WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Below are questions and answers to the most commonly
asked questions regarding our weight loss program. By no means is this
all-inclusive, but it will help you get a better feel of what to expect
regarding our office and your visit. Feel free to call the office with any other
questions you may have.
Is there a charge for a consultation with Dr. Hadley to learn about the Weight Loss Programs?
No, there is no charge for you to come in and discuss your concerns with Dr. Hadley. He
will explain the various Weight Loss Programs available to you and answer any questions you may have.
Together, the two of you will decide which option is best for you. If you decide to go forward, you may,
at that time, elect to have the tests (described in the answers below) performed so you can immediately
start the program. If, for some reason, either you or Dr. Hadley feels this is not the right choice for you,
there will be no charge for the consultation and no tests will be performed.
At the time you make the appointment for your initial consultation, or - if you are a former patient - your
"Restart" appointment, we will ask for your credit card information to hold the appointment time for you.
We will ask for your credit card number, expiration date, security code (the 3- or 4-digit code on the back
or front of the card), and the street number and zip code of the billing address. We regret that we will not
be able to hold an appointment for you without this information. No charge will be made to your card unless
you do not give us the courtesy of at least 48 (forty-eight) hours notice to cancel or reschedule, or you
simply do not show up at all for the appointment. The "Appointment Hold Fee" is $50.00, but as explained,
will only be charged in the event you do not give adequate notice to reschedule or cancel, or do not come
to the appointment at all. We regret that we cannot make any exceptions to this policy.
How long will my first appointment last?
Expect to spend
at least two hours at our office during your first visit - we have a great
deal of information to gather from you and to share with you! During the initial
visit we will perform a complete blood screening, urinalysis, EKG, and physical
exam. You will also be given dietary counseling. If you receive prescriptions, the Pharmacist will
counsel you on your medications, as well.
How much does the initial visit cost?
We often run specials or issue coupons
that substantially reduce the cost of the initial visit, so be sure to ask about the current offer when you call our office to make an appointment. The non-discounted cost of the initial visit is $350.00 (please call to make sure this is the most current cost), however a recent special brought this cost down to $250. (Specials change from time to time - please call the office to find out if we are currently running a special.) We also have financing plans available, such as Care Credit, to help make it as easy as possible for you to begin losing weight now. Please let us know about any financial concerns you have. We will do everything possible to help you make this work. We want to see you succeed! The initial visit includes a complete blood screening, urinalysis, EKG, dietary counseling, and physical exam, as well as the extended consultation. It does not incluce the cost of any food products or medications you may wish to use in your diet plan. We accept cash, check, Master Card, Discover, American Express, Visa, and Care Credit. (Ask for information on Care Credit and any other financing plans available.)
Insurance Coverage?
This depends on your carrier. You may find
that they will cover all, none, or part of the office visit. Although there are
several insurance companies that do cover weight control, most do not. We do not
file your insurance for you. However, at the end of each visit, you will receive
an itemized statement that you may submit to your carrier. If you have any
questions about insurance coverage, please feel free to ask the staff.
How often are follow-up visits scheduled, how long do they last, and what is the cost?
Follow-up visits usually last about 20 minutes. You will have your weight and blood pressure checked and Dr. Hadley and the staff will address any other medical needs or questions you might have at that time. Depending on the Weight Loss Program designed specifically for you - and your progress - follow-up visits are scheduled weekly (Optifast, Atkins), bi-weekly (initial month of treatment), or monthly (routine follow-up visits). The cost for a routine weight loss only follow up visit is $79 (subject to change). Discussion or treatment of other medical conditions outside of weight loss may increase the cost of the visit.
How often is lab work repeated?
Obesity causes many abnormalities
in laboratory tests. As a result, Doctor Hadley actively monitors and treats
these abnormalities. Blood work is performed twice a year, or more often if
there was an abnormality noted on a previous test. Doctor Hadley's policy is to repeat
blood work to monitor any problems. EKGs are repeated yearly, as are urinalyses,
unless the initial test is positive -- then further work up may be necessary. Doctor Hadley recognizes that using medications for weight loss is
controversial, and he wants no problems in any of his patients.
I've recently had lab work or other tests performed at another physician's office. Can I just bring those results with me instead of getting the tests through your office?
You are welcome to bring your test results with you. If they are sufficiently current and are the exact same tests that Dr. Hadley orders, then he will be happy to evaluate the results. However, we regret that we are not able to waive the charge for the tests, as the cost is primarily for Dr. Hadley's time and expertise to evaluate them within the context of your entire medical examination.
What happens after I lose all my weight?
After reaching your goal
weight, you would enter the maintenance program, where we would monitor your
weight. We would see you the first month after reaching your goal weight and
then you would return once every three months while you are on the maintenance
medication. (You are, however, encouraged to return for a monthly weigh-in at no
charge). The maintenance program is designed to help you KEEP
THE WEIGHT OFF. Our maintenance program is optional. However,
patients that do not go on maintenance are four times more likely to regain
their weight, as compared to those that choose to go on maintenance. We highly
encourage patients to use our maintenance program, as one of our goals is to
HELP YOU KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF AFTER YOU HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO
LOSE IT !
How much will my medication cost and does insurance cover the
medications?
It is difficult to tell you the exact cost of medications, because cost is determined by
many factors, including which medications you take and whether you prefer generic or brand, not to mention fluctuations in prices from pharmaceutical companies. Depending on your choices and medical needs, your medications could cost as little as $75.00 a month up to $200 a month or more. There are several different medications from which to choose, and Dr. Hadley will discuss the options with you. Together, you will make the decision as to which medications will work best for you and your specific needs. Dr. Hadley encourages patients to get the generic form of the drug where it is available, as this will save you considerable costs. Most insurance carriers do not cover weight control medication. Again, this depends upon your policy and your carrier. We are happy to furnish you with the receipts needed so you can file with your insurance carrier for your medications. For your convenience, all Weight Loss medications are available at the Arthur Hadley Pharmacy. You may have your prescriptions filled while you are here and ready to take home with you.
Feel free to call the office (281-597-1010), or
e-mail us with any other questions you
may have.
Thank you,
The Staff of Arthur Hadley Medicine
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Remember we have an in-house pharmacy for your convenience, too.
For more information, give us a call at (281) 597-1010 or send us email.
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