Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! We are now accepting Cigna, United Health Care, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield. If you have out of network benefits we will can submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement but you will be responsible for the visit. What if you don't have insurance or we don't take your insurance? Well, we still do what we do best - provide health care! We will work with you though and provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance and we are able to accept HSA payments.

Yes, and Tele-health visits, texting, email, and phone calls are all ways in which to make an appointment.

Great question! It sure looks confusing, doesn't it? Long story short: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nursing Practitioner - Board Certified. I went to the University of Maryland, Baltimore for both my undergraduate nursing degree (BSN: Bachelors of Science, Nursing) and I also earned my nurse practitioner degree there. This designation is a little complicated in how it is displayed. First and foremost, I earned a doctorate in nursing, specifically a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). It's one of the two most common ways to earn a doctorate. The DNP track focuses on utilizing existing nursing knowledge and expanding it into practice - I think of it as a more hands on approach. My DNP capstone project was screening patients for obstructive sleep apnea by using an already established screening tool that is used pre-operatively. Another route is by earning a PhD - this is where graduate-level nursing students conduct research and add to the nursing body of knowledge. I've worked with some of the most renowned nursing there are in the profession! Without their contributions, science and nursing would be light years behind. Long story, isn't it? I hope it goes to show you that nurse practitioners are dedicated to creating and using evidence based knowledge in addition to our bedside training to be the best advocates for our patients.

🔒 1. Patent Protection and Exclusivity Brand-name GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are protected by patents and FDA exclusivity. Compounded drugs cannot legally copy patented drugs unless the branded product is on the FDA's drug shortage list. 📝 2. FDA Regulations on Compounding Under the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA), compounding pharmacies may only produce copies of commercially available drugs if: There’s a clinical need not met by the FDA-approved version (e.g., allergy to an ingredient). The drug is on the FDA’s shortage list. When GLP-1 drugs are not on the shortage list, compounding them is not permitted. ⚖️ 3. Safety and Oversight Compounded versions of GLP-1 drugs may use non-standard ingredients (e.g., semaglutide sodium or semaglutide acetate, which are different from the FDA-approved form). The FDA has warned that such products may not be safe or effective, and could have quality issues like incorrect dosing or contamination. 🔍 4. Enforcement and Legal Risks The FDA and state boards of pharmacy can take action against compounders making unauthorized versions of GLP-1 drugs. Providers or clinics distributing such compounded medications without meeting the criteria could be liable for violating federal law. ✅ When Can They Compound GLP-1s? Compounding pharmacies may compound semaglutide or tirzepatide only when: The drug is listed on the FDA’s drug shortage list. They are using bulk substances that comply with FDA guidelines. The compounding is done in accordance with USP standards and under appropriate supervision.

Yes! I have in house testing for strep, flu and covid. I can even test you for a urinary tract infection conveniently here in the office!

I'll answer the last question first. We draw your labs here! We are now able to offer phlebotomy services right here in our office! Giving you convenience and piece of mind! For the most part, we send all of our labs to Sherman Abrams laboratory. They are able to provide fast turn around time and their prices are so much better than the big box labs like Quest and Lab Corp. We are looking out for you and your medical spending so that you are not stuck with an outrageously high bill!

Yes.