Our Virtual Weight Loss Program offers Virtual Online Evaluations via Video to patients located within any of the states where Dr. Toombs-Withers is licensed.

We proudly care for patients located in the following states: AL, AK, CO, DE, D.C., FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, OK, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY.

We offer in-office appointments with priority scheduling in-person at our Clinic located in Downtown Chattanooga, TN for Members enrolled into our Lifestyle Medicine Membership Program.

Our Virtual Weight Loss Program is designed for and perfect for individuals who may need to lose 10% to 25% of their body weight or more to achieve a healthy weight.

We offer Virtual Weight Loss care to the following:

• Individuals who are over the age 18 years old.

• Individuals who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 27.

• Individuals with Weight Associated Health Conditions (i.e. High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, etc.)

*We also offer Weight Management Services to children aged 12 to 18 years old. However, children within this age group are NOT eligible to join our Virtual Weight Loss Program. Due to the complexity of care for pediatric patients, they will need to be enrolled into our Lifestyle Medicine Membership Program and seen in-person at our clinic office location.

Some of the medication options for weight loss include FDA approved medications including Wegovy (Semaglutide), Zepound (Tirzepatide), Saxenda (Liraglutide), Contrave (Bupropion/Naltrexone), Topamax (Topiramate), Metformin, and more. Prescription treatment is determined based upon a complete evaluation, your medical history, safety with your current medications and conditions, and your health goals.

*No controlled substance medications are prescribed through our Virtual Program.

Essence of Health does not bill your insurance company for our services. We see our patients (not the insurance company) as the priority and opting out of insurance coverage allows us to provide a higher quality of care to our patients. This also allows us to provide care to our patients regardless of the type of insurance they have including patients with Private Insurance, Medicare and Medicaid.

You can also use your HSA/FSA account for coverage of your care at Essence of Health.

Lab Testing and Imaging (if needed), may be ordered and billed to your insurance plan. Cash-based pricing on lab testing is also available at a discounted rate.

- New Patient Video Appointments are $150.

These are 30 minute appointments with Dr. Toombs-Withers.

- Follow-Up Video Appointments are $99.

These are 15 minute appointments with Dr. Toombs-Withers.

- Extended Time Appointments are available for both New and Follow-Up Patients at a rate of $75 for each additional 15 minutes beyond your initial appointment time.

- Metabolic Lab Testing is offered for an additional $50 fee.

- Body Composition Analysis is offered at a discounted rate of $35 per scan.

- Video Appointment Costs includes Obesity Medicine Specialist Physician Evaluation, Weight Loss Resources, and Enrollment into our Private App and Online Weight Loss Discussion Group.

*There are no appointment fees for Patients who are enrolled in our Lifestyle Medicine Membership Program.

Medication costs are variable depending on the medication that is prescribed to you. Oral medication options start as low as $10 for a 30 day supply of medication. Injectable medication options start as low as $275 for a 30 day supply of medication.

Insurance coverage may be available for the medication prescribed to you. Pricing for medications covered by insurance, will be determined by your insurance provider. We encourage you to check with your insurance company regarding your plan coverage. If a prior authorization is needed, this service is available at no additional cost.

This will be determined based upon the medication prescribed to you. Some of our medication options are shipped directly to your home and some will need to be picked up at your local pharmacy of choice.

If shipping is required, the shipping cost is included in the cost of the medication.

- New Patient Appointments are 30 minutes in length.

Prior to your Video Appointment, you will receive a detailed online health questionnaire so that we can obtain your pertinent health information, your weight management concerns, and your weight loss goals for your appointment.

If you have had any labs or imaging studies performed already, you will be given an opportunity to upload these reports in advance for Dr. Toombs-Withers to review.

At the time of your appointment, Dr. Toombs-Withers will discuss your concerns with you in detail and develop a plan with you that will typically include medication management (if appropriate), lifestyle recommendations including personalized nutritional guidance, and other supplemental resources to get you on the path to achieving your weight loss goals.

- Existing Patient Follow-Up Appointments are 15 minutes in length.

Prior to your follow up Video Appointment, you will receive a shorter version of our health questionnaire so that you can update Dr. Toombs-Withers to how you're feeling now and the current status of your weight management treatment. She will then discuss any new recommendations with you, and refill or adjust your medications (if appropriate).

- Monthly Virtual Evaluations

Every month you will receive a text message from your Physician for a virtual check-in. You will need to complete a quick online health survey for monitoring of your medication. These are not video appointments, but are required for ongoing care.

Evaluations are done via Video. Access to a computer, laptop, or mobile device with internet coverage is required for Video Evaluations. Video Link will be provided at the time of scheduling your appointment.

To optimize your virtual online care, a home blood pressure cuff and home scale is recommended. If you have diabetes or are taking blood sugar lowering medications, use of a glucometer is also recommended.

We recommend that you have your current medications or your medication list nearby on-hand to review at the time of your video appointments.

Dr. Toombs-Withers will not serve as your Primary Care Physician (PCP) within this Specialty service.

For acute and urgent concerns, you will need to seek care with your local Doctor or Urgent Care/Emergency Room Facility.

In-person office care is offered only to those enrolled into our Lifestyle Medicine Membership Program.

Our Virtual Weight Loss Program is NOT offered to anyone who is currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the next 12 months. Weight loss medications are not safe for use in pregnancy or while trying to conceive.

We encourage any individuals of childbearing age and ability to conceive, to use pregnancy prevention methods while receiving weight loss medication treatment.

"Life Happens" and plans often change! We understand.

Our Virtual Weight Loss Program is not a membership based program, so you can cancel care at any time. If you need to cancel or reschedule your scheduled video appointment, you can do so using the link provided in your appointment confirmation email.

- Reschedule: If your appointment is rescheduled more than 48 hours before the appointment, there is no charge. If your appointment is rescheduled within 48 hours of your appointment time, a $25 rebooking fee may be applied.

- Cancellation: If your appointment is cancelled more than 48 hours before the appointment, there is no charge and you will receive a full refund. If your appointment is cancelled within 48 hours of your appointment time, 50% of your appointment fee will be refunded.

You can schedule a Free Consultation with Dr. Toombs-Withers by clicking the box below.