over time,

  • At this time, I don’t offer payment plans. I previously did, but unfortunately experienced too many issues with declined cards and patients discontinuing treatment. That said, I’ve negotiated excellent pricing with the compounding pharmacies I work with—when you compare cost per milligram, it’s some of the best pricing available.

  • It depends on your goals, comfort level, and budget. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are both FDA-approved medications and widely used in compounded form. Retatrutide is newer and still considered experimental, but it shows promise.

    • Semaglutide is more affordable and effective, though about 30% of users experience nausea.

    • Tirzepatide and Retatrutide are generally better tolerated with fewer GI side effects and may offer stronger metabolic benefits.

    Dosing is tailored based on your response: we adjust it to find the lowest effective dose with minimal side effects.

  • The plan includes a custom nutrition, supplement, and movement strategy based on your intake form, medical history, and lifestyle. If you choose to do labs or genetic testing, we use those results to personalize things even further.

    • Nutrition plans focus on optimizing protein intake and reducing inflammation.

    • Supplement plans may support hormone balance, gut health, or metabolism.

    • Movement plans vary based on your baseline—whether you’re just starting out or already active, I’ll meet you where you are.

    • Stress reduction is SO important in overall longevity and esepcially weight loss. Guidance and recommendations are provided.

    • Sleep is probably the most important of all the lifestyle factors. Sleep improvement plans will be included as well.

  • The baseline lab panel evaluates key areas of health, including:

    • Metabolic health: insulin, A1C, glucose

    • Lipid profile: ApoB, HDL, LDL

    • Hormones: thyroid, testosterone, estrogen, DHEA, progesterone

    • Nutrients: Vitamin D, B12

    • Inflammation: hs-CRP, Homocysteine

    • General: CBC (blood counts, anemia), CMP (kidney, liver, electrolytes)

    These markers help us identify any underlying contributors to weight gain, fatigue, or other symptoms, and allow for targeted, evidence-based interventions.

  • You’ll have access to my direct line via text and email for quick questions and support. Many patients say this is one of the biggest advantages of my practice—unlike other programs with bots or rotating staff, you’ll be in direct contact with me. I’m also available for urgent issues, as my background includes ER and urgent care medicine.

  • These 20–30 minute check-ins include:

    • Reviewing side effects and adjusting medication if needed

    • Discussing progress on nutrition, exercise, sleep, bowel movements, and stress

    • Setting or refining goals

      These sessions are a great time to stay accountable, track momentum, and make tweaks to keep you moving forward.

  • Once you’ve reached your goal, you transition to the Maintenance Plan ($79/month). You’ll still have access to me, prescription refills, and the option to book video visits (up to once a month). Most patients remain on a steady dose and enter what I like to call “cruise control”—we’re no longer actively adjusting treatment unless something changes.

  • There’s a 3-month minimum commitment when joining the program. If a patient experiences side effects or doesn’t tolerate the medication, I will waive that requirement. However, to discourage patients from cycling in and out of treatment, rejoining the program after quitting restarts at $299/month with a new 3-month minimum.

  • We’ll work together to troubleshoot. Most side effects can be managed by lowering the dose or addressing other factors (like hydration or diet). If you’re not seeing results, it may be a matter of increasing the dose—some patients require a higher dose to respond fully, and I guide you through that process.

  • Yes! I can send lab orders to Quest Diagnostics, and patients can typically use their insurance to cover the costs. These labs include the traditional panels (lipids, insulin, thyroid, etc.), though not advanced functional labs like micronutrient panels or hormone metabolites. If you are self-pay, the full panel is around $330. I can always adjust this panel as needed for budget. Your insurance will be billed a much higher rate, and they may bill you for partial payment. Coverage varies, but so far, my patients have had good experiences using their insurance. I always like to provide the self-pay rate in case patients prefer a no-surprise cost.

  • Results depend on your starting habits and willingness to make lifestyle changes. That said, 1.5–2 pounds per week is a healthy and realistic rate of weight loss. Most patients lose 40–50 lbs in 6 months, especially when they’re also consistent with movement and nutrition. Some lose weight faster, others slower—it’s all about progress and sustainability.

  • Absolutely. I submit prior authorizations through CoverMyMeds and advocate strongly for my patients. I’ve had high success rates, though approvals depend on whether your insurance plan includes the medication and if you meet the criteria.

