Practice Policies Acknowledgement 1.2024

1. Appointment Scheduling
● Appointments can be requested by:
● Calling our office during business hours. (903) 600-5312, leave a message if no one is available to take your call and we will reply quickly.
● Online through the MD-HQ Patient Portal (consultantsinmetabolism.md-hq.com)
● We strive to accommodate patients in a timely manner, but please understand that unforeseen circumstances may cause delays.
● We strive to accommodate patients in their preferred time frame: if you need an appointment time other than those available on the website, please call.
● Initial appointment scheduling requires the return of some extended questionnaires administrative and medical history forms and review by the doctor. This is important so we can be efficient with your face to face time with the doctor. This is important so we can verify that the practice offerings will be a good fit for you before scheduling.
● Unfortunately, due to Medicare rules, at this time we cannot offer services to anyone covered by Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan.
2. Cancellation and Rescheduling
● If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please notify us at least 72 hours in advance.
● Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in forfeiture of your appointment confirmation fee.
3. Insurance
We do not participate in any insurance plans. We will be happy to provide medical records and itemized invoices that can be submitted to insurance for claiming of out-of-network benefits. Patients who are covered under Medicare, Medicaid or any Medicare Advantage Plan will need to sign a contract stating that neither we nor they will attempt to get reimbursement through any federal or state program.

4. Financial Policy
Please see the Price Sheet on the website for complete and updated Payment information.
● Please see the Price Sheet on the website for complete and updated Payment information.
● Payment for services is expected in advance of appointments, at the time of scheduling.
● A $100 no show or late cancellation fee will be assessed if you miss your appointment or cancel less than 72 hours prior.
● We require a credit card on file to cover Client Bill labs or other incidental expenses.
● We accept cash, credit/debit cards, ACH and Health Savings Plan cards.
● Current introductory New Patient package pricing includes the first three months of care, including two Comprehensive patient visits, one follow up, and an initial lab set. and other benefits and bonuses as detailed on the website. We reserve the right to raise change this price at any time.
● Pricing for follow up appointments and more detailed labs are based on the amount of time and extent of labs and treatment needed. We will make every effort to be transparent about these costs if they are over and above the standard labs that are included in the package price.
● Pricing for follow up appointments are based on the amount of time and extent of treatment needed. We will make every effort to be transparent about these costs.
● We have an arrangement for cash pay labs with Labcorp. It is frequently the case that I can get the recommended labs done for you on a cash price basis at a substantial discount even over your insurance copay, but this has to be arranged in advance at the time the order is submitted.
● At this time we do not sell supplements. It is expected that we will be able to offer discounted supplements in the near future.
● As a convenience, we have an arrangement with Fullscripts to help provide select high quality supplements at a discount over retail price, and a guarantee of genuine product. We receive an administrative fee from Fullscript for this service. There is no requirement to use this service, and you may maintain your own account with Fullscripts or other supplement brands as desired.
● Other affiliate agreements if any, are listed on our website under Disclosures.
5. Treatment Philosophy
● We will want to keep in touch with your primary care physician, GYN, psychiatrist, pain management or other physicians of record that you currently see. Collaboration with other docs always improves outcomes of care provided.
● It is very likely we will be asking you to take supplements that are different from than your current ones.
● It is likely we will be asking you to change prescription medications as well, including the timing of those medications. We will make every effort to keep these costs as economical as possible, though sometimes generics of various Hormones are not appropriate. We will make attempts to get your medications covered, but insurance prior authorization requirements are time consuming – we reserve the right to charge for time spent in this endeavor.
● We will make attempts to get your medications covered, but insurance prior authorization requirements are time consuming – we reserve the right to charge for time spent in this endeavor.
● We do not recommend hormone replacement above physiologic levels, and at the current time we do not offer pellets.
● Although getting hormones in balance can frequently result in weight loss, we are not set up to be a weight loss clinic. As such, we do not recommend or prescribe Mounjaro, Wegovy or other GLP-1 agonist or stimulant weight loss medications.
● Please understand that no one gets well with medications and supplements alone. We need expect you to make a committed effort at wellness, with recommended lifestyle changes including sleep, diet nutrition and exercise among others. In order to maximize these efforts, referrals may be made to health coaches, nutritionists or other non-physician practitioners.
● Repeat labs and follow up appointments will be required needed every 8-12 weeks until we agree optimum results have been achieved.
6. Primary Care Physician
● Since Consultants In Metabolism offers specialty care, we expect each patient to maintain a primary care physician and follow all recommendations for routine general medical care per that physician.
● Health screening labs, mammograms, ultrasounds, colonoscopies are required as recommended per guidelines in order to continue with Hormone replacement.
● By signing this document, you acknowledge that CIM is not your primary care provider.
7. Medical Records
● Your medical records are confidential and will only be shared with your consent or as required by law.
● You may request copies of your medical records at any time. Please understand that it may take up to 10 days before receiving your medical records. Some of your records will be available to you for immediate viewing on the patient portal.
8. Patient Conduct
● We expect all patients to treat our staff and fellow patients with respect and courtesy.
● Any disruptive, abusive or threatening behavior may result in termination of services.
9. Second Opinions
Patients have the right to seek a second opinion before undergoing any recommended treatment.

10. Informed Consent
● Before any procedure or major treatment change, our medical professionals will provide a detailed explanation of the nature of the treatment or procedure, including its purpose, benefits, and potential risks or complications.
● You will have the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification regarding the proposed treatment or procedure.
● Informed consent will be obtained before proceeding with any intervention.
11. Emergency Situations
● In case of a medical emergency, please call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
● Please know Consultants In Metabolism is not set up to provide urgent or after hours care. Messages to the patient portal will be answered on the next business day if possible, and as soon as the physician is available otherwise.
12. Feedback and Concerns
● We value patient feedback and strive to continuously improve our services. If you have any concerns or suggestions, please let us know.
● You can provide feedback through our portal, by phone, or in person.
13. Privacy and Data Security
● We adhere to strict privacy and data security protocols to protect your personal information.
● Our practice complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
14. Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Hate Statement for Our Medical Practice
At Consultants In Metabolism, we are committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and equality. We firmly stand against racism, discrimination, and hate in all forms. Our goal is to provide exceptional medical care while upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and compassion. We believe that every patient deserves to be treated with dignity and without prejudice. We strive to create a safe space for all people, and we welcome individuals of every race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. We acknowledge that systemic racism and discrimination exists within healthcare systems, and we are dedicated to actively challenging and dismantling these barriers.