FAQ

Who will benefit from the Stein Wellness Centers program?

This program is ideal for patients who have significant weight to lose, have failed multiple weight loss programs with repeated weight regain, have multiple medical problems related to obesity, are preparing for bariatric surgery or have had bariatric surgery with a less than successful outcome.  

Is there a weight limit for this program or any exclusion?

We do not treat underweight of any kind. Patients who have a minor amount of weight to lose should try conventional programs prior to our program. There is no upper weight limit; however, patients of extreme weight should be ambulatory and able to come into the office for maximum benefit. For patients who are non-ambulatory, individualized programs can be arranged in collaboration with primary care and home care services.

What if I lost a lot of weight recently? Can I still come to your clinic?

Yes! You would benefit from testing and evaluation and treatment planning in our clinic if you have a long-standing pattern of weight regain. 

Why do you run groups instead of individual appointments?

Group support substantially increases your chance of succeeding with your health and wellness goals. Groups are facilitated so that crucial assessment and information and education are covered, but are casual enough to allow for conversation, humor, support, and caring. Individual appointments are available and may be necessary for some clients.

Will I need to take supplements?

Most likely, yes. 92% of Americans have some form of nutrient deficiency. Malnutrition or subtle micronutrient deficiencies are common in obesity, and cause symptoms of food cravings, fatigue, mood swings, poor concentration and pain, among others. At Stein Wellness Centers, we identify the specific deficiencies and monitor them at regular intervals to ensure your best health.

Do I have to eat special foods?

No. You will eat normal food from regular stores and restaurants. However, we will teach you how to make selections and preparations that improve your health. In some instances you may be diagnosed with food sensitivities or allergies, and will need to avoid those ingredients in order to decrease your inflammation.

Are your results guaranteed?

Weight loss results are never guaranteed and vary with the individual. We have experience with hundreds of patients and work with each person individually to achieve the best results and restoration of health.

What is your treatment model for weight loss?

There are no quick weight loss remedies here; we assume you have already tried them without long-term success. This program restores health in addition to weight loss, which requires a minimum of 6 to 12 months, and may take up to 3-5 years ultimately if you have 150 lbs to lose or more. Our goal is to identify correctable medical factors, support and educate you while you are making necessary treatment and intervention changes, and ultimately help you move to a mainstream lifestyle that does not require immersion any longer. We want you to be our friend for life, not our forever patient.

Our treatment model is based on an immersion program that includes intensive adherence counseling in order to maximize your results.

For patients who have 100 lbs or more to lose, we recommend the one year subscription. For maximum benefit, patients should plan a minimum of 7 contacts per month with our clinic, either in person or virtually.

I have my own doctors; do I need to change?

Absolutely not. We are only in the business of weight management. We expect you to continue full treatment with your existing primary care provider, specialists and behavioral health providers. Part of your program safety at Stein Wellness Centers requires you to allow medical collaboration with your existing and future doctors in order to establish continuity of care.

What does being a subscriber mean?

Subscribers pay an initial single fee for bundled services for a set period of time. This offers substantial savings over paying for appointments and services individually. It also reflects a commitment to changing your life. If you are our subscriber, and you are “missing in action”, we will reach out to you to help with your health restoration. Losing a significant amount of weight is life-altering; the staff of Stein Wellness Centers is here to support you through that process.

What is included in the subscriber fee?

The exact costs of our subscription in-person programs that include unlimited group visits with our physician, registered dietitians, psychotherapist, fitness instructors and nurses are $1,550 for six months or $1875 for one year. The Do-It-Yourself Program features an initial face-to-face assessment with our physician or providers and full use of the virtual coaching program for $795 per year.

There is a $36 non-refundable annual communication convenience fee for the above subscriptions. The subscription fees and convenience fee are paid in full at the beginning of the program.

For individuals who are seeking information and education without medical treatment, we offer a Virtual Coaching Program ($36 a month; one year subscription required) that includes two personal emails monthly, a live monthly teleseminar and monthly newsletter. This program is billed as a monthly recurring charge, and there is no communication convenience fee. (Please note that Virtual Coaching is not considered a patient-doctor relationship because no face-to-face assessment has occurred.)

There are no hidden fees or required product purchases. Fees are subject to change for new or future recurrent subscribers.

The following are not included in the subscription fees:
Laboratory, medications or supplements, individual sessions for any provider other than the initial assessment, procedures, treatments or additional testing, weight loss equipment or aids, educational programs and materials. Other services may not be included.

What is Intensive Adherence Treatment and how does virtual treatment work?

Studies have demonstrated that more contacts with your treatment program leads to more success. We recommend a minimum of 7 contacts (touchpoints) with us per month, but recognize that you lead busy lives with little extra time, and may not always be able to attend in person.

We have carefully selected HelloHealth.com as our electronic medical records provider so that we may offer secure confidential embedded email, telephone, SKYPE video and instant messaging appointments. Your time is valuable, the weather, traffic and travel can interfere, and you can still make your appointment or group.

To further ensure you meet your goal of 7 touchpoints per month, we include RN case management to see how you are doing, electronic newsletters to keep you educated and informed, and live monthly teleseminars where we will focus on relevant topics and answer common questions. The more information we share, the more you are empowered.

At Stein Wellness Centers, we’ve made it easy to obtain services, and difficult to make excuses.

Will insurance cover this program?

Most insurance companies do not cover weight loss treatment. However, portions of your treatment program may be reimbursable by insurance, health savings accounts or may be tax deductible. We do not participate in any insurance plans or bill them directly, and are considered “out of network” providers. You will receive a “superbill” following each medical visit (with the exception of exercise classes and nursing services) that lists the services provided and the diagnosis code for each service. This paperwork can then be submitted directly to your insurer who may reimburse you directly.

We are non-participating members in Medicare. As a courtesy to our Medicare patients only, we will submit superbills directly to Medicare so that you may receive your reimbursement directly at home. We are not Medicaid providers.

If I decide I do not like this program, can I get a refund?

We recognize that every weight-loss program does not fit every individual. While we do not offer a money-back guarantee, we will refund the unused portion of your prepaid subscription 30 days following your written request and explanation. Please note that cancellation of a subscription will convert all services to ala carte pricing prior to refund of the unused portion.