1. Do you use branded medications?

When a patient has coverage, we will complete a prior authorization to get prescription weight loss medications approved through insurance. Prescriptions for branded weight loss medications are sent to a retail pharmacy or to the drug manufacturer. If a prior authorization is denied, there are no refunds for your enrollment. Before enrolling in the branded prescription program, we strongly encourage you to check your individual coverage by contacting your insurance provider or visiting the website listed on your insurance card to review your formulary. If these medications are not on your formulary, a prior authorization will not improve your chances of getting coverage.

 2. What if my insurance won't cover the medication? Can I still get help with losing weight?

If you do not have insurance coverage for weight loss medications or do not meet your plan's criteria for approval, we offer several alternative options. If you choose to pursue a prior authorization through insurance and coverage is denied, there are no refunds for your enrollment in that program. However, you have the option to transition your membership to another program.

 3. Where do your compounded medications come from?

We source our compounded medications from reputable 503A and 503B compounding pharmacies that only use products from FDA-registered facilities. Compounding pharmacies are regulated by the board of pharmacy and monitored by the FDA under the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. We do not use research labs, medications from overseas, or salt-based products.

4. Can I use my HSA for my membership, or my insurance for other medical-related expenses I may incur while in the program?

While Glow Medical Group does not accept insurance for monthly memberships, you can attempt to use your HSA/FSA funds to cover the costs if you wish. Insurance companies have various rules regarding HSA/FSA use, and we do not guarantee they will approve the transactions or provide reimbursement. This is between you and your insurance provider. Receipts for your services are available in your patient portal. We also accept most major credit cards. If you require blood work, you can use your insurance at the lab for their services.

5. What comes with the weight loss program? Is it just medication, or is there more?

We believe weight loss requires a comprehensive approach for long-term success and maintenance. We are not an office that just writes prescriptions and sends you on your way. All programs require regular follow-ups with a medical provider, and include medication, administration supplies, lifestyle, diet, and exercise guidance, ongoing education, coaching, 24/7 access to your patient portal where you can reach out to us anytime, and the opportunity to join Rise Fitness (Delaware, OH in-person fitness classes) or The Ladies Edge virtual fitness program at a discounted rate. 

6. How do I receive my medication?

Your medication is usually shipped directly from the pharmacy/manufacturer to your door, or, in some cases, you can pick it up from your local pharmacy. If you are taking an injectable medication, you will be taught how to self-administer (it's easy, I promise!). You can learn from a video tutorial or, if you prefer, an in-person tutorial. You can come by the office for your first injection, and we can do it together! Medications typically arrive within one week but can take up to two weeks. You will receive tracking information from the carrier once they receive your package from the pharmacy. You do not need to be home when they arrive.  

 7. If I quit the program, will I gain the weight back?

We believe that weight loss is a lifelong journey, not a sprint, and we encourage patients to plan for long-term management and coaching to be successful.

We frequently make changes to your plan based on your results, whether it be dose changes, adjustments to your nutrition, physical activity, adding an additional medication or supplement, or even advising you to eat more food (food is fuel, it's not bad). This helps push through plateaus and keeps you motivated.

We also understand that circumstances may arise where you cannot continue or need a temporary break from the program. In such cases, we will help you wean off your medication to give you the best chance of maintenance and minimize the risk of rebound weight gain. Long-term success relies heavily on your nutrition and lifestyle efforts, so incorporating what we teach you from the time of enrollment will be crucial.

8. Is there a minimum commitment for the weight loss program? How do I cancel?

You can cancel your membership to Glow Medical, Rise Fitness or The Ladies Edge at any time. To cancel your Glow Medical program, send a message through the patient portal requesting cancellation at least 14 days before your next billing cycle. If the request is made after the 14-day minimum, we will try to process your request before the next cycle. We do not guarantee cancellation on short notice and do not offer refunds if you fail to cancel in a timely manner, as we cannot return prescriptions once they are filled at the pharmacy. Once you cancel your membership with Glow Medical Group, if you choose to continue a membership to Rise Fitness and/or The Ladies Edge, your fee will revert to the full price charged by the respective facilities at the time of cancellation, as the rates we are able to offer are for concurrently enrolled Glow Medical Group patients only. If you choose to cancel your membership to Rise or TLE, you will do so through them.

9. What happens once I hit my weight loss goal?

Once you reach your goal weight, we can wean you down to a lower and/or less frequent dose (injections every 2 weeks or oral weight loss meds 2-3 times per week) so that you stop losing weight but are able to maintain without rebound weight gain.

10. Do I do my medical appointments in-person or online?

You can choose virtual or in-person appointments. The only time we may require an in-person visit is when you are prescribed a controlled substance such as Adipex (phentermine). In this case, you would need to be seen in person for an initial visit and every three months thereafter while on the controlled medication, or you must be able to get an updated weight, blood pressure and pulse during your telehealth visit. 

11. Do I still need to see a primary care provider?

Yes, Glow Medical Group does not provide primary care services for other chronic diseases.