Terms Of use and legal notice

Terms of Use and Legal Notice

MedGate Wellness & Bariatric & Internal Medicine

Medical Weight Management Policy

At MedGate Wellness, we believe that diet and exercise are the foundation of successful weight loss and long-term maintenance. While anti-obesity medications can support lifestyle modifications, our prescribing strategy is personalized, considering patient eligibility, insurance coverage, and affordability.

Eligibility Criteria for Anti-Obesity Medications

Patients qualify for medical weight management if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

BMI ≥ 30, regardless of comorbidities.

BMI ≥ 27 with weight-related conditions (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, etc.).

Inadequate weight loss or weight regain after bariatric surgery despite appropriate lifestyle changes.

Preferred First-Line Pharmacologic Therapy

Our first-line weight loss medications include:

GLP-1 Receptor AgonistsSemaglutide (Wegovy®)

GLP-1/GIP Receptor AgonistsTirzepatide (Zepbound®)

These medications provide clinically significant weight reduction, improve metabolic disorders, and support long-term health outcomes.

Avoidance of Stimulant-Based Medications

We limit the use of stimulant-based weight loss drugs like Phentermine, Phendimetrazine, and Qsymia due to:

Short-term FDA approval (limited to 12 weeks)

Potential for dependency & cardiovascular risks

High risk of weight regain after discontinuation

Exceptions: Stimulant-based medications are considered only as a last resort for patients who:

✔ Are otherwise healthy without major cardiovascular risks.

✔ Cannot afford newer-generation anti-obesity medications.

Brand vs. Compounded Medications Policy

At MedGate Wellness & Bariatric & Internal Medicine, we prioritize prescribing FDA-approved brand-name medications whenever possible.

Process for Brand-Name Medications:

  1. Prescribing Wegovy® (Semaglutide) or Zepbound® (Tirzepatide).

  2. Assessing insurance coverage and eligibility.

  3. Filing prior authorization if required.

  4. Submitting appeal letters for denied insurance claims.

Compounded Medications Policy:

Compounded Semaglutide & Tirzepatide are only considered when:

Brand-name medications are not covered by insurance.

The cost of brand-name drugs is too high.

Patients prefer a compounded option.

Compounded Medication Quality Assurance:

Regular pharmacy audits to ensure high-quality formulations.

Transparent pricing with patient freedom to choose their preferred pharmacy.

Two medical staff members verify dosage, source, expiration, and storage before dispensing.

Patients inspect their compounded medications before purchase.

Signed consent form required, acknowledging that compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

Medicare Patients & Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN)

Medicare patients must sign an ABN form confirming:

Compounded weight-loss medications are NOT covered by Medicare.

They have the freedom to choose their pharmacy.

Contraindications & Patient Safety Measures

Our practice excludes patients with:

Personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC).

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2).

History of adverse reactions to GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists.

Patient Education & Informed Consent

Detailed counseling on side effects, including gastroparesis and acute pancreatitis.

Mandatory signed informed consent for patients on GLP-1/GLP-1-GIP therapies.

Clear explanation of medication benefits, risks, and sourcing.

Why Choose MedGate Wellness for Weight Management?

Science-Backed Medical Weight Loss – Proven treatments designed for long-term success.

Personalized Plans – Tailored solutions based on your health and goals.

Safe & Effective – We prioritize patient safety and evidence-based practices.

Comprehensive Support – Ongoing guidance, monitoring, and expert care.

Start Your Weight Loss Journey Today!

Contact MedGate Wellness today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier you!

Medicare Disclaimer

Patients who are enrolled in Medicare are not eligible for coverage under this DPC contract.
MedGate Wellness operates independently of Medicare and cannot submit claims or seek
reimbursement for any services provided under this Agreement. Medicare beneficiaries
acknowledge that they must seek care outside of this Agreement for Medicare-covered services.

Chronic Pain management & Chronic Anxiolytic management Philosophy Statement

At MedGate Wellness, our philosophy is centered on holistic care and overall wellness. To support this mission, we do not prescribe narcotics or benzodiazepine therapy for the management of chronic pain or anxiety disorders. This approach is designed to improve patient wellness, minimize the risk of tolerance, side effects, drug dependence, and substance use disorders. Our focus is on providing comprehensive, non-narcotic treatments to promote sustainable health and well-being.