    I highly recommend first calling your insurance company to ask if the medication is “on formulary",” because if they do not offer coverage, then even if you meet criteria for coverage, you will not be able to get it. If it is on formulary, then there is a chance we can get it covered if you meet certain criteria.

    • A body composition reading is more important than a weight as this shows you the body fat percentage vs muscle mass. We want to lose fat and gain muscle. 

    • Measuring your energy level, mood, and how your clothes fit is also a better measure than the scale.

    Schedule your baseline composition scan at Fitnescity or Dexafit (all over US), BodySpec (Los Angeles) or LiveLean (ATL).

  • Every vial can have a different concentration/strength of medication. Do not compare your dose to someone else’s. Your volume administered will depend on the strength of the compound.

    • Brand-name GLP-1 medications are made by pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. These medications are FDA-approved, meaning they’ve been tested for safety, quality, and effectiveness. They are manufactured at approved facilities and are only available in set, pre-determined dosage strengths.

      Both companies also offer direct-to-patient pharmacy options with self-pay pricing, which may reduce costs depending on eligibility.

      Compounded GLP-1 medications are prepared by licensed U.S. compounding pharmacies that are regulated by state pharmacy boards. These pharmacies follow strict standards for sterility and quality, often including third-party testing. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved in the same way as brand-name drugs but are made to meet individual patient needs.

      Key differences:

      • Cost: Compounded versions are often more affordable, especially at lower doses

      • Flexibility: Doses can be customized based on your tolerance and goals, rather than fixed commercial dosing

    • Most common is nausea. Usually occurs for 1 day when you take your shot or increase your dose. We provide a nausea medicine prescription for this. 

    • Acid reflux can occur if you overeat. Rarely vomiting can occur if you overeat a lot. 

    • In rare cases of hypersensitivity, I have seen diarrhea and/or vomiting on the low starting dose.

    • If you get headaches, dizziness, or fatigue - you are likely dehydrated. These medicines should actually increase your energy levels. 

    • Tirzepatide is fairly protective over nausea compared to semaglutide.

    • Some patients get a local injection site reaction that causes a small redness, itchy bump at the site of injection. This can occur after a few injections and usually means your immune system is trying to reject the peptide. If this happens to you, please notify your provider. There are steps you can take to mitigate this, but safety to continue is always the first concern. 

    • I believe in the "set point" theory of weight loss, which suggests that your body has a preferred weight it tries to maintain. This is why over 80% of people who lose a significant amount of weight tend to regain it. After losing weight, your body activates mechanisms that 1) slow down your metabolism, 2) increase cravings for high-calorie foods (like carbs and sweets), 3) make your muscles work more efficiently to save calories, and 4) increase hunger hormone levels. The great thing about medications like GLP-1 and GIPs is that they help suppress these mechanisms.

    • It's believed that after losing weight, your body will eventually recognize and accept a new set point weight. However, the exact time frame for this process is currently unknown and likely varies from person to person. The general recommendation is to stay on these medications for 3-12 months after reaching your target weight to help prevent regaining it. During this time, it's essential to eat healthily and engage in weight training to maximize long-term success.

    • Additionally, how long you need to stay on these medications can depend on your genetics and family history. If you have good genetics and no history of being overweight or obese in your family, you might be able to stop the medication after reaching your goal weight and maintain it.

    • However, due to factors like age, genetics, and hormonal changes, most people may need to stay on a low dose of these medications to maintain their optimal weight.

    • There are also other medications, such as oral metformin or berberine supplements, that can help with blood sugar control and may reduce appetite and cravings to some extent.

    • It keeps you fuller for longer and you get fuller quicker, thus reducing overall calorie intake. Being in a daily calorie deficit is anti-aging and will improve your longevity. 

    • It provides a tight control of your blood sugar, so even for someone with normal pancreatic function (no diabetes or prediabetes), this tight control can have amazing effects on energy improvement, sleep, and improve longevity. 

    • It affects a center in your brain that controls cravings, emotional eating and turns off your general thoughts about food. You are triggered to eat when you are hungry, and you stop when you are not. You feel satisfied! Doctors are actually starting to treat addiction with this medication due to this side effect. In addition, they are reporting that these medications are more effective than bariatric surgery due to the effect it has on the brain and calorie restriction. **AMAZING! 

    • It improves your body’s energy expenditure and allows your body to burn the calories you are consuming more effectively, thus releasing fat as energy instead of storing it

    • It raises your body’s resting metabolic rate (as long as you are doing resistance training!)

