We receive many calls each week regarding our Medical Weight Loss Program. This list covers some of the more typical questions new patients ask us. We hope you find some of the answers you are looking for on this page however you are always welcome to email us or give us a call at (541) 884-2900.

How much does your program cost?

The initial visit for our program is $160.00. We ask that you set aside 1.5 - 2 hours for this visit. We will check your vital signs, complete a body composition analysis, allow you to view Dr. Hempel's Medical Weight Loss DVD, and you will have an individual visit with Dr. Hempel where he will explain the program and answer all of your questions. At this time you will also receive your prescription medications. Aspen has a medication dispensing license and you may fill your prescription at our practice. Typically, your medication will cost $20 per month. Dr. Hempel also asks that you take a Chromium-GTF supplement which you will receive for free on your first visit and then it is $8.00 per three month supply after that. You will need to have a follow up visit with Dr. Hempel each month and your follow up visits are $60.00 per month. Unfortunately, health insurance policies will not cover your Medical Weight Loss visits.

Am I required to buy your food in order to participate in Aspen's Medical Weight Loss program?

At Aspen, we offer a large variety of popular, delicious high-protein foods for the convenience of our patients. You are NOT required to purchase any of the food items we sell. Dr. Hempel will prescribe a certain level of protein for your diet and most of our patients choose to use some of the foods that we sell to meet those standards.

How successful are most of your patients on their first month?

Weight loss success depends on each individuals commitment to their goals and their ability to follow the guidelines that are offered by Dr. Hempel. Your starting weight has a lot to do with what you lose during the first month. With this being said, most of our patients lose anywhere between five to twenty pounds in the first month of treatment. Our goal is not how fast you lose the pounds but teaching you to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight.

How heavy do I have to be to participate in your program?

There are many individual factors when it comes to each person's obesity. The Oregon Medical Board defines obesity that qualifies for medical treatment as having a BMI of 27 or greater, with two risk factors or a BMI of 30 or greater with no risk factors. A "risk factor" would be considered: a high body fat percentage, family history of obesity or obesity related conditions, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance... there are many others and you may discuss this with Dr. Hempel at the time of your appointment.

Are my current medications safe to take if I am prescribed Phentermine for weight loss?

Dr. Hempel meets with each new Medical Weight Patient individually for their weight loss appointments. On your initial visit, he will review the medications you are currently taking and discuss any concerns you may have about your medications. Appetite suppressants are safe medications, when monitored and prescribed correctly, and we are rarely unable to prescribe them to our patients.

Can I call in to get my Phentermine refilled or do I need an appointment?

Each time a Medical Weight Loss patient comes in we check your vitals and record your weight. It is an Oregon Medical Board requirement that we closely monitor the use of this medication and the progress of your weight loss. Because of this, we find it beneficial for your weight loss success to have monthly visits and we will only prescribe medications at that time.

What is the age limit for the Medical Weight Loss program?

We welcome and will accommodate any person who needs to be a part of this program. However, children under the age of 16 will not likely be considered for the prescription appetite suppressants. An adult must accompany any child under the age of 16 to their appointments. If the accompanying adult would like to participate in the program as well, they will be required to pay their own separate fees. Children under the age of 16, even without the medications, will benefit from the Medical Weight Loss program through education, diet plans, counseling, and treatment of their metabolic issues.

What lab work will I need and when? How much does the lab work cost?

Dr. Hempel requires the new Medical Weight Loss patients to have their lab work in hand on their first appointment. If you have had lab work completed with your primary care physician within the last three months, you may bring the lab results in with you. You may also have your primary care physician order your lab work to be completed, if you would like to have your insurance company pay for your lab work. If you do not have insurance coverage for your lab work, you may come by our office, pay a $50 fee, and we will give you a lab slip to have all of your blood work completed at Quest Laboratories (next door to the DMV) before your first appointment. The lab work Dr. Hempel requests includes a TSH (thyroid testing), BMP (basic metabolic profile), and a Lipid Panel.

If I am a weight patient, does that mean I can also be a medical patient at your clinic?

Dr. Hempel will not be considered your primary care physician if you are seeing him for weight loss. You need to maintain your relationship with your current primary care physician. In order to become one of Dr. Hempel or Cathy Noble's, PA-C medical patients, you would need to fill out a "New Patient Application" and go through our new patient approval process.

 

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