FAQs

What is Lifestyle Medicine

In short, lifestyle medicine is all about prevention. The long answer…lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based and science-backed approach to prevent, treat, and reverse disease through six core lifestyle change interventions: healthy eating, improved physical activity (strength training and aerobic exercise), restorative sleep, better stress management, substance avoidance, and increased social connections. 

• Examples of lifestyle medicine programs include Exercise as Medicine and Food as Medicine initiatives. 

• Conditions that can be helped by lifestyle medicine include: obesity and excess body fat, poor metabolic health and metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease,  cardiovascular diseases, low muscle mass and sarcopenia, osteopenia, 

What are the Benefits of Lifestyle Medicine?

Lifestyle medicine car reduce or eliminate the need for chronic disease medications, improve major health risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors), add muscle mass and increase strength, achieve a healthy body fat percentage, improve performance for sports and outdoor activities.

Is Lifestyle Medicine the same as Primary Care? Can Healthstar be my Primary Care Doctor?

The Healthstar lifestyle medicine practice does not take the place of your primary care doctor. Although our practice can strongly complement primary care, we do not function or accept patients as a primary care provider. We strongly recommend all our members to have a primary care doctor. 

How does personal training work?

One-on-one in person training is included in all Healthstar Memberships. The number of sessions per month is dependent on the type of membership you have.  

How do I book a personal training session?

To book a personal session simply use the schedule found here. Be sure to use your subscription code so that you don’t get charged for the session. 

Can I book additional Personal Training sessions?

Yes, all members can book additional sessions at the member discounted rate of $99 for one hour sessions (non-member rate is $199/ hr).

How does nutrition coaching work?

You will work with your Healthstar physician and fitness coach to create a personalized nutrition plan to help you reach your goals.  

What is included in nutrition coaching?

Healthstar takes  a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition including Food as Medicine programing, healthy eating education, goal-directed macronutrients, understanding micronutrients, meal planning, healthy recipes, meal prepping, grocery lists, healthy cooking classes and chef-led events, and evidence-based supplementation.  

What is digital coaching?

Digital coaching is the use of the Healthstar app to program, monitor and track your nutrition, exercise, sleep, and other assigned programs. The Healthstar app is available for Apple, Android, as well as a desktop version for all computers. 

Is lab testing included?

Yes, quarterly lab testing is included for all members and will include the following: 

Lipid Panel and A1C testing.  

Where do I go for lab testing?

Lab testing is done either at a Healthstar office or Quest Diagnostics. All members will receive instructions on how to undergo testing. 

How often are labs done?

Typically we will do lab testing every 3 to 6 months. 

Can I use labs from one of my other doctors?

Yes, if you have had recent lab work done within the past 3 months you can use outside lab data for your programs at Healthstar. 

What prescription services does Healthstar offer?

When clinical indicated a Healthstar physician may offer certain lifestyle medicine prescription services including:

• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) to improve metabolic health, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. 

• GLP-1s and Clinical Weight Loss Programs. When possible we focus on short-term GLP-1 use (i.e. GLP-1 off ramping) be leveraging intensive lifestyle changes and establishing a solid foundation for long-term health and fitness. 

  • GLP-1 medications are not included as part of Healthstar memberships, however you can attempt to use your insurance for medication coverage, but we cannot guarantee coverage. Please check with your insurance plan for coverage questions. 

• TRT/HRT. We on occasion my offer Testosterone Replacement Therapy or Hormone Replacement Therapy, but only when clinically indicated. Healthstar uses the American Urological Association Guidelines and other peer-reviewed literature for determining normal, age-based testosterone levels.* Healthstar is not a steroid / TRT pill mill. We take an “all-natural” approach to health and fitness. We all natty bro.

What does Healthstar not offer?

We do not offer any prescriptions services other than those mentioned above. We DO NOT offer prescription services for medication refills, primary care, acute care, urgent care, addiction medicine, mental health or any other prescription services. 

What are your Exclusive Events?

On occasion we may offer exclusive classes and events to our members. These events typically reach capacity and are on a first come, first serve basis. We cannot always guarantee a spot for all members. 

Where can I find the price for a Healthstar membership?

All memberships can be found here. 

Why do you have a 3 month minimum commitment? 

Having helped thousands of patients and clients on their fitness and health journeys we know that it takes a minimum of 12 weeks and a consistent commitment to build lasting and lifelong healthy habits. If you stick with the program you will be more than happy with the results, but it takes time to see progress. 

What happens if I cancel before my 3 month commitment is completed?

If you decide to cancel before your three month commitment is over you will receive a bill prorated for the remaining months. 

How does the Waitlist work?

Healthstar is an exclusive and small community - we will at times reach capacity. Once we have reached capacity in a location we will provide a waitlist for that location, which will be ordered on a first come, first serve basis. 

How do I cancel my membership?

You can cancel your membership at any time in your member account as long as you have fulfilled your first 3 month commitment. Your membership must be canceled at least 24 hours prior to your next billing cycle. If you cancel your membership and want to resign back up at a later date, you may be placed on a waitlist before restarting. See below. 

If I canceled my membership can I resign back up?

Yes, you can resign at any time as long as there is not a waitlist for your location. If there is a waitlist you will be placed on the waitlist, until an opening becomes available. To understand you place on the waitlist please contact us.

Can I pause my Membership?

Yes, but only for one month in a 12 month calendar year, but not during your first 3 month commitment (i.e. you cannot pause during your first 3 months of membership). The charge for a membership pause is $149/month. 

Does Healthstar take insurance?

No, Healthstar does not accept Medicare, Medicaid, or any other health insurance plan. 

Can I use my FSA or HSA card?

Yes, for most Healthstar services including Healthstar memberships you will be able to use your FSA or HSA card. Please check with your FSA or HSA card issuer for covered services.  Our member services team can assist if you have any questions regarding FSA or HSA eligible services for Healthstar. 

Does Healthstar participate in Medicare or Medicaid?

No, Healthstar does not accept Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government or private health insurance plan. 

Can I use my Health Insurance for Healthstar Prescription Services?

For some prescription services that we offer (e.g. CGM, Lab test orders,  prescriptions for medications) your insurance may cover these services. We cannot guaranteed that our services will be covered. WE ARE OUT OF NETWORK WITH ALL HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS. 

Does Healthstar take the place of Health Insurance?

Absolutely not. We urge all members to maintain health insurance coverage at all times.