- Why does the program have multiple phases?
- Unlike other programs that merely focus on weight loss, MD Weight Management’s program emphasizes weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Both phases coupled with intensive behavior change and lifestyle modifications are integral for your long-term success.
- What happens during the Total Meal Replacement Phase of the program?
- During the Total Meal Replacement Phase, you will consume prescription meal replacements. Weekly attendance is mandatory and includes a group education class. Classes cover a comprehensive curriculum to teach proper nutrition and weight management skills. You will also see a physician or nurse practitioner regularly for medical monitoring. Combined, these elements help you achieve your best possible results.
- What will I do during the Weight Management Skill Phase of the program?
- Like the Total Meal Replacement Phase, the Weight Management Skill Phase classes are held weekly. During skills classes, you will practice and reinforce your tools for maintaining your ideal body weight while incorporating other foods. You will learn the skills to navigate difficult situations like shopping in a supermarket, ordering at a restaurant, and preparing meals. These skills will help empower you to maintain control of your weight and health as you transition to your new diet.
- How do I know if I’m a good candidate for the MD Weight Management Program?
- Our programs are designed for people who are looking for significant, sustainable weight loss. If you have questions about your candidacy, please don’t hesitate to call us.
- How can I talk to someone about the MD Weight Management Program?
- Please feel welcome to call us Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm at 415-674-5200.
- When can I start?
- Please allow us a few days to process your application. Once we process your completed application, you will receive a call from us with more information. Enrollment into the program occurs on a rolling admission basis.
- Will my insurance cover the program?
- MD Weight Management is able to work with many different insurance plans. Because of variability of individual benefits, the best way to find out if your insurance will cover the services of MD Weight Management is to call the number on the back of your insurance card, and ask if your plan includes coverage for ‘medical weight loss.’
- Individuals with Brown & Toland HMO insurance must have a BMI of 27 or higher with at least 2 health risk factors, or a BMI of over 30 without complications. Patients with Brown & Toland may be responsible for only a weekly copay and the cost of their meal replacements.
- Medicare has a BMI requirement of 30. Medicare patients are responsible for a weekly $40 copay and the cost of their meal replacements.
- We have successfully worked with the following insurance providers in the past:
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Aetna Anthem Blue Cross: Prudent Buyer Brown & Toland HMO Cigna Coventry FPN Health Net Humana Interplan Medicare Multiplan NPPN Sutter Select United Healthcare USA MCO
- This list is not a guarantee of coverage. Please contact the customer service number on the back of your insurance card for more details on your specific plan. Different plans have their own rates of coverage, and will cover different aspects of the plan. Please contact your insurance carrier if you have questions about what your plan will cover, and what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
- Cost of the program depends greatly on your level of insurance coverage. Many patients will pay a copay every time they come in to the office. Insurance companies never pay for prescription meal replacements. This is an out of pocket expense of approximately $180 per week.
- Please note that while many insurance companies may cover the fees for the Rapid Weight Loss Phase of the program, they generally do not cover the fee for the Maintenance Phase. Patients are responsible for the monthly fee associated with the Maintenance Phase, which is $99 to $110 per month.
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