Question 1

What exactly is Elevated Lifestyle Medicine?

Accepted Answer

One-size-fits-all medicine based on algorithms and prescription drugs does not work for everyone. ELM is committed to partnering with you and exploring the treatment path that fits your life best. Lifestyle medicine uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions, primarily whole-food, physical activity, stress management, sleep, and social connection —to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.  Functional medicine identifies and addresses the SOURCES of diseases rather than just managing symptoms. It combines conventional medicine with analyzing genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, using specialized lab testing, to create highly personalized treatment plans that work for the long term.Integrative medicine treats the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It combines conventional medicine (such as drugs and surgery) with complementary therapies (such as acupuncture, yoga, and nutrition) to optimize health and healing.

Question 2

What does membership offer?

Accepted Answer

At  Elevated Lifestyle Medicine, we take a different approach to primary care-one built on time, access, and real relationships.With a simple monthly membership, you get:Longer, unhurried visits Direct access to your provider Care focused on prevention and your long-term health It is healthcare designed to truly support you, not rush you. It means access to a more practical approach to health, including holistic,  complementary/alternative-based options.   Members also enjoy building community. We’re developing monthly virtual group sessions, where like-minded people will gather and discuss all sorts of things that impact our health. Members get first access to weekly in person CommuniTea gatherings on natural health topics, and discounted health and wellness events at Be.Well.Bellezza. Be.Well.Bellezza boasts Acupuncture, Herbalism, Ayurvedic Health Coaching, Massage Therapy, Esthetics, and more. These fabulous ladies provide an amazing collaborative environment, sharing their knowledge and ancient remedies to complement Elevated Lifestyle Medicine's holistic approach.  Part of your medical treatment recommendations may include seeing one of our partners for Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture and massage therapy, or plant medicine instead of prescription pills.

Question 3

Will you be my PCP?

Accepted Answer

At Elevated Lifestyle Medicine, we bring together the best of modern medicine and add in lifestyle, integrative, and functional approaches, along with complementary therapies and simple common sense. We believe health is more than the absence of disease.Some patients choose Elevated Lifestyle Medicine as their primary care home, especially when they’re looking for an individualized, prevention-focused approach outside the traditional system. Others continue working with their existing providers and use ELM to complement their care, enjoying ongoing, direct support, education, and deeper investigation into symptoms and health conditions, alongside their conventional treatment plans.

Question 4

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

No. ELM is proudly cash-based. Insurance prices are hugely overinflated when compared to cash prices for the same service. We’ve taken out the middleman and are committed to transparent pricing. So many people are unable to afford employee or marketplace premiums, do not have employer-sponsored options, or are unsatisfied with state-provided limited coverage. Our monthly membership plans start at $75; even when you add in cash-based labs, medicine, or imaging, it's STILL more affordable than paying hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars every month for insurance that you never use, due to high deductibles and sneaky insurance loopholes.  No surprise bills here!NOTE: Elevated Lifestyle Medicine is not insurance. Please check our partner links for alternatives to traditional insurance. Everyone should have at least a catastrophic plan for emergencies and hospital stays, because the healthiest lifestyle can't prevent accidents!  Keep an eye out for blog posts related to insurance issues. We have strong opinions about this topic around here!

Question 5

Can employers utilize Elevated Lifestyle Medicine as a benefit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Employers can partner with ELM to provide Direct Primary Care memberships for their team. This offers employees timely access to care, more time with a provider, and a personalized healthcare experience. If you’re an employer interested in learning more, please call 240-488-6467 or email elevatedlifestylemedicine@gmail.com

Question 6

Do you offer virtual visits or in-person care?

Accepted Answer

Both. Our clinic is mostly virtual; surprisingly, most concerns can be addressed without an in-person visit. For visits that require a physical exam, or for patient preference, we offer in-office appointments in Churchville, MD, at Be.Well.Bellezza.Be sure to have a quiet, private space to allow for confidentiality and easy communication. You must be physically in Maryland for your visit.  Do not drive during your virtual appointment. Vital signs are essential for virtual appointments. You may be asked to provide your blood pressure, heart or pulse rate, temperature, weight, blood sugar, or oxygen saturation (O2 sat/pulse ox). These measurement tools can be purchased at any drug store or Amazon for use in the home (don’t forget to use your HSA/FSA for these products).

Question 7

Do you only use natural treatments?

Accepted Answer

We believe in modern medicine, AND we believe in holistic care. The best outcomes come from combining both.Elevated Lifestyle Medicine provides standard e-prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy, and offers compounded medications through specialty pharmacies, delivered to your door. We do often start with nutrition, lifestyle changes, stress, and sleep - because those are powerful tools. But when prescription medications are necessary or helpful, we use them.

Question 8

Can you order blood tests and imaging? How does that work?

Accepted Answer

We can order any tests needed for routine diagnostics and treatment,  as well as tests that are specialized for in-depth information beyond the scope of standard testing.  Labs and imaging centers have separate pricing for cash pay vs insurance coverage. Some people prefer to use their insurance and apply any out-of-pocket fees to their deductible. Others find that the cash price is more affordable and opt to pay in full.

Question 9

Do you prescribe weight loss drugs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Weight loss medications like GLP-1s can be incredibly effective, and they absolutely have a place in our philosophy. But, too many patients achieve their weight goals malnourished, constipated, fatigued, or even depressed along the way. That’s not a win.

We love GLP-1s when they are prescribed with a comprehensive plan for nutrition, muscle preservation, movement, and metabolic health. We focus on adequate protein, micronutrient support, gut health, and sustainable habits - along with a strategy for eventually tapering off when appropriate.

Question 10

What about sexual health?

Accepted Answer

Amanda has extensive experience in lifestyle-affirming and sex-positive healthcare, including LGBTQ-inclusive care, gender-affirming care, and caring for people living with HIV.We offer STI testing and counseling as part of routine health screening and on an as-needed basis. We do offer routine women’s health testing and exams, with some limitations. Please ask!

Question 11

What is a PA-C? Are they qualified to provide my healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A PA-C (Physician Associate-Certified) is a licensed medical provider who is educated and trained to diagnose illnesses, order and interpret laboratory tests and imaging, prescribe medications, perform physical exams, develop treatment plans, and provide preventive care.PA-Cs complete a rigorous master's-level medical education modeled after physician training, including thousands of hours of hands-on clinical rotations in specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery, women's health, psychiatry, and more. After graduation, they must pass a national board certification exam, obtain state licensure, and complete ongoing continuing medical education and periodic recertification throughout their careers.In primary care settings, PA-Cs serve as a patient's primary healthcare provider. They care for both acute illnesses and chronic conditions, order and interpret diagnostic testing, prescribe medications, and coordinate care with specialists when needed.At Elevated Lifestyle Medicine, you'll receive the same comprehensive medical care you would expect from a primary care provider—with the added benefit of longer appointments, personalized attention, and an emphasis on lifestyle, nutrition, prevention, and addressing the root contributors to disease.Amanda is licensed by the Maryland Board of Physicians and Board-Certified by the NCCPA. She holds degrees/certifications from Stevenson University, Towson University, CCBC, and the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She is enrolled in ongoing Functional Medicine courses, and is an active member of AAPA and MdAPA.Collaborating MD: Daniel Omire-Mayor, DO, MS, MBA, FAAFP

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