Frequently Asked Questions

Center for Lifestyle Medicine Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my healthcare provider to make an appointment?

While we encourage you to discuss your weight management plan with your primary care provider, a referral is not necessary to make an appointment with the Center for Lifestyle Medicine. You can simply call 312.695.2300 to schedule an appointment.

How often are my appointments, and how long will they last?

During your initial appointment, you will meet with a lifestyle medicine specialist. Please be sure to bring your completed New Patient Questionnaire. For the initial consultation, you should plan to spend at least one hour with the Center for Lifestyle Medicine provider. Scheduling of subsequent appointments will be based on your individual needs. Those visits will vary in length, but are typically between 20 and 45 minutes.

How do I know if weight loss medications are covered by my insurance?

If you think you might be interested in taking a weight loss medication, we recommend you contact your insurance company to determine coverage before your Center for Lifestyle Medicine consultation. This can help avoid delays in decision-making and getting you started on your treatment plan. Weight loss medication options include Belviq^®, Contrave^®, Qsymia^®, Saxenda^®, Xenical, and phentermine/Lomaira^TM.

Will I be prescribed nutritional supplements or have to follow a meal plan?

Nutrition recommendations are individualized at your visit with the registered dietitian and dependent on your health history, personal preferences and lifestyle. We do not sell nutrition supplements/meal replacements in our clinic. However, these may be recommended to you based on your nutritional needs and health history.

I've been through many weight loss programs. What makes this program different?

The Center for Lifestyle Medicine follows a medical model using evidence-based treatment plans that are individualized to you. We offer a multidisciplinary approach to address the many physiological, behavioral and social factors that may be contributing to your weight.