Rather than focusing just on dropping a few pounds, we offer support that considers you as a whole person, including your personal goals and your unique metabolic needs, as well as your long-term health. Programs marketing "weight loss" typically offer quick fixes that may support weight loss initially, but often are difficult to sustain long-term and end up resulting in future weight gain. yfocusing on weight management, we look to set realistic and sustainable goalsthat can be maintained for the long-term.

If your Virtual Clinic visits are in network with your insurance, you still may have a deductible to meet and co-pays. Please verify those amounts with your insurance company before you begin treatment so that you understand costs and the number of visits covered.

If you're uninsured or out of network under your plan,Virtual Clinic can bill you direct for payment for services (self-pay). Please note that we do not offer a sliding scale for payments.

The cost for an initial self-pay visit with a dietitian is $199 and with a doctor it is $250. The cost for a self-pay follow up visit with a dietitian is $119 and with a doctor it is $199.

Your initial appointment with a registered dietitian allows us to fully assess your unique needs, health history, and understand whatstrategies you may have tried before. Our dietitian team is uniquely qualifiedand trained in women's health and hormone needs and weight management and canstart you on a healthy, successful path. Prior to meeting with you, your doctorwill review what you discussed with your dietitian to get a comprehensivepicture of your needs, allowing them to dive straight into counseling on themedical aspects of weight management, including medications, if appropriate.

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The initial dietitian appointment is an opportunity for you to share your weight management concerns, questions and goals in a safe, non-judgmental place. Based on this discussion, your dietitian will provide feedback, suggest a plan and support you as you start on your path.

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We know you can get weight-loss medication in a lot of places. But to sustain the weight and metabolic changes these medications support beyond a few months, working with a dietitian and doctor is best. This collaborative approach also allows us to check in frequently with you if we start medications to assess for side effects and assess if the medication is working.

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We will make an assessment of your current health risks and needs. If we feel that you would be better served with an in-person bariatric program with additional support, we will tell you and refer you to a program. There may be situations based on your health history, goals, current circumstances,and natural limitations to telehealth that our clinicians will recommend in-person care when we feel that you will be better served.

Also, please note that we do not treat diabetes.

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We can prescribe weight-loss medications that do not contain controlled substances, including GLP-1 agonists (Wegovy^TM and Zepbound^TM). We will work with you to find the best medication for your unique needs. We are not able to prescribe GLP-1 medications designed for diabetes (Ozempic^TM).

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Our doctors and dietitians work together to determine the best course of action for you personally. We will take into account what you have tried previously, your height and weight, and your goals. Medication maybe prescribed if appropriate, but we do not guarantee a prescription if it's medically not indicated.

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We start by checking your cholesterol, testing for diabetes,liver and thyroid function, and ordering basic metabolic labs. These help us to best tailor your treatment and speak to risks and benefits.

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Your appointments might be covered by insurance if we are in-network with your plan. If we are not, we can provide a “superbill” for you to claim out-of-network benefits and obtain reimbursement. The medications we may prescribe may be covered by your insurance—many are—if you meet criteria for weight loss care, which is usually based on weight, height and other medical criteria. Certain medications (GLP-1 agonists, for example) are not covered by all insurances. We will do our best to help you obtain coverage but will also discuss alternatives if this is not affordable.

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While compounded medications can be less costly they are not regulated by the FDA and therefore pose a greater risk to you as the patient. The Obesity Society and the Obesity Medicine Association do not recommend the use of compounded GLP-1s.

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This depends on many factors, including your unique health history, your metabolism and which medications, if any, you might use. While we know from studies that weight changes are slower in menopause, we also know our collaborative approach of nutrition, lifestyle and medication offers the greatest opportunity for long-term success.

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Please reach out to us at virtualclinicsupport@unifiedhc.com and we can discuss your unique situation.

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