Frequently Asked Questions

TELEHEALTH

  • PUSH Health is an asynchronous healthcare platform that allows us to communicate in multiple ways. Obviously, the easiest way is texting -  but sometimes we need to get on the phone and have a conversation or even a video call. Depending on what you need, I am available to help with all three. Messages can easily be sent over the confidential platform. Pictures can be shared. Questions can be answered.

    But sometimes patients need a little more. If a a phone call or a video consult is necessary to get a lab test done or a prescription written, then there is no charge.

    If you need a longer video or phone consultation for a medical issue, not necessarily tied to a prescription or lab work, I am also available to have these with you for a small fee.

    Otherwise, once you sign up for PUSH Health, we are linked together as patient and provider. So whatever questions you may have in the future, I will be available to you. It is like having a concierge doctor for a much lower price.

  • Any time you messages on Push Health platform, we will get the message. I am available almost every day if there is an emergent question or a prescription that needs to be addressed. My team is available 6 AM until midnight Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Pacific Standard Time and 8 AM til 5 PM PST Thursday-Sunday, including weekends.

  • Yes, we can always text back and forth through the HIPAA  compliant patient platform. We can also share documents and you can send photos over that platform.

  • I am also available for follow ups. If you do want to discuss side effects, or if symptoms persist, all you have to do is message.

  • Along with prescriptions and labs, I can also write for radiologic studies if you have a radiology center near you. I am also happy to provide telephone consultation and video consultation for more complex medical needs.

    As healthcare insurance becomes more complex, more and more patients require prior authorizations. Depending on the prior authorization, I can often help navigate that complexity, and obtain a prior authorization when appropriate.

PRESCRIPTIONS

  • There are two ways that prescriptions can be generated. Either you can request a prescription or I can write one for you.

    In either case, once both of us have accepted and agree to the prescription, it is sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice in real time. It is important to know that if you want to use a 24 hour pharmacy then you can pick which pharmacy you want.

    You may change the pharmacy that you would like the medication sent to every time. In case there's an issue with your pharmacy—for example, if it is closed or they don't have the medicine—I can switch pharmacies up to two times.

  • On rare occasions, a pharmacy will tell you that they did not receive the prescription. This happens, especially with smaller independent pharmacies.  If this happens, simply let us know, and we will pick up the phone and call the pharmacist directly. 

    Occasionally, pharmacies will tell the patients that they did not receive the prescription when it is actually that they require a prior authorization. We can also address that if needed.

  • In case there's an issue with your pharmacy, perhaps it is closed or perhaps they don't have the medicine, I can switch pharmacies up to two times without any additional charge.

  • As an ER doctor, it has been my pleasure to treat an array of medical issues. Telehealth lends itself to treating quite a few of these. I'm happy to take care of skin and upper respiratory infections as well as long-term health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol, to name a few.

    I am also a member of the obesity medical Association, and have helped hundreds of patients with elevated BMI's to lose weight using GLP medications

FOUNDAYO QUESTIONS

  • The best way to get the medicine currently is directly from Eli Lilly.  Their pharmacy (LillyDirect) has the medicine and is able to ship to any address in the US.  Some pharmacies are starting to carry it, but as of today supply lines can be a little variable. 

    The starting dose (one month) costs $149 out of pocket

    The middle doses are $299-349 a month

    The highest dose is $399 a month

    There are very few insurances that have started to cover.  If you would like to use your insurance, please contact your insurance to check coverage.  If your insurance covers but requires a prior authorization we can help you do that for a $100 fee.

  • Patients seem to tolerate Foundayo well, much better than the injectable medications.  Of course, much depends on the starting dose.

    Common side effects include: Nausea, diarrhea OR constipation, bloating, vomiting

    Less common but important risks: gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, low blood sugar.  Though no seen in the trials for Foundayo, depression and suicidal thoughts may be a rare risk in the other GLPs, so it is worth mentioning here.

    You should not take the medicine if you or any first degree relatives (parents, siblings children) have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia.  Though these are not seen in human trials, the animal models did seem to accelerate these tumors for rodents given GLPs.

    If you are using birth control you should use a barrier method for the first two weeks of taking the medicine.

    You will need to stop the medicine for at least two weeks before any procedure that requires sedation.  Please speak to your doctor or anesthesiologist to determine when you should stop the meds.

  • On Foundayo, the average patient lost 11% of body weight over 18 months.

    This is good, but modest compared to:

    • Semagltuide (Wegovy) where patients lost 10-15% of body weight at 18 months

    • Tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro) where patients lost 20% of body weight at 18 months.

    If you are looking for the product that provides the maximum weight loss, Tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro) continues to offer the best option.

  • Yes! I am happy to discuss all of your options and prescribe if indicated.