Frequently Asked Questions
Health by Design MD FAQ's
At Health by Design MD, we believe that healing begins with partnership. Whether you're just getting started or have been with us for years, these FAQs will help guide you through our most common policies and procedures.
Do you accept insurance?
We are a cash-pay, out-of-network practice. This means we do not bill insurance directly—including Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or other government-funded programs—so that we can provide the highest quality, personalized care without insurance restrictions.
If you have a private or commercial insurance plan with out-of-network benefits, we are happy to provide a superbill upon request, which you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
To simplify the process, we recommend using Reimbursify, a third-party service that helps you submit claims for out-of-network benefits with just a few clicks. Please note that this service only works with commercial insurance policies.What does the new patient process look like?
Your initial care is thoughtfully structured into two appointments to provide a deeper, more personalized experience.
Before your first visit, your provider spends about an hour thoroughly reviewing your intake forms, medical history, and any records you've uploaded from other clinics.Your first consultation is a 90-minute in-office visit, where you’ll meet with your provider to dive into your health goals, symptoms, and concerns. This is typically followed by lab testing, which can often be done on-site the same day.
Our in-office phlebotomist is trained in the unique specimen handling techniques required by many of the advanced labs we use.
We then schedule your second 90-minute consultation—either in-person or via telehealth—about 4 to 5 weeks later, after your lab results have returned. At that visit, your provider will walk you through your results and collaborate with you to build a personalized plan of care.
New patient consultation fees:● Dr. Warner: $345 deposit, $350 due at the second visit● All other providers: $300 deposit, $195 due at the second visitWhat if I haven’t been seen in over 24 months?
If it’s been more than two years since your last visit, you’ll need to reestablish care with a 60-minute appointment:
● Dr. Warner: $450● All other providers: $375
These visits require additional preparation time, just like your initial consults.What are your hourly rates, and why do you charge this way?
Our model of care is different from conventional medicine. We don’t follow traditional billing codes, which allows us to spend more time with you and offer truly customized care—rather than letting insurance companies dictate what’s covered.
Hourly Rates:● Dr. Warner: $400/hour● All other providers: $300/hour
These rates apply to both appointments and services rendered outside of visits (like reviewing complex labs, writing letters, or developing detailed treatment plans). We can also provide a superbill for eligible services upon request.Are email or phone consultations billed?
We always want to support your questions between visits.
● Quick questions (under 5 minutes): Free of charge● Longer questions or clinical guidance (over 5 minutes): Billed in 15-minute increments at the provider’s hourly rate
Any medication or supplement adjustments require a scheduled appointment for safety and continuity of care.
We can provide a superbill for extended consultations if needed.What’s your cancellation and no-show policy?
We kindly ask that you give us at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Appointments canceled or missed without adequate notice will incur a $150 non-refundable fee.
Please also arrive on time—patients more than 10 minutes late may need to reschedule.Will I be charged for paperwork or prior authorizations?
Yes. Time spent beyond 5 minutes on administrative tasks—like writing letters, reviewing outside labs, completing forms, or handling prior authorizations—will be billed at the provider’s hourly rate in 15-minute increments.
Do you offer primary care services?
We are a functional medicine practice focused on wellness, prevention, and root-cause resolution. We do not serve as your primary care provider and do not manage urgent or acute issues.
Please reach out to your PCP for:● Sick visits● Imaging or specialist referrals● Medication changes or refills● Time-sensitive medical needs
We ask for 2 business days’ notice for any non-urgent clinical questions or requests.
When will I get my lab results?
Your results will be made visible in your patient portal during your scheduled follow-up appointment.
If any critical or time-sensitive results are identified before your appointment, we will contact you directly to discuss them.Can I use insurance for lab work?
Many of the advanced and functional labs we use are not covered by insurance and are best accessed through discounted self-pay pricing.
You’ll have the opportunity to opt in or out of self-pay labs:● If you opt in, you can pay the full amount up front or in 3 biweekly payments starting on the 1st of the month.● If you opt out, and choose to bill insurance, you’ll be responsible for any denied or uncovered charges, which may be higher than our discounted pricing.
We can provide superbills if you wish to submit lab charges to your commercial insurance for reimbursement.Why do I need a credit card on file?
We require a valid card to be kept on file for:● Appointment deposits● Supplement or lab orders● Missed appointments or late cancellation fees
You can update or remove your card at any time by submitting a written request.Do you offer telehealth services?
Yes, we offer secure telehealth consultations using HIPAA-compliant platforms.
For compliance purposes, patients must be seen in person at least once per year. Your provider may also recommend in-office visits for certain services or evaluations.What is an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN)?
An ABN is a form required by Medicare that alerts you when a service may not be covered. If you’re a Medicare patient, we will provide you with this form before proceeding with any such services. Signing the ABN acknowledges that you understand the cost is your responsibility.
What if I have Medicaid?
Because we are not in-network with Medicaid, we are unable to submit prior authorizations for medications, imaging, or medical equipment.
For these services, please contact your in-network primary care provider.How do you protect my health information (HIPAA Policy)?
Your privacy is a top priority.
At Health by Design MD, we strictly adhere to HIPAA regulations to protect your personal health information.
You may request a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices at any time.We may leave voicemails or messages regarding your care unless you provide written instructions not to.
You may also authorize specific individuals (such as a spouse or caregiver) to receive updates about your health, appointments, or billing information.
You can update or revoke this authorization in writing at any time.
Click here to read the Notice of Privacy Policy Practices.