FAQ

Metabolic health pertains to the way your body handles energy and nutrients.  In one regard, metabolic health is the absence of metabolic disease, e.g. diabetes, obesity/overfat, insulin resistance, etc.

Absence of disease is important; optimizing health is better.  We believe that Metabolic Health is a state of optimal functioning, including stable energy levels and appetite throughout the day, restorative sleep at night, and high-performing mind and body on demand without reliance on external aids.

There is not one “right” diet for everyone.  Unfortunately, the word “diet” implies a temporary intervention.  We recommend dietary habits that will achieve your health goals and that will be sustainable for the long-term.  We have experience with a wide variety of dietary strategies and will support you with whatever dietary preferences you have.

No.  In contrast to many “medically supervised” weight-loss programs, we do not endorse the use of meal replacement products.  We promote real, unprocessed foods.

Not necessarily.  While exercise can certainly be a valuable adjunct to one’s metabolic health, one can also make significant improvements without structured exercise.  That said, physical activity is an important aspect of overall health and is certainly encouraged.

You will want to have a primary physician who oversees your medical care, including the appropriate use of preventive health screening.  While our services address many important facets of your health and may replace many primary care visits, we are focused on issues pertaining to your metabolic health.  We believe that it is important for you to have your own trusted primary care physician for routine health concerns.  As always, we will coordinate your care with your primary physician.

Direct care allows for a patient-physician relationship that is free of interference from third parties such as insurance companies and government.  In a typical, insurance-based medical clinic, physicians see a panel of about 2,000 patients, leaving you with an average of 7 minutes of face-to-face time at an appointment.  In direct care clinics, the typical panel size is 600 patients, allowing you more time spent directly with your physician.  

You will have direct access to your physician via telephone or e-mail, without the typical barriers to access..  You will know the cost of your health care services upfront.

Consistent with the direct care model, we do not participate with, accept, or submit claims to any private or governmental insurance plans or third party payors of any kind. 

For many reasons, this clinic could not exist in the traditional, insurance-based model of health care.  Third-party payors (insurance companies, Medicare/Medicaid, VA, etc.) stand in the way of a pure patient-physician relationship, often dictating the type and frequency of care received, incentivizing inefficient sick care rather than prevention, and compromising patient privacy.  These traditional models of care are encumbered by costly administrative burdens that limit a physician’s ability to deliver care to patients in a complete and timely manner.

We are focused on delivering the highest quality of care to our patients.  Negotiating with insurance companies would make it impossible to devote the one-on-one time necessary to deliver the high quality of care that every patient deserves.  

Unfortunately, federal law does not allow us to accept Medicare or Medicare eligible patients into our practice because we have not yet opted out of Medicare. If you are a Medicare beneficiary and wish to join our practice, please contact us for a place on our waiting list and we will contact you when we complete the opt out process.

There are differing opinions as to the eligibility of HSA funds to cover particular services, but many employees are able to do so for direct care.  We advise that you check with your financial advisor and/or benefits manager for clarification. 

Still Have Questions?

Please contact us, and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.