FAQs

Our group of practitioners through our telemedicine/telehealth practice group, are
able offer Virtual Exams in 48 states including D.C. (We cannot provide service in Alabama) at this time. You may schedule an appointment to come into an office, if you are located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; where we offer additional services, such as Pressotherapy, and Red Light therapy packages to go along with your medication treatment. Cryotherapy coming soon!

The cost of the Virtual Exam and associated medications can be found by clicking on
the “Pricing” link located at the top of the page. Please note that pricing may change in response to adjustments made by the pharmacy. We strive to offer highly competitive pricing compared to other providers in the market, ensuring that our rates remain below or on par with industry standards. For the most current pricing information, please refer to the provided link.

The amount of weight you can lose while using GLP-1 and Lipotropic medications varies
from person to person, influenced by individual factors such as your starting weight,
adherence to a healthy lifestyle, and metabolic response. Clinical studies indicate that
many individuals can achieve significant weight loss, often ranging from 5% to 15% of
their body weight, when these medications are combined with a balanced diet and
regular exercise. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine
the most effective approach tailored to your specific needs.

There is no membership fee associated with our services. Instead, you simply pay for
each exam, similar to the payment structure for a doctor’s office visit. We do require a
commitment of three months for our services, allowing your body the necessary time
to adjust to the medication, as is standard with any treatment plan. A typical weight
loss rate of 1-3 pounds per week is considered normal and safe. While there may be
occasional plateaus in your progress, rest assured that this does not indicate that the
medication has ceased to be effective.

Yes, we do retain your credit card information. You will be automatically billed for your
monthly exam and medication until you submit a written request to cancel your
service. We kindly request a minimum of 30 days’ notice prior to your next payment
date to allow our team sufficient time to process your cancellation. This approach
ensures a seamless experience while tracking your progress. Each month, upon
successful processing of your payment, you will receive a link to access your virtual
exam at your convenience during our operating hours.

While we cannot guarantee weight loss results from our medications, we can confidently
assert that they are highly effective for many individuals. Incorporating adequate daily
protein and fiber into your diet can further support your weight loss journey.

Yes, we offer maintenance services for GLP-1 medications. However, this requires a
monthly virtual consultation with a practitioner. The purpose of the maintenance program is
to gradually reduce the medication dosage as you prepare to discontinue it permanently.
Additionally, should your BMI return to qualifying levels, there may be an opportunity to
resume the medication. Our primary objective is to support you in achieving sustainable
weight loss for the long term. *If you are coming from another provider, you will be required
to submit proof of most recent treatment, and/or provide a release to your provider to
release this information to Optima Medical Weight Loss & Wellness Center.

To help us maintain affordable prices for our esteemed customers, prescriptions are
seamlessly directed to our certified partner pharmacies. This process takes into account
variables such as the type and dosage of the prescription, as well as your location and the
current wait times for filling scripts. At this moment, we are unable to fulfill specific
pharmacy requests. However, you can trust that all our partner pharmacies are licensed
503a sterile compounding facilities that adhere to FDA guidelines. Each partner undergoes
rigorous vetting to meet our stringent compliance standards, including the submission of
Certificates of Analysis and testing for specific batch and lot numbers, ensuring both quality
and adherence to regulations.

Due to the personalized nature of compounded medications, we are unable to accept
returns. These medications are customized specifically to address your unique health
requirements as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Once prepared, they cannot
be reused or resold to uphold strict safety and hygiene protocols. If you have concerns
about your medication, we encourage you to bring them up during your monthly follow-up
with our providers, who can assist you in making any necessary adjustments.

Absolutely! We welcome both HSA and FSA cards for payment. You can conveniently use
your card when making your payment for your exam and medications.

  • Preparing for your first virtual medical consultation can help ensure a smooth and effective
    experience. Here’s what to anticipate and how to get ready:
  •  Before Your Video Consultation, Test Your Technology
  • Check your video and audio settings prior to your appointment. Ensure your device is
    functioning properly to avoid technical issues during your consultation.
  • Choose a Private Setting
    – Select a quiet, private area where you can freely discuss your health concerns without
    interruptions. Minimizing background noise will help both you and your healthcare
    provider stay focused.
  • Ensure Adequate Lighting
  • Position yourself in a well-lit spot so that your provider can see you clearly. Eliminate
    distractions by turning off music, televisions, or any other entertainment during the
    consult.
  • Stabilize Your Camera
  • Place your device on a stable surface or securely propped up to prevent any movement.
  • This will keep your image steady for the duration of the appointment.
  • Position Yourself Correctly.
  • Sit in the center of the screen and adjust your camera to eye level. This setup not only
    helps your provider see you clearly but also establishes a better connection during the
    discussion.
  • Minimize Background Distractions.
  • Find a quiet environment and silence any alarms or notifications on your devices.
  •  
  • Consider activating “Do Not Disturb” mode to avoid interruptions.
  • Close Unnecessary Applications.
  • Shut down any unused applications on your device to enhance your internet connection
    and eliminate distractions.
  • Stay Engaged.
  • Focus on your consultation by avoiding activities such as eating or drinking during the
    appointment. Please refrain from multitasking, like driving or exercising, while having
    your telehealth visit.
  • By following these steps, you’ll create an optimal environment for your virtual exam,
    ensuring that both you and your healthcare provider can communicate effectively.
  • Milligrams (mg): This unit measures the quantity of the active ingredient in a medication,
    effectively representing its strength. For instance, a tablet labeled with 500 mg indicates
    it contains 500 milligrams of the active drug.
  • Milliliters (ml): Milliliters quantify the volume of liquid within a container. For example, a
    typical water bottle might hold 500 ml, while a vial for liquid medication could contain 1
    ml.
  • Units: In some cases, particularly with syringes for administering medications like
    insulin or GLP-1 drugs, “units” serve as a specific measurement for the required dosage.
    This helps ensure accurate administration.
  • Summary
    **mg** refers to the weight of the drug.
    **ml** denotes the volume of liquid.
    **Units** represent a specialized measurement for dosing, commonly found on syringes.

Understanding these measurements is crucial for effective medication. management
and safe administration practices.

When you place an order with our compounding pharmacies, you can expect it to take up to
14 days for processing, shipping, and delivery following your payment. Although some
orders may arrive earlier, please keep in mind that our pharmacies are closed on weekends
and holidays. We’ll ensure that you stay updated on your order’s status, including packaging
and shipping information, via text or email notifications.

Yes, payment for both the examination and the prescription is required upfront. Once the
Practitioner approves your medication, the prescription will be sent directly to the
pharmacy for processing. This allows for a more efficient workflow, as the pharmacy can
initiate billing to our practice immediately rather than waiting for payment. If you are not
approved for the medication, the portion of your payment related to the prescription will be
refunded, less the processing fee charged by the credit card company. Please note that the
fee for the examination is non-refundable, as we are obligated to compensate our
practitioners for their services.

To be eligible for Lipotropics at Optima Medical Weight Loss & Wellness Center, candidates
typically need to meet certain standard qualifications. These may include being at least 18
years of age, having a consultation with our medical professionals to assess overall health,
and establishing specific weight loss goals. Additionally, individuals should disclose any
pre-existing medical conditions and medications they are currently taking. Our team will
work with you to determine the best approach to meet your weight loss objectives safely
and effectively.

We do not accept Insurance at this time. We can send you a Superbill, for possible Insurance Reimbursement; but we can not guarantee reimbursement on compounded prescriptions. We may be set up to accept insurance in the near future, but not at this time.