    • These GLP-1 agonist medications have been on the market since 2005, and no human harm has been reported. However, with any medication you must weigh the risk and the benefit of taking it. The potential for a long term “unknown” risk is present, but you must weigh that against the benefits that the medication is providing you in the present day. It is up to the patient to make this decision after weighing both sides. 

    • If you do not protein supplement or stay active, there are long term concerns for losing muscle mass and thus losing bone density. These are both preventable by staying on top of this! 

    Long-Term BENEFITS of GLP-1s: 5 min podcast episode

  • In addition to weight loss, your hemoglobin A1C levels improve (blood sugar control), reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, energy levels typically improve, visceral fat decreases, mood can improve, motivation can improve.

  • All patients start with at least one month of $299 as this is to cover the initial onboarding consultation. Depending on your situation, you may be able to drop to the Maintenance Plan for $79/month on month 2 or the $149/month if you do not need intensive accountability for lifestyle changes, etc. This will be a joint decision between you and your medical provider during the first visit. You may send questions to jessica@wellbeingsmedical.com if you have additional questions regarding your specific situation.

    • The first month is a low starting dose to get your body adjusted to this new medication. The first month is crucial, if you increase your dose too quickly, you can become very ill –nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain.

    • You may lose 3-5 lbs your first month if you are also active and eating healthy. Months 2-3 is when you may start to notice a difference.

    • I recommend not even checking the scale until week 6 or later.

    • Muscle mass is SO important for longevity and overall health

    • GLP-1s are actually good for muscle - they improve blood flow, reduce fatty infiltration, and improve insulin sensitivity in muscles.

    • However, if you do not get your protein in daily - you will lose muscle.

    • You should supplement with protein, amino acids, and creatinine daily.

    • The goal is to get the most protein with the least amount of calories and smallest volume each day.

    • To activate muscle protein synthesis, you must get 30g per meal. If you do not hit 30g per meal, you will not activate these pathways to build muscle.

    • Ideally, you want to “drink aminos or eat/drink 30g of protein” within 30 minutes of waking and within an hour of exercise

    • Staying active each day (even walking/avoiding sedentarism) while incorporating 2-4 days of other types of training will build muscle on these medications.

    • Even with all of the above, you may still lose some muscle mass. Think of your muscle like a marbled steak.. your overall mass may go down, but the leaner you get, the leaner your muscle will also get. The “mass” you are losing may actually just be losing fat from your muscle.

Peptides

  • Peptides are short chains of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). Injectable peptides are administered via a small needle (usually subcutaneous) to influence specific biological processes like hormone signaling, tissue repair, or metabolism.

  • People explore peptides for:

    • Muscle growth and recovery

    • Fat loss and metabolism support

    • Skin health and anti-aging

    • Injury healing and tissue repair

    • Sleep and cognitive support

    Note: Many uses are experimental or not FDA-approved.

  • Hormone

    A hormone is a signaling molecule produced by glands in the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream to regulate the activity of specific organs or tissues. Hormones act as messengers that help control processes like growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

    Hormones can belong to different chemical classes, including peptides, steroids, and amines—so while some hormones are peptides, not all are.

    Peptide

    A peptide refers to a type of molecule made of short chains of amino acids. Peptides can serve many roles in the body, including acting as signaling molecules.

    Some peptides function as hormones (like insulin), while others act locally in the body, such as cytokines or growth factors, influencing cells, enzymes, or tissues. Peptides typically bind to specific receptors and trigger targeted biological responses.

    Steroid

    A steroid is a class of molecules derived from cholesterol. Many steroids function as hormones (such as testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol), but not all steroids are hormones.

    Steroids are structurally very different from peptides:

    • Peptides are made of amino acid chains

    • Steroids are lipid-based molecules derived from cholesterol

    Because of this, no steroid is a peptide, and they act differently in the body—often by entering cells and directly influencing gene expression.

  • Most are given via:

    • Subcutaneous injection (under the skin, e.g., abdomen or thigh)

    Users typically use insulin syringes with very small needles.

  • When considering peptides, the first question everyone should ask themselves is if they can administer a subcutaneous needle injection. If you are unable to inject yourself, peptides are not going to be for you! The majority of peptides are an injectable route. This is due to absorption issues through oral formulations. Nasal sprays can be effective, but there is only so much your delicate nasal tissue can take!

