STAFF
What medical experience does your doctor have?
All InShapeMD™ doctors are licensed professionals in their respective states and have the highest possible certifications necessary to help you reach your goals. From the medical assistants to the doctors, all InShapeMD™ employees are committed to give you the best possible experience with our weight loss program.
PROGRAM
Do I have to make an appointment?
Yes. Because InShapeMD™ programs are so popular, we encourage you to call your local InShapeMD™ today to make an appointment today! This will help us maximize both your and our time.
What medical conditions would prevent me from being on the program?
This is a great question to ask your InShapeMD™ doctor, as there are some possible medical conditions that would prevent you from being involved in certain levels of the InShapeMD™ program. However, before qualification into any of our medical weight loss programs, you will receive a preliminary exam conducted by our doctor to measure your overall health (lab work and EKGs may include additional costs). If your exam reveals a medical issue, there are other program levels and diets available at InShapeMD™ that do not require a prescription and will be suitable for you. If you have any questions or comments about your health and possible health issues, we recommend you discuss these with your InShapeMD™ doctor.
What program do you have for someone who only needs to lose 20 lbs. or less?
There are several different programs available that match your specific weight loss goals. No matter what program you choose, when you achieve your goal (like losing 20 lbs.), you’re done! You can decide, at that point, to stay on the program (by setting a new weight loss goal), choose a maintenance program, or end the program.
Does insurance cover the program?
One of the reasons why InShapeMD™ is so simple is because we don’t take insurance. But just because we don’t take insurance, doesn’t mean you can’t file a claim yourself or process the cost of our program through your individual policies. Contact your health insurance provider for more information. Upon request, InShapeMD™ can provide you with a super bill that you can use to file with your insurance carrier. In many instances, your lab tests and EKG will be covered by most carriers, even if they don’t cover the weight loss program.
InShapeMD™, however, may be tax deductible. Payments made to InShapeMD™ for weight loss AND for maintenance are tax deductible, according to the IRS. (2008 tax code).
In Revenue Ruling 2002-19, the IRS stated that “Obesity is medically accepted to be a disease in its own right.” The IRS ruled that “Uncompensated amounts paid by individuals for participation in a weight loss program as treatment for a specific disease or diseases (including obesity) diagnosed by a physician are expenses for medical care that are deductible under Section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, subject to the limitations of that section.
There are three categories of persons who may be eligible:
- If you have Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) through your employers. HSAs use the same definitions of medical expenses, as do individual taxpayers. Therefore, employees can use their HSAs for weight loss programs if undertaken at a physician’s direction to treat an existing disease.
- If your employer provides Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs), an FSA may provide this coverage. Like HSAs, FSAs use the same definitions of medical expenses, as do individual taxpayers. Participants in an FSA would need a letter from a health care practitioner stating that they are not using the weight loss program merely for “general well being.”
- If you itemize your deductions you can add these costs to the costs of medical and dental expenses. Within this category, you can only deduct medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income and that are not reimbursed.
The IRS also states that “the deduction for medical care expenses will be confined strictly to expenses incurred primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness.” Therefore, maintaining a weight loss program should qualify you for the deduction if a physician recommends the continuation of treatment to manage weight for prevention or alleviation purposes. Check with your tax advisor for additional details or questions.
How does ISMD protect my privacy?
Your privacy is of the utmost importance to InShapeMD™ and all of our staff. InShapeMD™ supports your right to the privacy of your health and health information. We take pride in being HIPAA compliant and doing everything possible to protect your privacy. In addition, InShapeMD™ reviews and complies with all state laws in which we operate.
For more information about your Health Information Privacy, visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
What is the Buddy Referral Program?
Essentially, the InShapeMD™ Buddy Referral Program rewards you for singing up friends and family. For more details on the program, click here >>.
What if I reach my weight loss goal in one month (10 lbs.?)
When you meet with the InShapeMD™ doctor, you will set your weight loss goals. When you achieve your weight loss goals (for instance, to lose 10 lbs.), you’re done! You can choose to stay on the program (by setting a new weight loss goal), start a maintenance program, or end your participation in the program.
