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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions.

While information can change, we try to update as necessary.

For any other questions, Contact us via email, social media, or phone!

  • How do I get an appointment with Advanced Metabolic Solutions?
    Call our number 318-321-1914 and one of our weight loss team members will be happy to schedule you an appointment. *If you have a specific provider request, these will be accommodated as best as possible. Alternatively, you can self-schedule by clicking on the “Book Now“ button or following the link: https://advancedmetabolic.janeapp.com
  • Will my insurance cover this?
    Medications: Some insurance plans do cover weight loss medications; however, not many cover GLP-1 medications without step therapy. Please call your specific plan and ask which medications are covered. Visits: Currently we accept only self-pay for our services. We do not bill insurance for visits. However, payments accepted: cash, credit card, or HSA/FSA.
  • How much does it cost?
    *Monthly costs include a visit and medication. Please see the pricing breakdown below: Visits: Initial consultation with one our providers is $150. A subsequent follow-up visit with one of our providers is needed with every new prescription (approximately every 4-6weeks). Follow-up visits cost $125/visit. Medication: Medication prices change based on compounding pharmacies’ pricing. Currently the pre-tax pricing ranges from $100- $290+ monthly for Semaglutide. Tirzepatide pre-tax pricing starts at $150 monthly and increases based on dosing needs.
  • Who should NOT take these medications?
    -Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN 2) tumors -Type 1 diabetics -Anyone pregnant, breastfeeding, or wanting to become pregnant (oral contraceptives may become less effective on this medication with backup method needed).
  • Do I have to follow a specific diet and/or exercise while on these medications?
    Of course eating healthy and exercising are recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, no specific dietary restrictions or exercise is mandatory to achieve some weight loss while on these injections. However, diet or food choices geared towards protein intake do tend to help with weight loss.
  • How do I get the medications?
    We provide the medications at our clinic after your consultation with a provider.
  • Do I have to see a provider after the first visit or is it just to get the approval to take the medication? /How often do I need to be seen?
    These medications are prescriptions, and will need to be followed by one of our providers in order to continue prescribing throughout your weight loss journey. You will need to be seen by a provider each time you need a medication refill. For most patients this will be every 4-6 week visits.
  • How can my weight loss journey be tracked?
    -AMS providers currently recommend obtaining a “baseline” weight– that is your weight prior to starting the medications. Then weighing weekly (e.g. on the day your injection is due). **The best way to weigh yourself is to be consistent: same time of day, same scale, same amount of clothing, and NOT after you eat. (First thing in the morning after you relieve yourself and before breakfast works great!)
  • How do I cancel my appointment?
    If you are unable to keep your appointment, you can cancel your appointment by accessing your account online, calling our main number 318-321-1912 and leaving a message or emailing admin@advancedmetabolic.com Please note facebook messenger is not monitored frequently and should not be used to cancel an appointment. *Cancelling an appointment within 24 hours of the schedule appointment may incur a late cancellation fee. **Alternatively, failing to cancel your appointment and then not showing to the scheduled appointment may incur a no-show fee.
  • The scheduling system is requiring my credit card information. Am I being charged before my visit?
    No, you are not being charged before your visit. However, the system does require a credit card be placed on file to complete intake forms. The card you put on file does not have to be used every time. If you would like to use a different card at the time of service or would prefer to pay in cash, you may do so.
  • I don't live in Louisiana. Can I be a patient?
    Our providers are only allowed to complete telemedicine visits for patients who are residents of Louisiana. If you are wanting to be seen, but are a resident of a different state, you must be seen in person at our location in Alexandria, Louisiana.
  • Can you ship medication to me?
    In some cases medication can be direct-shipped to patients of Advanced Metabolic Solutions. US States that CAN be shipped to: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Montana, N. Carolin, N. Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, S. Carolina, S. Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, W. Virginia, and Wyoming. *Note you MUST be a resident of Louisiana to have telemedicine visits with our providers*
  • I ran out of medication. I need a refill. What do I do?
