FAQ

There are two primary differences you will find with our Setauket Medical program compared to most other weight loss programs.

First, our weight loss program is physician supervised. Dr. Barr is extensively trained in the medical science of weight loss and can treat your weight concerns within the context of your total health profile. Dr. Barr also has tools and resources, such as the ability to adjust medications that hinder your weight loss or the addition of specific medications to assist in your success.

Secondly, our program does not focus on just one aspect of weight loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach that includes food, exercise, and behavioral modification. Weight loss and weight maintenance require lifestyle changes. Dr. Barr and the Setauket Medical team understand this and will be there to support you every step of the way. With your consent, we will gladly work in conjunction with your primary care provider or specialist.

There are various answers to this question because we customize our programs to meet each person’s individual health, lifestyle, and weight loss needs. In general, the cost of the program will depend on the number of physician-supervised visits, the number of meal replacement products purchased, medications (if any) that you use, and how much medical support you require.

Weight loss, if maintained, pays for itself.

The good news is that for many individuals battling with obesity, the cost of a medical weight loss program is equal to the cost of being obese for a single year. People who maintain their weight loss stand to save an amount equal to the cost of the program each year.

Insurance companies vary considerably in terms of the services they cover and the amount of reimbursement they provide for covered services. Setauket Medical does not participate with most insurance plans. We will, however, supply you with all the necessary documentation to file claims with your insurance provider, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), or health finance accounts (HFAs) administrator and your tax preparer.

We do participate with Medicare.

Please note that all food items (e.g., protein shakers) are NOT tax-deductible nor are they reimbursable by insurance. The rationale for this is that people would be paying for conventional food if they were not buying meal replacement products.

In April 2002, the IRS ruled that obesity is a disease. Therefore, some of the costs of a weight loss program undertaken as a treatment for obesity and obesity-related medical conditions qualify as tax-deductible medical costs, and as such, individuals may pay for them with pre-tax dollars from medical flexible spending accounts and Health Care Spending Accounts.

IRS revenue ruling, IR 2002-19, approves the fees related to services (i.e., medical services and nutrition education meetings) when they are occurring for medically valid reasons.

In order to use the medical expense tax deduction, your out-of-pocket healthcare costs (including weight loss costs) must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. To learn more about these provisions, consult your employer’s benefits specialist or your tax preparer.

As of January 2012, Medicare covers obesity counseling and treatments for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above if they see a primary care provider with specialized training in obesity. If you have Medicare, please check with our office for more details on what your insurance will cover.

There is no medication requirement. However, if you consent, Dr. Barr can prescribe an appetite suppressant to keep hunger at bay as you lose weight. Dr. Barr can also adjust any current medications you might be taking for another condition that may be interfering with your weight loss efforts.

Behavioral counseling is essential and critical to achieving weight loss goals. Without addressing your relationship with food, lifestyle habits, and the emotional barriers that may be preventing you from making progress, the program will be less effective in enabling you to reach your full potential. Dr. Barr is both your experienced one-on-one coach and greatest supporter  throughout the weight loss process.

It depends on the requirements of your individual weight loss program. Initial programs usually require a visit every one to two weeks for progress measurements and behavioral counseling, but Dr. Barr will design a plan that makes the most sense for you and your weight loss goals.