Practice Policies

1. Appointment Scheduling
   
   

   1. Appointments can be requested by:

   i. 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.

   
   

   ii. Online through the MD-HQ Patient Portal (consultantsinmetabolism.md-hq.com)

    

   2. 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.
   
   

   3. Initial appointment scheduling requires the return of 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. 
   

   
   2. Cancellation and Rescheduling
   

    

   1. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please notify us at least 72 hours in advance.
   2. 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 for the services through any federal or state program.
   
   

   4. Financial Policy
   

   1. Please see the Price Sheet on the practice website for complete and updated Payment information.
   
   2. Payment for services is expected in advance of appointments, at the time of scheduling.
   
   3. A $100 no show or late cancellation fee will be assessed if you miss your appointment or cancel less than 72 hours prior.
   
   4. We require a credit card on file to cover Client Bill labs or other incidental expenses.
   
   5. We accept cash, credit/debit cards, ACH, and Health Savings Plan cards.
   
   6. Current New Patient package pricing includes the first three full months of care, including two Comprehensive patient visits, at least one follow up,  and other benefits and bonuses as detailed on the website. We reserve the right to raise change this price at any time. 
   
   7. 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. 
   
   8. 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.
   
   9. 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.
   
   

    

   6. Treatment Philosophy
   

   1.Our philosophy is “do what works,” and we dive deep and keep digging to help you find what works for you, personally. This is not the same for everyone, and we will take personal factors into account when custom designing your treatment plan.
   
   2. 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.
   
   3. It is very likely we will be asking you to take supplements that are different from your current ones. The average cost of these is currently about $120.00 per month in addition to prescription medications.
   
   4. 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.
   
   5. We do not recommend hormone replacement above physiologic levels, and at the current time we do not offer pellets.
   
   6. 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.
   
   7. Please understand that no one gets well with medications and supplements alone. We expect you to make a committed effort at wellness, with recommended lifestyle changes including sleep, nutrition, and exercise among others. 
   
   8. Repeat labs and follow up appointments will be needed every 8-12 weeks until we agree optimum results have been achieved.
   
   

   7. Primary Care Physician
   

   1. Since Consultants In Metabolism offers specialty care, we expect each patient to maintain a primary care physician and follow all recommendations for routine general health maintenance per that physician.
   
   2. Health screening labs, mammograms, ultrasounds, colonoscopies are required as recommended per guidelines in order to continue with Hormone replacement.
   
   3. By agreeing to this document, you acknowledge that CIM is not your primary care provider.
   
   

   8. Medical Records
   

   1. Your medical records are confidential and will only be shared with your consent or as required by law.
   
   2. 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.
   
   

   9. Patient Conduct
   

   1. We expect all patients to treat our staff and fellow patients with respect and courtesy.
   
   2. Any disruptive, abusive or threatening behavior may result in termination of services.

   
   10. Second Opinions
   

   Patients have the right to seek a second opinion before undergoing any recommended treatment.
   
   

   11. Informed Consent
   

   1. 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.
   
   2. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification regarding the proposed treatment or procedure.
   
   3. Informed consent will be obtained before proceeding with any intervention.

   
   12. Emergency Situations
   

    

   1. In case of a medical emergency, please call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
   
   2. 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.

   
   13. Feedback and Concerns
   

   1. We value patient feedback and strive to continuously improve our services. If you have any concerns or suggestions, please let us know.

    

   2. You can provide feedback through our portal, by phone, or in person.

   
   14. Privacy and Data Security
   

   1. We adhere to strict privacy and data security protocols to protect your personal information.

    

   2. Our practice complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

   
   15. 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.

   _{(c) Consultants In Metabolism 1.2024}