WEIGHT LOSS:
Below are questions and answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding our weight loss program. By no means is this all-inclusive, but it will help you get a better feel of what to expect regarding our office and your visit. Feel free to call the office with any other questions you may have.
Our weight loss practice is headed by Dr. Dana Cohen, MD. Dr. Cohen formerly worked at the Atkins Weight Loss Center and is an expert on weight loss issues.
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Is there a charge for a consultation with Dr. Cohen to learn about the Weight Loss Programs?
Yes, there is a charge for you to come in and discuss your concerns with Dr. Cohen. She will explain the various Weight Loss Programs available to you and answer any questions you may have. Together, the two of you will decide which option is best for you. If you decide to go forward, you may, at that time, elect to have the tests (described in the answers below) performed so you can immediately start the program. If, for some reason, either you or Dr. Cohen feels this is not the right choice for you, no tests will be performed.
How long will my first appointment last?
Expect to spend approximately one to two hours at our office during your first visit. We have a great deal of information to gather from you and to share with you. During the initial visit we will perform a complete blood screening, urinalysis, EKG, and physical exam. In addition, we will also be doing an bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which indicates how much of your body is fat and how much is muscle. You will also be given dietary counseling.
How much does the initial visit cost?
The cost of the initial visit consultation including a physical exam is $400.00 (please call to make sure this is the most current cost),
We also have financing plans available, such as Care Credit, to help make it as easy as possible for you to begin losing weight now. Please let us know about any financial concerns you have. We will do everything possible to help you make this work. We want to see you succeed! We accept cash, check, Master Card, Discover, American Express, Visa, and Care Credit. (Ask for information on Care Credit and any other financing plans available.)
Insurance Coverage?
This depends on your carrier. You may find that they will cover all, none, or part of the office visit. Although there are several insurance companies that do cover weight control, most do not. We do not file your insurance for you. However, at the end of each visit, you will receive an itemized statement that you may submit to your carrier. If you have any questions about insurance coverage, please feel free to ask the staff.
How often are follow-up visits scheduled, how long do they last, and what is the cost?
Follow-up visits usually last about 20 minutes. You will have your weight and blood pressure checked and Dr. Cohen and the staff will address any other medical needs or questions you might have at that time. Depending on the Weight Loss Program designed specifically for you - and your progress - follow-up visits are scheduled weekly (Atkins, other), bi-weekly (initial month of treatment), or monthly (routine follow-up visits).
How often is lab work repeated?
Obesity causes many abnormalities in laboratory tests. As a result, Doctor Cohen actively monitors and treats these abnormalities. Blood work is performed twice a year, or more often if there was an abnormality noted on a previous test. Doctor Cohen's policy is to repeat blood work to monitor any problems. EKGs are repeated yearly, as are urinalyses, unless the initial test is positive -- then further work up may be necessary.
A Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)is done at the beginning of your treatment and, afterwards, is repeated on a yearly basis. Doctor Cohen recognizes that using medications for weight loss is controversial, and he wants no problems in any of his patients.
I've recently had lab work or other tests performed at another physician's office. Can I just bring those results with me instead of getting the tests through your office?
You are welcome to bring your test results with you. If they are sufficiently current and are the exact same tests that Dr. Cohen's orders, then he will be happy to evaluate the results. However, we regret that we are not able to waive the charge for reviewing the tests, as the cost is primarily for Dr. Cohen's time and expertise to evaluate them within the context of your entire medical examination.
What happens after I lose all my weight?
After reaching your goal weight, you would enter the maintenance program, where we would monitor your weight. We would see you the first month after reaching your goal weight and then you would return once every three months while you are on the maintenance medication. (You are, however, encouraged to return for a monthly weigh-in at no charge). The maintenance program is designed to help you KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF.
Our maintenance program is optional. However, patients that do not go on maintenance are four times more likely to regain their weight, as compared to those that choose to go on maintenance. We highly encourage patients to use our maintenance program, as one of our goals is to HELP YOU KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF AFTER YOU HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO LOSE IT !
How much will my medication cost and does insurance cover the medications?
It is difficult to tell you the exact cost of medications, because cost is determined by many factors, including which medications you take and whether you prefer generic or brand, not to mention fluctuations in prices from pharmaceutical companies. Depending on your choices and medical needs, your medications could cost as little as $50.00 a month up to $200 a month or more.
There are several different medications from which to choose, and Dr. Cohen will discuss the options with you. Together, you will make the decision as to which medications will work best for you and your specific needs. Dr. Cohen encourages patients to get the generic form of the drug where it is available, as this will save you considerable costs. Most insurance carriers do not cover weight control medication. Again, this depends upon your policy and your carrier. We are happy to furnish you with the receipts needed so you can file with your insurance carrier for your medications. You may have your prescriptions filled while you are here and ready to take home with you.
ORION – Gold Needle Holistic Weight Loss
(Developed by Dr. Tatyana Yakalova)
This is your new choice!
The peak of alternative medicine, it will help your:
Break down you fat cellsClear your body of toxins
Clean your lymphatic system
Give you more energy
Alleviate allergies
Rejuvenate you skin
Lose weight!
This amazing new treatment will actually decrease the size of your stomach, with no surgery.
You won’t want to eat!
Program (3 months):
1. Body energy check up $150 per hour twice per 3 month.
2. Inserting gold needle: $ 100 extra .3. Supporting treatment 1 time per week $150 per hour.
Detox of Heavy Metal Toxicity,Environmental Pollutants and Metabolic Waste Lymphatic Drainage |
(Microcurrent program)INCLUDES:
Allergy Treatment includes:
Immune, neurological, respiratory and endocrine systems balancing
Cell metabolism enhancement
Cellulites treatment
Breaking down a fat cells
Stress reduction and relaxation
Sleep disorders treatment
Anxiety panic attacks treatment
And more
Next Steps: |
To schedule an appointment to see our physicians and schedule treatments, please call our new patients coordinator at 1-212-661-7673 or send us an email at: appointments@patientsmedical.com . |