Why do I need a Lifestyle Medicine Physician?
I am board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine and most importantly have a passion for helping people reach their optimal health by learning about what it means to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors and how to do it.
From practicing primary care as an Internal Medicine physician myself for 21 years, I know that there is simply not enough time during typical primary care visits to truly do a “deep dive” to achieve this. The structure of the healthcare system, in primary care especially, is such that it is quicker and easier to prescribe medications for ailments and diseases than taking the time to look at the underlying lifestyle choices contributing to the problem.
I can help you turn things around, feel better, possibly decrease or even get off medications. Worth a try, don’t you think?
What do you treat with Lifestyle Medicine?
Anything, really. Lifestyle Medicine is effective in treating lifestyle related medical conditions, like Diabetes, High Blood pressure, Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease to name a few. Following the healthy lifestyle interventions prescribed is also valuable in preventing disease and increasing your healthspan = more healthier years!
Will this actually work?
That is up to you, but I will support you on your journey with education and specific guidance on how to achieve your optimal health with lifestyle changes, with YOUR goals in mind.
What can I expect from the Initial Consult?
During a 60-90 minutes video call we will take an in depth look at your current health status and lifestyle behaviors. With a focus on your personal goals we will come up with a plan on how to optimize your lifestyle and with that reduce the risk of certain medical conditions, treat existing medical conditions better and hopefully even reduce or discontinue medications if medically appropriate.
Prior to the appointment, recent medical records should be obtained and shared with me and the lifestyle behavior intake forms should be completed.
Do I have to sign up for a membership?
Changing your lifestyle behaviors takes time, and while the initial consult with the initial plan and recommendations I provide can be very valuable, ongoing follow up is key in order to have success. This is especially true if we will be treating certain medical conditions with therapeutic lifestyle changes.
Memberships have no minimum time commitment and can be canceled at any time with a 30 day notice.
I have also added a pay per visit option if you are more comfortable with that approach.
Can you order Labs?
Absolutely. You can use your insurance to pay for Labs ordered by myself or your local primary care physician. And I will also be offering discounted options through Rupa Health when applicable.
Do you bill insurance?
No. I have opted out of Medicare and am not contracted with any insurance companies. While this means that my services are out-of-pocket pay for you, it also allows for a much more personalized experience directly between doctor and patient without insurance interference. It is worth checking with your benefits manager or accountant whether you can use your FSA/HSA funds to pay for my services. I can provide invoices specifying them as medical services but will not be providing Superbills for insurance purposes.
Can you be my primary care physician?
Yes. Approximately 80% of primary care needs can be taken care of via virtual care or telemedicine. You can examine yourself under my guidance during a video call and check basic vital signs, especially if you purchase a blood pressure cuff and have a basic scale. And not everything requires a physical exam.
For the times when an in person exam is crucial or helpful, I will advise you to either utilize a specialist you are already seeing or refer you to one or suggest a local urgent care clinic visit.
Can you prescribe medications?
Yes, of course. However, controlled substances cannot be prescribed via telehealth.