  • Most injectable peptides are a daily injection due to the short-half life of the peptides. Meaning that they are metabolized quickly and disappear in your system. GLP-1s have become extremely popular in part because the drug company’s were able to tweak the chemical structure to extend the half life from hours to almost a week, thus only requiring a once a week injection.

  • Safety varies widely depending on:

    • The specific peptide

    • Dosage and frequency

    • Product quality and source

    Potential risks include:

    • Injection site reactions

    • Hormonal imbalances

    • Unknown long-term effects

    Always consult a qualified healthcare professional. All peptides are sourced from a reputable and licensed 503A and B compounding pharmacy in the US.

  • For medically approved peptides, yes.
    Many peptides sold online do not require prescriptions but are often labeled for research use and may not be regulated for safety or purity.

  • Generally, discomfort is minimal. Most people describe it as:

    • A quick pinch

    • Mild irritation at the injection site

    Some formulations can have a thicker solution and can sting a little more during injection.

  • This varies:

    • Some effects (like sleep) may appear quickly

    • Others (fat loss, muscle gain, healing) may take weeks to months

    • GHK-Cu (skin peptide) can take up to 3 -4 months to see the full effect. Your skin may even get worse before it gets better!

    Consistency and proper dosing matter.

  • Possible side effects include:

    • Water retention

    • Headaches

    • Fatigue

    • Increased hunger

    • Tingling or numbness

    • Injection site redness

    Serious side effects are possible depending on the compound.

  • Yes. Many peptides influence hormone pathways such as:

    • Growth hormone

    • Insulin

    • Cortisol

    This is why medical supervision is important.

  • Most peptides:

    • Must be refrigerated after mixing

    • Should be kept away from light and heat

  • All compounded products are required to have a Best Use Date on the vial. Many peptides are still potent long after this. That being said, you must keep your peptide in the fridge when possible and ensure you are wiping your vial before each puncture and using a sterile needle to keep the vial from becoming contaminated. Never inject yourself then puncture the top of the vial and re-use the needle. Always use a new, clean and sterile needle when puncturing the top of the vial.

  • Some users combine peptides (“stacking”), but:

    • Interactions are not always well studied

    • Risks increase with complexity

    Professional guidance is strongly recommended.

  • There are no universally approved protocols for most peptides, as many are not FDA-approved. However, cycling is commonly recommended—often around three months on followed by one month off—to help prevent receptor desensitization, where the body becomes less responsive over time.

    Additionally, some peptides influence hormone pathways. Taking breaks allows the body to return to its natural baseline and helps maintain normal hormone function, rather than relying continuously on external stimulation.

  • People who should be cautious or avoid use:

    • Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals

    • Those with cancer or a history of tumors

    • Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions

    • Anyone without medical supervision

  • Some peptides are studied for fat metabolism and appetite regulation, but:

    • Results vary

    • They are not magic solutions

    • Diet and exercise remain essential

  • No. Peptides signal the body to produce or regulate processes Steroids are synthetic hormones. However, both can impact hormone systems.

  • There are some peptides that can easily be added together, while others you may want to do at different periods throughout the year alternating use instead of stacking together. Compliance and budget are also factors when considering how many you would prefer to do at one time.

Hormone Optimization

  • Hormone optimization is a medical approach to restoring hormone levels to a healthy, balanced range to help you feel and function your best. This can impact energy, mood, metabolism, sleep, and overall well-being.

  • We commonly assess:

    • Testosterone

    • Estrogen

    • Progesterone

    • Thyroid hormones

    • Cortisol

    • DHEA

    Your provider will determine what’s appropriate based on your symptoms and goals.

  • You’ll begin with:

    1. A health consultation

    2. Comprehensive lab testing

    3. A personalized treatment plan based on your results

  • Treatment plans may include:

    • Lifestyle and nutrition guidance

    • Supplements

    • Prescription therapies (when appropriate), including hormone replacement

    All plans are customized to the individual.

  • When prescribed and monitored by a qualified medical provider, hormone therapy can be safe and effective. Ongoing lab work and follow-ups help ensure optimal dosing and minimize risks.

    For women on HRT, I highly recommend a DUTCH urine test. This will look at how you body is metabolizing estrogen including methylation and detox pathways. This sounds complex, but your body has 3 main estrogen pathways and one is highly protective while the other two are not so protective and can lead to tissue overgrowth and cancer. The DUTCH panel is the best way to evaluate your body’s unique metabolism, so if unbalanced, we can work to balance the metabolism to a more favorable and protective pathway for longterm hormone use.

