Frequently asked questions
When booking on our website, you will be redirected to Vagaro (our electronic health record site which is HIPAA compliant), the platform used by our medical providers. From there, you will schedule your appointment with your healthcare provider, enter your basic information (e.g., Name, email, phone number). After entering this information you will be prompted to complete your full medical history. Note: it is important to complete this medical history form prior to your appointment so that your healthcare provider can review your chart before your appointment. During your first appointment, your provider will discuss your health goals, review your medical history, order any necessary lab tests and may order a prescription medication if deemed appropriate. Your provider will collaborate with you to create a personalized health plan. Alongside lifestyle recommendations, your care plan may include a prescription for weight loss medication. Upon starting a weight loss medication, you will have monthly check-ins with your provider either in person or via telehealth. During these check-ins, the provider will evaluate your progress in weight loss, monitor your medication tolerance, arrange follow-up lab tests or prescription refills, and adjust your care plan as necessary.
While prescriptions for weight loss medication cannot be guaranteed for every patient, if you are 18 years of age or older and meet specific criteria such as being overweight (BMI > 25), obese (BMI > 30), or requiring medication to maintain a normal weight after previous obesity medication/surgery, your healthcare provider may consider you eligible for a prescription.
Initial visits are $200, and monthly follow-up visits are $100. This includes regular and/or virtual consultations with a clinician, prescribing and renewing medications (if applicable), and access to nutritional/health guidance. Subscription charges may appear on your credit card as "LeanLife Medical Weightloss Clinic" or "LeanLife Medical Weightloss Clinic"
It’s important to note that the visit fee does not cover the following items, and their cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage:
Lab Testing: Lab testing is generally ordered by your healthcare provider once every 12 months (although, the frequency of this may vary based on your healthcare providers decision). The necessary tests typically include a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a lipid panel. Specific lab tests may vary depending on your medical history. Lab tests are usually ordered through LabCorp or Quest, but you may discuss with your healthcare provider about ordering to another lab of your choice via a lab order slip. The price of lab testing varies based on your insurance coverage and the labs available in your area.
Please be aware that additional ongoing testing may be required for certain co-conditions such as pre-diabetes and high cholesterol.
Medication:
Pricing for the prescription of medications to your pharmacy is always included in your visit fee and is of no extra cost to you.
Your clinical care team will work with you to identify the most affordable and suitable medication based on your health requirements. GLP-1 prescriptions and oral medications for weight loss are not commonly covered by most health insurances. Most local pharmacies offer oral weight loss medications ranging between $10-$50, varying on dosage and medication type.
Compounded GLP-1 medications are often much more affordable than branded GLP-1s and can be shipped directly to patients. GLP-1 medications range from $300 to $790 for a one-month supply of compounded medication, price varies based on dosage and medication type.
In short, no. Currently, insurance coverage does not include virtual or in-person visits for our program. Certain insurance plans might offer coverage for other expenses associated with medical weight loss treatment, such as lab testing. When filling your prescription at your pharmacy of choice, do understand that the majority of weight loss medications are not commonly covered by most health insurances. We recommend contacting your insurance company to see which weight loss medications your plan covers. Most of our patients pay out-of-pocket at pharmacies for their medication or opt to pay up-front for compounded medication delivered directly to their homes.
GLP-1 medications work by regulating appetite to reduce food intake. Studies have demonstrated their potential to achieve weight reductions of up to 20% in individuals who take them for a year or longer, in conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices*.
Weight loss is not solely reliant on willpower, as biological factors affecting metabolism, hunger, and weight can be beyond your control.
GLP-1s promote a prolonged feeling of fullness, help control food cravings, and enhance the body’s ability to process sugars more efficiently (source). Consequently, these medications are often prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes or obesity.
In chronic weight management, GLP-1 medications are sometimes utilized alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. They are also employed in patients with diabetes to assist in blood sugar management.
