How is your office different?
This office schedules patients by appointment only, with little or no waiting time. We don’t require painful injections and we won’t starve you.
How should I choose my doctor?
The overweight condition is one the most challenging and persistent problems in medicine. Therefore, you are best treated by a professional whose qualifications include proper training, experience and knowledge in the field. Dr. Rhodes-Hicks’ goal is to deliver long term treatment, ideally reversing and preventing chronic illness. She believes that preventing risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and hypercholesterolemia can be obtained through a healthy diet and lifestyle modifications.
How much does it cost?
The initial consultation fee is $225, which includes the second follow-up appointment. After that, it is $225 per month. There are no contracts. Our fees are paid every four weeks and include a physical exam, metabolic body composition analysis, doctor visits and nutritional counseling as needed. Depending on the program, meal replacements, nutritional supplements and medications are billed separately and vary from patient to patient.
What about B12 injections?
B12 injections do not cause weight loss, but other offices may require them 2-3 times a week to generate more return visits. This is unnecessary and can be painful. Dr. Rhodes-Hicks does not use injections casually and will discuss this on your first visit.
Do you accept health insurance?
We do not accept Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance for aesthetic or weight loss services. Medicare and Medicaid do not reimburse for weight loss but will reimburse medical conditions being treated. Some private insurances may cover weight management and you can submit claims for possible reimbursement. Payment is expected at time of service. For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and personal checks.
May I have appetite suppressants on your program?
After your health & medical evaluation, Dr. Rhodes-Hicks will discuss the possibility based on your medical condition and discuss whether this is for you. In the event that non-prescription suppressants are appropriate for you and you request aid in decreasing your appetite, Dr. Rhodes-Hicks will offer options to you.
Do I have to buy food products?
Yes. Dr. Rhodes-Hicks’ meal plans are designed for optimal weight loss. The meal plans are a hybrid which uses both meal replacement foods and everyday foods.
What happens on the first visit?
You will fill out a medical questionnaire, review blood tests or order blood test, body composition analysis and consultation with Dr. Rhodes-Hicks and discuss an eating plan. This first visit usually takes approximately one hour. Return visits to the doctor are required at two week intervals, occasionally more often depending on your program.
Can I fill out patient forms before arriving to my first appointment?
Yes. Our office encourages printing and filling out the patient forms prior to arrival. Click here to view and print the required forms, fill them out and bring them with you when you come in for your appointment to save time. These forms require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.
Will I gain the weight back?
Most patients who adhere to the lifestyle changes of proper food choices, exercise and behavior modification can keep their weight in check. Medications have been shown to be safe and effective for weight maintenance as well as weight loss.
What are the risks with remaining overweight?
There are certain risks with remaining overweight or obese. Among these risks are tendencies for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers. These risks may be modest if you are not very overweight. Even if you don’t need to lose much, the cosmetic and psychological benefits of weight loss can be very rewarding. If you are extremely overweight (50 – 100 pounds) a reduction by only 10 percent of your starting weight can reduce your risks of medical complications.
What type of blood tests are required?
If you have recent labs within the last 3 months from your primary physician please have them faxed to the office or bring a copy for your initial visit. Orders for Blood tests are given for an outside labortory if needed.
The blood tests include:
• Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, Triglycerides)
• Blood chemistries (Na+, K, Cl, C02, Glu, BUN)
• Kidney function (Albumin, Calcium, BUN, Creatine)
• Liver function (Alb, TBili, BDili,Alk, Phos, AST, ALT, TP)
• Complete blood count (red, white cells, platelets)
• Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4, FTI)
Are children treated in the office?
No. Dr. Rhodes-Hicks treats individuals ages 16 (with parental consent) and above.
What else should I know?
You should understand that there are many ways and programs to assist you in your desire to lose weight. If you have been discouraged with other programs or if your willpower for calorie counting or food exchange programs has been unsuccessful, a medically supervised program such as ours offers you an option to prevent discouragement and hopeless feelings about your weight. You need to know the success of our program will depend on your efforts and motivation. We cannot guarantee success, as a tendency to be overweight is a life-long problem and you will need to continue watching your weight all of your life.
How can I get started?
Call us at (888) 956-2674 for an appointment, or email us to book your first consultation with Dr. Rhodes-Hicks. Please also print and fill out our initial medical forms prior to your appointment.
How fast can I lose weight?
Results vary from patient to patient, but many have lost 10 pounds in the first two weeks. A more realistic goal is 2 to 3 pounds per week. Slow steady loss works best and is associated with less fatigue, fewer complications and less risk of sagging skin. Semi-starvation diets of less than 800 calories can be unsafe.