Will I have to buy food products with the ISMD program?
No, because one of the biggest differences in our weight loss program compared with others is that you don’t have to buy a whole bunch of pre-packaged, tasteless and overpriced food. In contrast, our medical staff works together with you to choose which foods you need to live healthier. InShapeMD™ also has an online meal planner that will help you manage your caloric intake, create a grocery list and choose the best foods for you.
Will I be able to talk to someone (a human) face-to-face about my weight loss concerns when I come in for my weekly injections?
Yes, one-on-one doctor guidance and professional support is the biggest difference between InShapeMD™ and other weight loss programs. When you come in for your weekly injection or monthly visits, you’ll be greeted with our medical staff and counseled on how to live healthier. At InShapeMD™, we’re with you every step of the way until you reach your goals.
What do I do if I can’t make my scheduled doctor’s appointment or injection?
We understand that things pop up and sometimes you wonêt be able to make your appointment. In this case, simply call your local InShapeMD™ and weêll work with you to reschedule a more convenient time. For your initial appointment with the InShapeMD™ doctor, we need at least 24 hours notice if you will be unable to keep your appointment. No appointment is needed for your injection (which can occur weekly) ® just come in to the clinic during normal hours.
How do I know if this program is right for me?
To find out if our program is right for you, simply call your local local InShapeMD™ to schedule an initial doctor’s visit our doctorÕs will help you determine if our programs are a good match.
InShapeMD™ is a medical weight loss program founded on providing sound doctor-guidance, ongoing support and relationship development, and multiple treatment solutions including a prescribed appetite suppressant and hCG Hormone Therapy. This, coupled with your commitment to changing your lifestyle, exercising, and eating healthier, is a formula for weight loss success. However, InShapeMD™ is not for everyone. To find out if our program is right for you, simply call 1-866-950-7770 to schedule an initial doctor’s visit and we’ll help you determine if it’s a good match.
What kind of results can I expect?
hCG Hormone Therapy participants typically experience substantial weight loss - losing on average, 1 lbs. per day! Your results will depend on several factors, including your starting weight, other medical conditions, and individual program design, your commitment and discipline, among others.
As with any program, results can vary. However, InShapeMD™ is a safe, medically - supervised option that can deliver steady weight loss—as much as 3 to 5 pounds per week or as much as 50 pounds over 12 weeks. Your results will depend on several factors, including your starting weight, other medical conditions, and individual program design, your commitment and discipline, among others.
Programs that offer rapid weight loss usually end up resulting in rebound weight gain. Our program offers the tools needed to help you lose weight at a steady pace and keep it off through training and counseling. This helps you keep the weight off once you’ve reached your goals.
What injections do you offer?
There are 3 main injections a part of the InShapeMD™ program that can help you lose weight: Vitamin B-12, Lipotropics and HCG (or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin).
HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy that controls the metabolic function of a part of your brain called the diencephalan. Located on the brain stem, the diencephalon controls the accumulation and storage of fat. This injection will help your body burn abnormal fat (one of three types of fat in our bodies) that otherwise couldn’t’ be accessed and burned. This injection makes abnormal fat available to burn! For men, HCG therapy can increase testosterone production which can improve your mood, sex drive and performance, regulate the distribution of body fat, and give you more energy, among other benefits.
The purpose of the Vitamin B-12 and Lipotropics injections is to enhance your liver function.
Vitamin B-12 is a water soluble vitamin that is one of eight essential B vitamins. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. B-12 is vital in keeping your body running in top condition. While B-12 is found naturally in a healthy diet, factors like stress or poor eating habits can lead to a deficiency. These weekly Vitamin B-12 injections will help boost your energy level and give you the added push to keep exercising as part of your program.
Lipotropics are substances that liquify fat and prevent the accumulation of fat on your liver. This is essential for a healthy and more productive liver, which is the organ responsible for removing toxins (and fat) from your body. If you choose to have the Lipotropics as part of your program, they can be added to your B-12 injection, so you don’t have to have two separate injections.
