Offering personalized care to help you reach your goals.

1. Do you take insurance?

• No. The use of certain weight loss medications are often considered "Not medically necessary" or "Off-label" and therefore are not covered by many insurances. Additionally, Ascend Mind & Body does not provide care to clients receiving Medicare or Medicaid benefits.

2. What payments do you take?

• Ascend Mind & Body currently accepts any credit or debit card payment utilizing Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. To keep our prices low and competitive, we do not charge a sales tax. However, there is a 3% surcharge for all credit or debit card transactions to help cover the processing fees.

3. Do you offer in-person appointments?

• Currently, Ascend Mind & Body provides services strictly via telemedicine.

4. What services can I receive through telemedicine? How does it work?

• Medical consultations, diagnosis, treatment planning, prescription refills, and follow-up care can all be done via telemedicine.

5. How does it work?

• Appointments are conducted via secure video conferencing. Patients can connect with their Ascend Mind & Body healthcare provider from the comfort of their homes or any location with internet access.

6. Is video conferencing for a healthcare appointment secure/private?

• Telemedicine platforms use encryption and secure technology to protect patient confidentiality and comply with privacy regulations like HIPAA. 

7. Do I need any special equipment for a telemedicine appointment?

• You will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, as well as a stable internet connection for your appointment. That's it.

8. How do I schedule an appointment?

• For new patients, Contact Us with the day(s) and time(s) that work best for you, and we'll reach out. For existing patients, please log into your Personal Health Portal and send us a message or request an appointment via the Spruce Health app.

9. Can telemedicine be used for emergencies?

• No. In the case of a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department and seek immediate care. 

10. Does Ascend Mind & Body also provide primary care?

• No. Providers at Ascend Mind & Body are solely focused on medical weight loss, HRT, and thyroid optimization. We strongly recommend that patients continue care and seek preventative services with their current primary care provider.

1. What medications do you offer to help with weight loss?

• GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are prescribed for medical weight loss in obese patients. These medications aid in weight management by reducing appetite and food intake.

2. How do they work?

• GLP-1 medications mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps stimulate insulin release, suppress glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, and promote feelings of fullness.

3. What are some common side effects?

• Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and headache. Some people may experience injection site reactions or changes in appetite.

4. Are GLP-1 medications safe for everyone with type 2 diabetes?

• GLP-1 medications are generally safe but may not be suitable for everyone. Your Ascend Mind & Body Provider will assess your individual health status and medical history to determine if these medications are appropriate for you.

5. How are GLP-1 medications administered?

• GLP-1 medications are typically self-administered via subcutaneous injection once a week.

6. Can these medications cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)?

• GLP-1 medications are less likely to cause hypoglycemia compared to some other diabetes medications. However, the risk of hypoglycemia can increase when combined with other diabetes drugs like insulin or sulfonylureas.

7. Do GLP-1 medications actually help with weight loss?

• Yes, GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are often associated with weight loss due to their effects on appetite suppression, early satiety, and reduced food intake.

8. How long does it take for GLP-1 medications to start working?

• GLP-1 medications may start to show effects on blood sugar levels and appetite within a few weeks of starting treatment, although individual responses may vary.

9. Can GLP-1 medications be used in combination with other diabetes medications?

• Yes, GLP-1 medications can be used in combination with other diabetes drugs under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

10. What should I do if I miss a dose?

• If you miss a dose of your GLP-1 medication, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not double dose to make up for a missed dose.

1. What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

• HRT involves taking medications containing hormones (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) to supplement declining hormone levels, commonly used to manage symptoms of menopause.

2. What symptoms can HRT help relieve?

• HRT can help alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

3. Who is a candidate for HRT?

• Women who experience bothersome menopausal symptoms and are in good health overall may be candidates for HRT. Your Ascend Mind & Body provider will assess your individual risks and benefits.

4. What are the different forms of HRT?

• HRT can be administered as oral tablets, transdermal patches, vaginal creams or tablets, or through injections or implants.

5. What are the potential risks or side effects of HRT?

• Risks may include an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, breast cancer (with long-term use), and other side effects such as bloating, breast tenderness, or headaches.

6. How long should I use HRT?

• The duration of HRT varies for each individual and depends on factors such as symptom severity and overall health.

7. Can HRT be used for purposes other than menopause symptoms?

• Yes, HRT may be used in certain cases to help prevent conditions like osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease. Discuss with your Ascend Mind & Body provider for appropriate use.

8. What are the benefits of HRT beyond symptom relief?

• HRT may provide benefits such as improved bone density, reduced risk of fractures, and potential cardiovascular protection in certain women.

9. Are there alternatives to HRT for managing menopause symptoms?

• Yes, lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medications, and complementary therapies (e.g., acupuncture, herbal supplements) can be considered for managing menopausal symptoms though their efficacies differ.

10. What should I do if I have concerns or questions about HRT?

• If you have concerns about HRT or its potential risks and benefits, discuss them with your Ascend Mind & Body provider to make an informed decision about treatment options.

1. What is thyroid optimization?

• Thyroid optimization involves ensuring optimal thyroid hormone levels to support metabolism, energy production, and overall well-being.

2. Why is thyroid function important?

• The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and other vital functions. 

3. What are common symptoms of thyroid imbalance?

• Symptoms of thyroid imbalance include fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, mood changes, and irregular menstrual cycles.

4. How is thyroid function tested?

• Thyroid function is evaluated through blood tests measuring levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T4, T3) and thyroid antibodies.

5. What conditions can benefit from thyroid optimization?

• Thyroid optimization is beneficial for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), thyroid nodules, and autoimmune thyroid disorders (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

6. What are the treatment options for thyroid optimization?

• Treatment options may include thyroid hormone replacement therapy, dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, managing underlying thyroid disorders, and, in women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

7. How long does it take to see improvements with thyroid optimization?

• The time to see improvements varies depending on individual factors and the underlying cause of thyroid imbalance. It may take several weeks to months for symptoms to improve with treatment.

8. Are there risks or side effects associated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy?

• Risks of thyroid hormone replacement therapy include over-treatment leading to hyperthyroidism, heart palpitations, and bone loss. Proper monitoring by your Ascend Mind & Body provider is essential.

9. Can thyroid optimization impact weight management?

• Optimizing thyroid function can support healthy metabolism and contribute to weight management, especially in individuals with hypothyroidism.

10. How often should thyroid function be monitored?

• Thyroid function should be monitored regularly through follow-up blood tests and clinical assessments to ensure optimal hormone levels and treatment effectiveness.