Frequently Asked Questions

Concierge Healthcare

A concierge clinic, also known as retainer-based or boutique medicine, is a type of healthcare practice where patients pay a membership fee to receive enhanced services and personalized care from their medical provider. This model allows providers to limit the number of patients they see, leading to more time dedicated to each individual with better access. It also offers a more proactive approach to healthcare with the ability to test and treat  things that insurance may not cover, such as vitamin and hormone replacement.

Concierge Medicine is designed for busy individuals and their families who are seeking a more personalized healthcare experience. If you want access to high-quality primary wellness care,  nutrition programs, and lifestyle and fitness coaching, Concierge Medicine is the solution.

No. If we did, then we would be unable to provide the level of care we aim to provide. We know that for some of you, this fact will be a deal-breaker. However, before you go, start adding up the true cost of your insurance, especially the copays and deductibles. Even if you have a good insurance plan, you may find that the cost of our low monthly membership is on par with what you are paying now, since you will owe no copays or deductibles at Concept Wellness. In addition, you will be getting true concierge care, where we have the freedom to focus on what is important for you, not just checking boxes to satisfy insurance companies.

Only on certain occasions. Periodically you may need lab work, which is a separate charge. Labs are offered at an extraordinary discount, with free lab draws.

If you are a member, you are part of the family. We will keep all of our members notified if Erin will be away. She loves helping her patients and prides herself on accessibility, so she will respond to portal requests/communications with support while she is away.

The key difference between primary care and concierge medicine lies in the delivery model and access. Traditional primary care is a broad, insurance-based system with larger patient panels and routine appointments. Concierge medicine, on the other hand, is a membership-based model that offers personalized, proactive, and VIP access to a provider with a smaller patient load.

Hormone Replacement

Depending on which hormone is deficient and the severity, you may be able to improve your hormone levels without synthetic hormones. Often times, certain deficiencies of vitamins and nutrients are contributing to a hormone deficiency. Addressing those key factors are critical whether you use hormone replacement or not.

Signs of hormone imbalance vary widely depending on which hormones are affected, but common symptoms can include fatigue, weight changes (gain or difficulty losing), mood swings, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, night sweats, decreased libido, hair loss, and brain fog. For men, low testosterone can lead to reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, and erectile dysfunction. For women, estrogen and progesterone imbalances often manifest as irregular periods, painful periods, or symptoms associated with menopause.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves replacing hormones that your body is no longer producing in adequate amounts, often due to aging, medical conditions, or surgery. The goal is to alleviate symptoms caused by hormone deficiencies and restore balance. HRT can include various hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones, among others.

HRT is not safe or appropriate for everyone. While it offers significant benefits for many, such as symptom relief, improved bone density, and enhanced quality of life, there are potential risks. These can include a slightly increased risk of blood clots, stroke, or certain cancers for some individuals, depending on the type of HRT, dosage, and personal health history. A thorough evaluation of your medical history and current health status is essential to determine if HRT is a safe and beneficial option for you.

Hormone levels are typically tested through blood tests, though saliva and urine tests can also be used depending on the specific hormones being evaluated. These tests provide a snapshot of your hormone levels at a particular time, helping your provider identify deficiencies or imbalances.

The most commonly replaced hormones in HRT are estrogen and progesterone(for women experiencing menopausal symptoms), and testosterone (for men and some women with low levels). Other hormones, such as thyroid hormones and DHEA, may also be optimized depending on individual needs.

The time it takes to see results from HRT can vary. Some individuals report feeling better within a few weeks, while for others, it might take several months to experience the full benefitsas their body adjusts to the new hormone levels. Consistent monitoring and dosage adjustments are often part of the process.
Vitamin Optimization

Vitamin optimization is crucial because vitamins are essential micronutrients that play vital roles in almost every bodily function. They support energy production, immune function, bone health, nerve function, and much more. Optimal vitamin levels help ensure your body operates efficiently, preventing deficiencies that can lead to various health problems and enhancing your overall well-being.

Identifying a vitamin deficiency often requires blood testsas many symptoms are non-specific and can overlap with other conditions. However, persistent fatigue, weakness, brittle hair or nails, skin issues, bone pain, muscle cramps, easy bruising and impaired immune function can be indicators. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis.

Some of the most common vitamin deficiencies include Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Iron (actually resulting from vitamin C deficiency), Magnesium, and Folate. These deficiencies can be prevalent due to dietary restrictions, lifestyle factors, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.

