Tell something about the UltraWellness Center
The UltraWellness Center is an institute for Functional/Integrative Medicine. It was established by Dr. Hyman several years ago to provide a comprehensive, cutting edge approach to medicine. Functional medicine addresses the body as a whole and tries to identify and treat underlying causes of disease rather than just symptoms. This moves beyond current conventional medical practice translating current science into practice. We treat complex, chronic medical conditions in patients who have suffered without relief for many years, and they improve with this approach. We use specialized nutritional testing, dietary supplementation and diet and lifestyle changes for treatment and prevention. There are currently three doctors, three nutritionists and a nurse who work as a team in patient care.
Back to TopCan I make an appointment with Dr. Hyman?
Dr. Hyman’s practice is quite full and the wait for a new patient appointment may be many months, however he does have a partner who is accepting new patients. Dr. Elizabeth Boham practices the same type of medicine as Dr. Hyman, and there is collaboration between the physicians, who work closely together. Dr. Boham’s patients receive excellent care, and we feel confident recommending that patients see her.
Back to TopTell me about the other doctor.
Dr. Elizabeth Boham is board certified in Family Practice. Dr. Boham did her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nutrition at Cornell University and Columbia University. She is also a Registered Dietitian. She worked with Dr. Hyman at Canyon Ranch before joining him at the UltraWellness Center. She did family practice residency at Albany Medical School.
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How much does it cost and why is the cost higher than a conventional medical visit?
The initial appointment with the doctor lasts 1 ½ hours. During that time you will
review your medical history, go over your current medication and supplement regimen,
develop a list of your current medical imbalances and a plan for testing and supplementation.
That visit is $700 for both Dr. Boham and Dr. Hyman. After that you visit
with the nutritionist, and that costs $150 dollars for a 50 minute appointment,
during which she will followup on the doctor’s plan and make recommendations for
dietary changes. He or she will customize your medical nutritional program, and
will revise this plan with you over time.
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Do you take insurance and why not?
Unfortunately we do not accept any insurance. However, we give you an itemized bill
that you can submit to your insurance, and most of our patients get at least some
portion of the bill reimbursed. Also, you can use flex spending accounts and medical
or health savings account to pay for your visit and testing. There is an insurance
reimbursement broker that can help you get reimbursed for your medical care. You
can call XXX for more information.
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What do you test for? Do I have to do a lot of testing?
This is decided by your physician, depending what problems you are experiencing. Your testing is individualized to accommodate your personal medical concerns. Your financial resources and how much testing you want to do are taken into account and the plan for testing is reviewed with you. Testing is frequently done to assess nutritional status including amino acids, fatty acids, oxidative stress, vitamin levels, mitochondrial function, food allergies, and heavy metals. Many other tests are available, including genetic testing for a variety of conditions, hormone evaluations, bone health, gastrointestinal health, adrenal function and many others.
While the testing gives a more complete picture of your status, effective care can be implemented without it, or testing can be done over time. You should not let this prevent you from seeing one of the doctors.
Back to TopHow much does testing usually cost?
This varies tremendously depending on what tests are ordered. Some testing can be done at your local laboratory, which are usually covered by your insurance company. The individual tests done at UltraWellness Center range between $130 dollars and $1200 dollars. On average, testing costs approximately $2000 dollars, but if this is a concern, discuss it with your doctor.
While the testing gives a more complete picture of your status, effective care can be implemented without it, or testing can be done over time. You should not let this prevent you from seeing one of the doctors.
Back to TopWhat do I need to bring to the appointment?
You should bring all your vitamins and medicines in their original containers if possible. Old medical records are very helpful, but if possible, these should be sent prior to the appointment.
Back to TopDo I need to do anything to prepare for the appointment?
You should fast the night before your appointment for 12 hours. You may have water only during this time. You should not take any supplements the morning of your appointment, but you may take your prescription medications except for thyroid medicines. If possible, you should discontinue eating shellfish or other fish 1 week prior to the appointment.
If you have an afternoon appointment and will be having your labs drawn the next day, you do not need to fast for the initial doctor’s appointment.
Back to TopWhere do I get the New Patient Packet?
We can email, mail or fax it to you, or you can download it off the web at www.ultrawellnesscenter.com
Back to TopCan you recommend some place to stay for the visit?
Yes, of course. For your convenience, we have selected various local resorts and inns. They are all included in the New Patient Packet, and you can review it and make the necessary reservations.
Back to TopWhat will my day look like?