    For men, hormones are an amazing quality of life and longevity tool, however, you will need to continue getting your PSA checked annually.

    Hormone therapy does not cause cancer, but if a cancer were to develop and it is “hormone receptor positive” then the hormones would help the cancer grow. Continuing with annual recommended cancer screenings is a must on hormones!

  • ItemSome people notice improvements in energy, sleep, and mood within a few weeks. More significant changes (body composition, hormone balance) typically take a few months. description

  • Not necessarily. Some people benefit from short-term optimization, while others choose longer-term therapy depending on their goals and how their body responds. If your hormones are out of balance due to lifestyle choices, once corrected, you may be able to discontinue.

  • Yes. Lab testing is essential to safely and accurately assess your hormone levels and guide your treatment plan.

  • No. Hormone imbalances can occur at many ages. Both men and women may benefit depending on symptoms and lab results.

  • I cannot speak on the experience of Tia, but I am thankful to anyone in the space who is helping women understand and navigate hormone changes. I do believe most patients enjoy my style of medicine and thoughtfulness when it comes to seeking out a personal plan for each patient. Sometimes companies like Tia are bound by protocols, red tape, rigid suppliers etc. Since I own my practice and am the sole medical provider, I can truly find solutions using any treatment modality I feel is appropriate.

    I have also worked on both the business and clinical sides of healthcare, and work to bring a model that benefits both.

    I am trained in functional medicine and hormones, bringing that knowledge to each encounter.

    Unfortunately what you cannot get through my practice is any in-person care as I am telemedicine only.

  • No. I work with other providers. In my experience, most conventionally trained physicians, NP, and PAs are not comfortable or knowledgeable enough in the hormone space. I prefer to be an “accessory” provider, adding value and care to your hormone journey. OBGYN are absolutely still needed for women for annual exams, Pap smears, breast exams, mammogram mangement, etc.

  • The monthly fee is self-pay, however, I try to allow my patients to utilize their insurance where we can whether it be certain labs or medication costs.

  • What did the WHI originally report?

    In the early 2000s, the Women’s Health Initiative reported that hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—especially estrogen + progestin—was linked to increased risks of:

    • Breast cancer

    • Heart disease

    • Stroke

    • Blood clots

    This led to a major decline in HRT use.

    What did later re-evaluations find?

    As researchers took a closer look at the data over time, several important clarifications emerged:

    1. Age and timing matter

    • Risks were not the same for all women

    • Women who started HRT before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause had:

      • Lower risks

      • Potential cardiovascular benefits

    👉 This became known as the “timing hypothesis”

    2. Absolute risk was small

    • The increased risks seen in the original study were statistically significant but small in absolute terms

    • For many women, especially younger postmenopausal women, the benefits may outweigh the risks

    3. Estrogen-only therapy looked different

    • Women who had a hysterectomy and used estrogen alone:

      • Did not show increased breast cancer risk

      • In some analyses, had a reduced risk of breast cancer

    4. Population studied was older than typical patients

    • The average participant was around 63 years old, often many years past menopause

    • This is not representative of women who typically start HRT (usually late 40s–50s)

    5. Route and type of hormones matter

    • WHI primarily studied oral synthetic hormones

    • Newer approaches (e.g., transdermal, bioidentical options) may have different risk profiles, though not all were studied in WHI

    Bottom line

    • The original WHI findings were overgeneralized

    • Modern interpretation shows that HRT can be safe and beneficial for many women, especially when:

      • Started early in menopause

      • Personalized to the patient

      • Properly monitored

  • If you are still cycling, you will see a balancing of hormones which can equate to better sleep, more stable mood, and overall feeling of wellness.

    If you are going through menopause, you will get relief from your classic menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disruption.

    If you are past menopause, you can still start HRT. There are many benefits such as heart health, brain function, muscle and bone health, as well as skin integrity improvements. The earlier you start the better!

Functional Medicine

  • What is functional medicine?

    Functional medicine is a personalized approach to healthcare that focuses on finding and treating the root cause of symptoms, rather than just managing them.

    How is it different from traditional medicine?

    Instead of only treating symptoms, functional medicine looks at:

    • Why the issue is happening

    • How different systems in the body are connected

    • Lifestyle factors like nutrition, sleep, stress, and environment

    What does it involve?

