Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit is designed to be thorough, welcoming, and unrushed so you feel supported from the start.

1. Quick check-in & paperwork – You’ll complete a brief intake form so we have your basic information and can focus our time on you—not the clipboard.

2. Nurse assessment – One of our nurses will:

      •   Record your weight and vital signs

      •   Review your medical history

      •   Note any current medications or supplements

3. 30-minute physician consultation – You’ll have up to half an hour of dedicated, face-to-face time with the physician to:

      •   Talk through your goals, lifestyle, and any obstacles you’ve faced

      •   Discuss potential prescription options (e.g., GLP-1s, appetite suppressants) and their benefits/risks. That's why it’s important to check your individual insurance coverage ahead of time—every plan is different, and knowing your benefits can help avoid surprises at the pharmacy.

4. Personalized plan & next steps – Together, we’ll outline an evidence-based plan tailored to your needs, whether that involves medication, nutrition coaching, hormone evaluation, or a combination of approaches.

5. Schedule your follow-up before you leave – Consistency is key, so we’ll book your next visit on the spot to track progress and adjust your plan as needed.

6. Open line of communication – You’ll receive direct contact information (phone and secure email) so you can reach us with any questions or concerns between visits—no guessing, no waiting.

From start to finish, expect attentive listening, science-backed guidance, and a compassionate team committed to helping you succeed.

If you’re thinking about starting a weight management medication, it’s important to check with your health insurance provider to see if these medications are covered under your plan. Coverage for prescription weight loss medications (also called anti-obesity medications) varies by insurance company and individual policy. Some plans do not cover them at all, while others may have specific requirements that must be met before approval.

1. Find Your Insurance Card  

Your insurance card will have a customer service phone number. This is usually on the back of the card.

2. Have Your Information Ready  

-your insurance ID number

-date of birth

-a list of the weight loss medications you are interested in - specifically Saxenda, Wegovy, or Zepbound.*

*Do not ask about Ozempic or Mounjaro if you do not have diabetes, as these medications cannot be prescribed unless you have diabetes.

3. Call the Customer Service Number and Ask These Questions:

-Does my insurance plan cover prescription weight loss medication if I meet a BMI requirement for Saxenda (liraglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide) or Zepbound (tirzepatide)?

-Do these medications require a prior authorization (PA)?

-Do I have to fail any other weight loss medications before my insurance plan will pay for these medications (phentermine, orlistat, Contrave, Qsymia)?

-What will my out of pocket cost be? (Some plans have a copay of $25 per month for the medication, others up to $1000!)

-Do I need a prescription from a specialist (obesity medicine, endocrinology, etc)?

A prior authorization (PA) is a requirement set by some insurance companies—not our office—to determine whether they will cover a medication or service.

Each prior authorization requires significant administrative and clinical work, which may include:

• Reviewing your medical records

• Completing insurance-specific forms

• Submitting supporting documentation

• Participating in scheduled peer-to-peer calls with an insurance-designated provider

• Responding to follow-up questions, delays, or denials

This process can take several hours of staff and provider time and may extend over days or even weeks, depending entirely on the insurance company.

Because not every patient requires a prior authorization, this work is not included in our standard pricing. The $35 prior authorization fee helps cover the time and resources required to complete and manage this process on your behalf.

Please note:

• The fee does not guarantee insurance approval

• The fee reflects administrative time, not medical decision-making

• We submit prior authorizations as a courtesy to our patients

We believe in transparency and appreciate your understanding as we navigate insurance requirements that are outside of our control.

Some medications are FDA approved for ages 12 years and up.

We take cash, all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Venmo. We do not accept checks. 

Payment is required at the time of service and - in some instances - to make the appointment.

We require 1 business day's notice for cancellations including rescheduling. Less than 1 business day's notice will be charged 100% of the service fee. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us respect everyone's time.

 Follow-up frequency depends on your treatment plan:

   •   Weight Management: Typically every 4 weeks, with the option to move to every 3-4 months based on progress. after the initital appointment, many patients are eligible for tele-health appointments.

   •   Hormone Management: The first follow-up is usually 8 weeks after starting treatment, then approximately every 12 weeks.

Note: Your provider may adjust this schedule based on your individual needs.

•   Hormone Management: Yes, lab work is required.

•   Weight Management: Lab work is not routinely required, but may be recommended depending on your case.

 No. For consistency and accuracy, we only accept results from our partnered laboratory.

Yes, outside lab results may be reviewed, but they cannot replace required testing from our partnered lab.

 No, we do not bill insurance for lab work. However, many patients use HSA, FSA, or similar plans to cover these costs. Please note that requests for additional paperwork may result in administrative fees.

We are located at 2015 Kentucky Avenue off Hwy 31 in Vestavia. We are across Hwy 31 from the shopping center with Chopt, Panera, and Starbucks.