Examples of GLP-1 medications include:
Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide.
During your initial consultation, your provider will evaluate your health requirements to determine the suitability of medication for you. They will also address any inquiries you may have regarding GLP-1 medications.
*Note: It is always important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and treatment options.
If you meet any of the following criteria, you may not be eligible for a prescription of GLP-1 weight loss medication:
1. Currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or actively trying to become pregnant
2. End-stage kidney disease (on or about to be on dialysis)
3. End-stage liver disease (cirrhosis)
4. Active eating disorder or history of eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia, etc.)
5. Current suicidal thoughts and/or prior suicidal attempt
6. Cancer (active diagnosis or treatment)
7. Current or history of pancreatitis
8. History of organ transplant on anti-rejection medication
9. Severe gastrointestinal condition (gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease)
10. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2
Please note that these eligibility criteria are not exhaustive, and it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment of your individual circumstances.
No, labs are not always required to receive medication. On your initial visit with your licensed provider, in addition to reviewing your health history and goals, your clinician will order any additional necessary lab work. This step ensures your suitability for our program and to determine which medications would be most optimal for your weight management. The required labs typically encompass a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a lipid panel. Other labs may be included. It’s important to note that periodic lab tests may be required to monitor your body’s response to the medication and ensure safety.
If you do have a recent copy of these labs, you can always e-mail them to our staff or upload them in your profile.
You can have your labs drawn at our location or if you are a virtual patient, at a laboratory of your choosing (either Quest of LabCorp), via lab slip or electronic order. If you have already completed necessary lab tests within the past six months, you can upload the results on Vagaro for your clinician to review.
LeanLife Medical Weightloss Clinic only provides medical weight loss services to patients in the state of Virginia, USA.
Weight loss outcomes can differ based on factors such as your initial weight, medical conditions, lifestyle adjustments, and the specific weight loss medication used. Numerous individuals who have taken GLP-1 medications for a duration of 68 weeks or more have reported achieving weight reductions of up to 15-25% from their initial body weight when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.
At this time, patients have to be at least 18 years old to participate in the program.
If your BMI drops below 25, it is possible that you may no longer require GLP-1 medications. In this situation, your healthcare provider will reassess your eligibility to determine if you are eligible for maintenance therapy with various medications.
Our team consists of licensed physicians and nurse practitioners who possess the qualifications to prescribe medications, order lab tests, and evaluate your symptoms and health objectives. They are well-equipped to develop a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs.
Certainly! When scheduling your appointment, you have the freedom to select from the roster of available licensed providers. This enables you to choose a healthcare professional who best aligns with your preferences and needs.
Yes. Rest assured that our services strictly adhere to HIPAA-compliance standards and privacy guidelines. We employ state-of-the-art technology to maintain the utmost security and confidentiality of your personal information. Your privacy is our priority, and we take every measure to ensure the protection of your sensitive data.
Our LeanLife Medical Weightloss Clinic program is a zero-commitment program. We do not require any monthly auto-payments or subscriptions. We provide options for refunds or early cancellation:
If the medication’s cost makes it financially impractical for you to continue with the program, you may stop immediately. However, please be aware that refunds for prior visits will not be granted.
If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, your 50% booking deposit will not be refunded.
If you have any inquiries or wish to request a refund or cancellation, please reach out to our dedicated customer care team at. We will be more than happy to assist you.
Southend Pharmacy can be found/contacted at:
415 Westheimer Rd. Ste 103 Houston, TX 77006
855-414-5356
info@southendpharmacystore.com
The cost of the initial in-person lab testing may vary depending on your location and whether you are using insurance or paying out-of-pocket. To determine whether lab testing is covered by your insurance plan, we recommend reaching out to your insurance carrier directly. Generally speaking, lab tests can cost up to $250 each time out-of-pocket. Lab testing is not required for all medications. Lab testing is only required for controlled substances including stimulants like Phentermine.