    Functional medicine may include:

    • Advanced lab testing like micronutrient, 24 hour cortisol, genetic test, hormone metabolite test, stool testing.

    • Nutrition and lifestyle changes

    • Targeted supplements

    • Personalized treatment plans

    What conditions can it help with?

    It’s commonly used for:

    • Hormone imbalances

    • Fatigue and low energy

    • Digestive issues

    • Weight concerns

    • Chronic inflammation

    Simple way to think about it:

    • Traditional medicine = treat the symptom

    • Functional medicine = find and fix the root cause

  • This is a common concern. Functionally trained providers approach the body from a broader, more integrative perspective. They may order more comprehensive labs and interpret results differently, looking for patterns rather than isolated values.

    In many cases, traditional specialists are highly focused on a specific area, which can sometimes overlook how different systems in the body are connected.

    A key aspect of functional medicine is taking a deeper look at your health history—examining the years leading up to symptoms and identifying potential triggers that contributed to changes in your health.

  • Traditionally trained medical providers often specialize in a specific field, which can sometimes lead to a more siloed approach to care. Symptoms are frequently treated as separate conditions, even though they may be connected across multiple systems in the body.

    For example:

    • Migraines may be treated by a neurologist with medication

    • Painful periods by a gynecologist with birth control

    • Anxiety or sleep issues by a psychiatrist with medications like SSRIs or sleep aids

    While each treatment may help individually, the underlying connection between these symptoms is not always addressed.

    A functional medicine provider takes a more comprehensive view, asking how all symptoms may be related. Often, there are one or two underlying (“upstream”) imbalances contributing to multiple issues. By identifying and addressing these root causes, many symptoms can improve together.

    In some cases, something like an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone may contribute to migraines, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and menstrual symptoms. A treatment approach may focus on supporting hormone balance through targeted nutrition, stress reduction, improving digestion and elimination, and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes—rather than adding multiple medications for each symptom.

    Instead of viewing the body as separate systems (neurology, gastroenterology, dermatology, psychology), functional medicine looks at the core processes that affect every cell and system, including:

    • Nutrient absorption and digestion

    • Immune function and repair

    • Energy production

    • Detoxification

    • Hormone signaling and communication

    • Circulation and transport

    • Structural integrity

    • Mental, emotional, and spiritual health

  • While both approaches focus on optimizing health, they have different primary goals and starting points.

    Functional Medicine

    Functional medicine focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of symptoms or disease.

    • Goal: Fix current health issues and restore balance

    • Approach: Looks at history, lifestyle, and body systems together

    • Best for: People experiencing symptoms like fatigue, hormone imbalance, gut issues, or inflammation

    👉 Think: “Why do I feel this way, and how do we fix it?”

    Longevity Medicine

    Longevity medicine focuses on extending lifespan and improving healthspan (how well you age).

    • Goal: Prevent disease and slow aging

    • Approach: Uses advanced diagnostics, prevention strategies, and performance optimization

    • Best for: People who feel relatively well but want to optimize long-term health and aging

    👉 Think: “How do I live longer and stay healthier while doing it?”

    Key Difference

    • Functional medicine = reactive + restorative (fix what’s wrong)

    • Longevity medicine = proactive + preventative (optimize for the future)

  • This depends on the patient, but typically we start with an initial 60 minute visit. From here we order our initial labs that we may need and start with some basic lifestyle adjustments as needed. Most patients followup every 3-4 months for check-in visits or earlier if needed.

  • This answer is convoluted!

    From a medical standpoint, insurance really limits care. Insurance typically covers what is “standard of care” but not always what is best for the patient. For labs, they usually cover what they deem is “medically necessary.” This limited scope misses many lab abnormalities, as you have probably experienced by getting “normal results” over and over yet still not feeling well. it’s unfortunate but standard of care treatment is usually the bare minimum, and behind by 15+ years of updated science and advancements. The rate of discover in science, thanks to AI, is exploding and standard of care is just not cutting it for most.

    From a practical standpoint, most functional medicine practices are solo provider practices. Insurance companies typically take 3+ months to reimburse and reimburse at unpredictable rates. It is hard to run a small business without consistent cash flow. In order to provide this important service, it has to be run on self-pay.

    I do try to offer insurance coverage where we can for labs and medication costs. I also accept HSA/FSA cards for any of the expenses, as they are all medical related.