Ideally, it’s always best to obtain vitamins from a balanced diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. Food provides vitamins in their natural form, along with other beneficial compounds like fiber and antioxidants. However, supplements can be necessary when dietary intake is insufficient, absorption is impaired, or specific deficiencies are identified. Even if you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, you may carry a deficiency as a result of crops coming from over-farmed soil. Your healthcare provider can help determine if supplementation is right for you.

Optimal vitamin levels are primarily determined through blood teststhat measure the concentration of various vitamins in your system in addition to certain signs or symptoms you have. These results are then compared to established reference ranges, and your healthcare provider will consider your individual symptoms, lifestyle, and health goals to determine what’s optimal for you.

Yes, it is possible to take too many vitamins, especially fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), which can accumulate in the body and become toxic. Even water-soluble vitamins, while generally excreted, can cause issues in excessively high doses. It’s crucial to follow recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any high-dose vitamin regimen.
Weight Loss

A healthy and sustainable rate of weight loss is generally considered to be 1-2 pounds per week, but depends on your starting weight. This gradual approach promotes lasting results, minimizes muscle loss, and allows your body to adapt without feeling deprived.

Sustainable strategies for healthy weight loss focus on lifestyle changes rather than restrictive diets. This includes adopting a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats, incorporating regular physical activity, practicing mindful eating, ensuring adequate sleep, and managing stress.

While calorie counting can be a useful tool for some to understand their intake, it’s not always necessary for healthy weight loss. Focusing on nutrient-dense foods, portion control, and listening to your body’s hunger cues can often lead to successful weight loss without meticulous calorie tracking. The key is to create a sustainable caloric deficit that works for you.

Managing cravings involves a multi-faceted approach. Strategies include staying well-hydrated, ensuring adequate protein and fiber intake to promote fullness, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and identifying emotional triggers for cravings. Sometimes, a small, controlled portion of the craved food can prevent overindulgence later.

Exercise plays a significant role in healthy weight loss by burning calories, increasing metabolism, building muscle mass (which further boosts metabolism), improving mood, and reducing stress. It also enhances overall health and makes weight maintenance easier in the long run

Maintaining weight after reaching your goal requires continuing the healthy habits that led to your weight loss. This means consistent healthy eating, regular physical activity, ongoing stress management, and adequate sleep. It’s about making sustainable lifestyle changes that become a part of your everyday routine. Maintaining proper vitamin/hormone levels will also help you maintain weight loss by supporting healthy muscle tissue and metabolism.
Non-Surgical Orthopedic and Sports Injury Management

Any painful condition that does not require immediate surgery, like a fracture or dislocation. Most commonly treated conditions in this practice include neck or back pain, tendonitis, muscle strain, and nerve pain.

Common non-surgical approaches include rest, activity modification, targeted physical therapy exercises, dry needling, cupping, manual therapy, and sometimes medication for inflammation (non-opioid) or muscle relaxation. The specific approach depends on the injury, its severity, and the individual’s needs. Vitamin optimization is also a key factor in treating pain, especially chronic pain.

Often times, addressing the root cause of pain is the ultimate path to healing. Identifying and correcting any underlying vitamin/nutrient deficiencies, treating trigger points, and learning corrective stretches and exercises can heal pain. If these approaches do not work, or depending on your symptoms and clinical exam, you may need an MRI and possible targeted injections.

These are painful knots in the muscle that often cause pain to be felt in another part of the body or cause loss of range of motion. They can be treated with trigger point injections using a small amount of numbing medicine and a small needle to break up the knot. Trigger points can cause neck and back pain, plantar fascitis, tendonitis, headaches, and many other pain ailments in the body.

Non-Opioid Pain Treatment

YES! Non-traumatic pain and recurrent pain in certain areas is generally associated with vitamin/nutrient deficiencies and trigger points. By addressing the deficiencies, treating the trigger points with trigger point injections/dry needling, corrective stretches and exercises, and identification of triggering activities and positions, most pain can be alleviated without narcotics or risky NSAIDS (non steroidal anti inflammatory medications).

Opioid pain medications carry significant risks, including addiction, dependence, overdose, and various side effects such as constipation, nausea, drowsiness, and respiratory depression. Long-term use can also lead to hyperalgesia, where the body becomes more sensitive to pain.

Effective non-opioid options for chronic pain are diverse and can include physical therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, massage therapy, exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, meditation, TENS units, certain anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and nerve blocks. The best approach often involves a combination of these therapies tailored to the individual.