FAQ
We Answer Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ or Frequently asked questions are answered by both Dr. Leila Kirdani and Marge Pickering-Picone
What is Anti-Aging Medicine
Anti-aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine is the fastest growing medical sub-specialty in the United States and around the world, The basis of Anti-aging medicine is to use the latest research to support nutritionally and hormonally, as well as looking at Environmental Toxins and Lifestyle issues that depletes the body’s reserves and cause accelerated aging. Our focus is not only disease management but to assist our patients to live long and optimally well. The latest in medical research is bringing to the forefront that inflammation is the cause of many disease states. Included in this list are Adrenal Fatigue, Peri-menopausal Conditions, Subclinical Hypothyroidism (thyroid), Heavy Metal Toxicity and Low Testosterone Levels.
Anti-aging specialists work with their patients to understand the underlying cause of their increased inflammation, whether it is dietary allergens, environmental toxins, chronic infections, overgrowth of intestinal bacteria leading to altered intestinal permeability.
Another reason we age is because we lose our sex hormones. Anti-aging specialists understand the importance of hormonal balance in men and woman and use only use bio-identical hormones to correct any imbalances. Bio-identical hormones are much safer and more effective because they are the exact same molecule as the hormones found in our body naturally.
What Method of Payments are Accepted?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover Credit Cards Only as well as Debit Cards, Cash, Money Orders or Personal Checks.
Please note, there will be a $35.00 fee for all returned checks.
The most FAQ asked: Will my visit with the Doctor be covered by insurance?
This office does not accept any insurance at all. However, some patients are able to submit their receipt for the Doctor's fee to their insurance for reimbursement as an "out of network" provider. You will leave the office with a receipt that includes medical codes that you send into your insurance company for your own reimbursement. The office does not accept insurance. If we are required to do any insurance work, you may incur a charge for office time as we are not set up for insurance reimbursement.
Why does this office not take insurance?
As a Family Physician, Dr. Kirdani often felt restricted in what she could do for patients because of what insurance would pay for. In order to treat patients the way she feels they ought to be treated, she does not accept insurance. Insurance covers only the "standard care" treatments, which are often sorely "substandard". You are responsible for submitting your own paperwork to your insurance company. You will be given the receipt with codes for you to submit yourself to the insurance company. They should send reimbursement directly to you. You need to be your own advocate and work with your insurance company if you feel you are entitled to reimbursement.
Is the Blood work covered by insurance?
In almost all cases, blood work is covered by insurance. If you do not have coverage, this office has a corporate account with ACM ONLY. We try to assist you by allowing you to utilize the Doctor's corporate rates. You pay our office up front and we pay ACM.
Is the Saliva Testing covered by insurances?
Most insurances will pay for salivary testing four times a year, except for MVP, Preferred Care, Medicaid and some Blue Choice products. In general, Blue Choice pays for salivary testing unless there has been an exclusion written in to the contract by the employer. Please direct all Saliva Testing questions to the toll free number included with the Saliva Kit. We receive no compensation and only supply you with the Saliva Kit and they will answer any questions you might have from payment to how to do the testing.
What can I expect at my Visit with the Doctor?
First Visit:
During the first visit with Dr, Kirdani will be a review of your concerns (What is bringing you to the office today?) along with your medical history. Dr. Kirdani then discusses your particular problems through the lens of an Anti-Aging/Functional Medicine Doctor, specifically, how altered cortisol levels and adrenal concerns are at the root cause of most of the problems people come in with. She discusses the role of adrenal issues in creating sex hormone imbalances. Dr. Kirdani then reviews salivary testing for hormones and how to do the salivary test kit at home.
Dr. Kirdani will then review the blood work that she feels is necessary to order. During this conversation the doctor often reviews the causes of inflammation which much of the blood work centers on uncovering, along with the basis of eating correctly for your blood type.
Second Visit:
This is one month after the office has received all the results of your studies. During this visit Dr. Kirdani reviews your testing in detail. She explains the imbalances you may be experiencing and comes up with a detailed program of how to proceed toward your best health direction. Dr. Kirdani writes down all of her recommendations in detail so that you can refer to her notes after you have left the visit. She most likely will prescribe hormones and will review and update your supplement list. Dr. Kirdani typically orders follow-up blood work in 6 weeks.
Third Visit:
The third visit with Dr. Kirdani is two months after the second visit or two weeks after the six week blood work. The doctor will review how the program is working for you and to hash out any problems you may incur. She will review the current blood work and update any prescription or supplements you may be currently on.
Subsequent Visits:
Visits occur roughly every 3 to 4 months. They are preceded by blood work and/or saliva testing, which will be reviewed at that scheduled visit.
What are Bio-Identical Hormones?
Bio-identical hormones are synthetic hormones derived from plants that are made to be the exact same molecule that is naturally occurring in our bodies. This is different from standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT), because the hormones used in standard HRT are NOT the same molecule. There are often extra side-chains added so that these hormones are "patentable", and therefore more profitable. However, because they are different than what are bodies produce naturally, they are harder for the body to break down, causing more side effects and sometimes an increased risk of cancer.
How do I apply the Bio Identical Hormone Cream?
Creams are applied after your shower, preferably in the morning to an area of skin that is non-hairy with some sub-cutaneous fat. This includes under arm (tricep area) inner thigh and hip for women, and upper arm, upper back and upper chest for men. Creams should be rubbed-in thoroughly, with no other lotions to that area afterwards. Site should be rotated daily.
How do I take my vitamins?
The best way is when consuming food. Pay attention to your directions as some supplements are required to be taken before consuming food on an empty stomach. This is how they do their best work. Instead of swallowing with a full glass of water and feeling bloated…use your meal. Chew up a mouthful of food insert one or two supplements and swallow. Your throat opens for the food and you will feel that taking your supplements is less of a chore. This is easy way!