How do I find your location?
To find a nearby InShapeMD™ location, click here >>.
Does the program offer other benefits besides weight loss?
There are many other possible health benefits from losing weight with InShapeMD™. Our programs give you a measurable look at the inside of your body through comprehensive lab testing. Not only will you see your health improve (on the outside), but you’ll see your baseline lab numbers improve on the inside.
Our programs can help you lower your blood pressure, blood-sugar, cholesterol and reduce joint pain. And together with your unrelenting commitment to improved health, our program can also help you improve your overall cardiovascular health, self-esteem and energy levels.
How long will I stay on this diet?
It depends on your specific needs and weight loss goals, but most patients are involved in the program for 1-9 months.
How is this program different from other diets?
There are several reasons why InShapeMD™ is better than other diets, namely:
- Bye, bye Hunger: With the help of a doctor-prescribed appetite suppressant, you won’t feel hungry! This safe and proven appetite suppressant will help you reach your weight loss goals.
- Affordability: All programs are affordable and can be matched with your budget. Better yet, there are NO CONTRACTS and you donÕt need a bunch of pre-packaged food Ð a huge cost savings!
- Support-driven: Our trained medical professionals are with you every step of the way providing you support and ongoing counsel until you reach your goals.
- Family-Friendly: Our customized diets and online meal tracking/creation program help you prepare affordable, tasty and healthy meals for the entire family.
- Personalized programs: We offer comprehensive programs tailored just for you because we know each person is different, with different needs and different goals. There are no cookie-cutter programs here.
Will I be hungry on this plan?
Most clients report that their hunger diminishes within two days due to the presence of ketones and reduced food temptations. We also have very effective prescription appetite suppressant medications that work in the brain to eliminate hunger and reduce the amount of food you can eat.
Are there side effects to this diet?
If you qualify to receive the appetite suppressant, there are minimal side effects with it including:
- Dry mouth (easily relieved by drinking more water).
- Jitteriness (short-lived and usually disappears after the second day).
- Difficulty falling asleep (often relieved by taking pill earlier in the day or a smaller dose in the afternoon).
- Headache (usually disappears after the second day and can be relieved with over-the-counter headache remedies).
InShapeMD™’s physician supervision and ongoing medical monitoring during the program will help evaluate and manage possible side effects.
Who should not attempt this diet?
Our programs are not recommended for children (under 18) or for pregnant or nursing women. In addition, parts of our program may not be recommended to those that have conflicting medical conditions or are taking certain medications. Our physician will assess whether our program is right for you during the initial examination.
How can I get started on your program?
It’s easy, simply contact us today. Or to find a location nearest you, click here.
PRICING & PAYMENT
How much does your program cost?
There are several different program levels at InShapeMDª that can be matched with your budget. For more information about our pricing, contact your local InShapeMD by clicking here.
How are the monthly fees paid?
InShapeMD™ is willing to work with you and your budget. The primary ways to pay for the programs include direct-deposit, cash or credit card. Please note that program fees are due on a monthly basis.
Are there any up front or hidden fees?
There are no “hidden fees” or expensive foods to buy with the InShapeMD™ program.
Because our program is medically supervised, the doctor must know, before starting the program, if you are able to participate. Therefore, initial blood work and an EKG are required. The price for these services is only $69. These tests need to be completed before your initial physician appointment.
What forms of payment do you take?
InShapeMD™ takes cash and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express)..
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, InShapeMD™ offers program discounts to employers, schools, civic organizations and other associations. Contact your local InShapeMD™ facility for more details.
Do I have to sign a contract for a certain period of time?
There are no contracts with InShapeMD™. Depending on the program, and your weight loss goals, the period of time on the diet varies. Once you choose a program level, set your goals, and then achieve your weight loss goals, you’re done.
Do you have financing options?
InShapeMD™ does not offer financing, but we are willing to work with you and your budget, and match the appropriate program to your needs. For more information about our programs, click here >>.