You will start your day by checking in and having your vital signs taken, including blood pressure, heart rate, waist and hip circumference, weight and height. After that you will meet with your doctor for approximately 80 minutes. During that visit you should have plenty of time to review all your concerns and develop a plan for your treatment. You will then have your appointment with the nurse and the laboratory staff, which will take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the testing your doctor orders. Then you will meet with your nutritionist for approximately 50 minutes. After that you will check out, pay your bill and ask any final questions that you have.
Back to TopDo I have to meet with the nutritionist?
Yes, nutritional counseling is a vital component of your care. Dietary changes are an essential part of treatment. If you have allergy testing, it will be reviewed with the nutritionist to help you make any changes needed.
Back to TopWill Dr. Hyman be involved in my care?
While Dr. Hyman is not directly involved in every case, he is available to the other physicians for consultation, and the health care team meets weekly to review complicated cases.
Back to TopWill the doctor examine me?
Generally not. The appointment will consist of reviewing your medical concerns and developing a plan for care. On occasion a focused exam will be done (of skin, an area in pain, etc)
Back to TopCan I get directions to the office? Where are you located?
We are located in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. There are many cultural activities locally, including Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony, Jacob’s Pillow Dance, and many others. Directions to the office are detailed in the New Patient Packet you will be receiving.
Back to TopHow often do I have to see the doctor?
You will have appointments approximately 2 and 6 weeks after your initial appointment. After that, it depends on your particular situation. The appointments generally space out over time. You will have a followup with your nutritionist 2 weeks after you do your allergy testing.
Back to TopDo the doctors prescribe medicines?
They can, and do when necessary.
Back to TopDo you have a payment plan or sliding scale?
Payment is expected at the time of the visit. As a general rule, there is no sliding scale.
Back to TopWhat airport do I fly into?
You can fly into Hartford or Albany airports. We are located approximately one hour away from either airport. There is no public transportation between the airport and the office; generally people rent a car for transportation.
Back to TopYour location is inconvenient, what do I do?
You only need to come to the office for the first visit. After that you can do your follow up appointments by phone.
Back to TopCan I do my first appointment as a phone consult? Why not?
No, the physicians are required by law to see you in person at least once to be able to provide care. It is illegal for a physician to treat a patient whom they have not seen at least once in the state in which they physician is licensed.
Back to TopHow does a phone consult work? Is it cheaper than a regular appointment?
At the time of your appointment, you call our 800 number, and speak to the physician by phone. The cost is the same whether you come in to the office or do your follow up appointments by phone.
Back to TopDo you know any doctors in my area?
Unfortunately, we are not able to recommend any other physicians, as we cannot personally vouch for the kind of medicine that they practice.
Back to TopWhat if I don’t have time to get my New Patient History (or old records) done before the appointment? Should I schedule it later?
No, the doctor can review the New Patient Packet quickly prior to the visit, and will go over it with you during the visit if you do not have time to complete it before. If you cannot get old records sent prior to the visit, the doctor can review them afterwards, when they are available. You should not let this delay starting your journey to better health.
Back to TopI am already working with a nutritionist. Do I need to see one at your office?
Yes, we do recommend that all our patients see one of our nutritionists. The “medical nutrition” they practice is very different from what most nutritionists do. Also, it is very important to review the food allergies with our nutritionist once they become available, because the situation can be very complicated and hard to manage without assistance.
Back to TopWhat conditions do you treat?
We treat all chronic conditions.
Back to TopWill the doctor speak to my primary care doctor?
Your physician will send a copy of your medical assessment to your physician only if you request it. Otherwise, your medical information will not be shared with anyone.
Back to TopWill the doctor notify my insurance company of the findings?
No. The UltraWellness Center will provide you with a bill with appropriate coding that you may submit to your insurance company if you choose, but we will not send any information or bills directly to the insurance company.
Back to TopCan the doctor be my primary care doctor? Do they admit to any hospitals?
No, the doctors at UWC do not admit to any hospitals, and do not take call for emergencies, so we recommend that you maintain a relationship with a primary care physician.
Back to TopWhat testing can I do that my insurance will pay for?
If you choose to have your regular labs done at your local laboratory, the insurance will generally pay for: vitamin levels, hormone testing, thyroid levels and antibodies, celiac panel, celiac gene testing, blood count, iron evaluation, markers for inflammation, markers for risk factors for heart and vascular disease, insulin evaluation, urinalysis, complete chemistry panel, and many others.
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