    Every time more medication is needed, it requires a followup visit with one of our medical weight loss providers (Doctors, NPs, or PAs)! This is a great chance to keep your tailored weight loss journey on track by reviewing the dosage, ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration, and planning ways to minimize possible side effects! Click the online booking link to find the next available slot: Telemedicine Weight Loss Follow-up In-Person Weight Loss Follow-up ***Pediatric Weight Loss Follow-ups MUST be booked by calling our main office number: 318-321-1914
  • What is the medication?
    -We are currently prescribing Semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 medication typically used to treat diabetes and obesity. - We also offer Tirzepatide, which is a GLP-1/GIP medication also currently available for diabetes that has an amazing weight loss profile. This medication is currently used off-label for obesity, though should gain FDA approval in 2023.
  • How does the medication work?
    GLP-1 medications work by enhancing the growth of beta cells in the pancreas (the sites of insulin production). This causes reduced appetite, improves control of eating, and reduces food cravings.
  • How is the medication given?
    -It is a once-weekly subcutaneous (fatty tissue below the skin) injection typically given in the abdomen, thigh, or arm. *Once goal weight is achieved, many are able to spread injections frequency out to every 10-14 days to adjust for a maintenance approach.
  • What are the side effects?
    -Typical side effects are nausea, diarrhea, and/or constipation. -Less likely side effects are injection site reaction, headache, body aches, and dizziness. -Full side effect profile can be discussed with your provider.
  • How much weight can I expect to lose?
    Current studies are showing an overall 15-25% loss of total body weight.
  • I do not like injections. Are there other options for me?
    Oral obesity medications can also be prescribed and may be discussed with your provider during your consultation visit
  • Is it safe to abruptly stop the injections if I decide not to continue for any reason?
    While there is no life threatening risk of abruptly stopping the GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medications, it is best to consult your provider before stopping medications on your own.
  • Can I give the injection myself or does it have to be given by a provider?
    You will have everything necessary to administer the injections yourself; however, if you are unable or unwilling to self-administer, arrangements can be made with a provider to have the injections given at the clinic.
  • How long will I need to be on the medication?
    -As this is a novel medication, there are not yet long-term studies that show the duration needed to maintain results. Similar to other health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, obesity may require long-term medication treatment. -We recommend one year on the medication for a metabolic reset and then taper off if desired. However, it is safe to be on long if your weight loss journey takes more time (e.g. 2+ years)
  • I don't think I took my dose correctly, there is still medication left in the vial. Did I do something wrong?
    If you have followed the dosing instructions on your prescription as prescribed then you likely have not done anything wrong. Generally, manufacturers put a little more than the amount noted to ensure you are able to draw up the prescribed amount.
  • What other services do you offer?
    Our providers are working hard at developing new services offered by Advanced Metabolic Solutions. Some of our other services currently include: IV Therapy Medical Marijuana Consultation (Louisiana Residents only) Botox /Filler **We recommend looking back later for other services offered by AMS and it's affiliated businesses (SZ Aesthetics, Med Savvy, Pretty Please Aesthetics, U.Wellness, and Linger Clinic)

Appointment Policies

Payment Processing for Services

As of 10/2/23, payment for services rendered (i.e. visit with the provider) will be collected at the time of the visit. In cases of Telemedicine visits, payment for the visit will be processed at the time of the visit. Medication purchases will be handled separately. 

Late Cancellation Policy

A $20 Late Cancellation fee will be incurred if a visit is scheduled and client fails to notify AMS through either phone call (318-321-1914) or email (admin@advancedmetbabolic.com) at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled visit time. This charge will be processed by the end of business day utilizing the card on file.  *Messaging via social media or calling other affiliated businesses will not be honored as these source cannot be adequately monitored by the Advanced Metabolic Solutions staff.

No-Show Policy

A $25 no-show fee will be incurred if a visit is scheduled and client fails to notify AMS through either phone call (318-321-1914) or email (admin@advancedmetbabolic.com) prior to the visit time. This charge will be processed by the end of business day utilizing the card on file.  *Messaging via social media or calling other affiliated businesses will not be honored as these source cannot be adequately monitored by the Advanced Metabolic Solutions staff.

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