New patients have many questions. Take a look at some of our frequently asked questions:
Q: How quickly will I lose?
A: Not every individual will lose weight at the same rate, depending on their beginning weight and how strictly they follow their diet and exercise program. A safe rate of loss averages 2 lb to 3 lb per week of body fat. There is approximately 3500 calories of energy available in every pound of fat.
Q: How will I know how much weight I should lose?
A: Our staff will work with you and measure your body composition to give you accurate and realistic goals that are safe for your health. Most people have a short term goal of losing approximately 10% of their beginning weight in 3 to 6 months. We use Body Mass Index as an indicator of your healthy weight zone but take into consideration your age and body type. A 5 point reduction in the BMI is a significant benefit from a health standpoint.
Q: What age do you take new patients?
A: We take new patients who are at least 18 and no more than 64 years old.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: Yes, an appointment is necessary for all new diet visits with the physician. We prefer appointments for follow up visits, but do allow walk-ins from 4 to 6 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Call 501-847-4735 to make your appointment today! Clients who wish to use the gym may do so during regular office hours, but will need to sign a liability release the first time they use the facility.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: New Patient appointment $130
Routine Follow up appointment $65
Restart appointment $100( a restart patient is one who has not been seen in the past 6 months)
Q: Do you take Credit Cards?
A: Yes. We will be happy to bill your Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card. Payment by personal check or Debit card is also accepted.
Q: What obligations are there to becoming a member and do I have to pay a monthly fee?
A: There are never any long term obligations or contracts at ARBODY Inc. Options Diet Clinic. To receive the maximum benefit it is highly recommended that you follow the program's guidelines. However, it is a pay-as-you-go type program. You will never be charged additional fees except for diet visits which you voluntarily schedule or for merchandise you purchase.
Q: Does insurance cover my diet program?
A: Very few insurance programs allow coverage for diet & exercise programs, educational materials, or medications at this time. Check with your individual carrier for details. We do not bill insurance at our office, but will be happy to provide you with a statement of your costs at our clinic and a letter of medical necessity to assist you in filing for reimbursement if your company's policy covers diet services. Your medication alone may be covered by your insurance and we recommend that you check with your individual plan.
Q: What are the membership benefits?
A: All members may weigh free weekly at any time during our regular business hours without additional cost. Members get free measurements of body fat composition analysis as part of their member benefit over the period of one year. We are there to provide you with the help you need with diet information, journals and other materials to help you every step of the way. You will receive computerized analysis of your progress with easy to read graphs and charts at appropriate intervals. The gym is available at no extra charge to our members during regular business hours only.
Q: Do I have to have a lot of blood work and tests done to start the diet program?
A: No. Most people do not require expensive blood and laboratory tests. If tests are medically necessary you will be referred to your primary care physician for lab tests. Our recommended diet is a well balanced and healthy diet that you can stay on safely for the rest of your life with adjustments in caloric intake.
Q: What about measuring my insulin levels?
A: This is not necessary except in rare cases such as tumors that produce abnormal amounts of insulin. Anyone who is overweight and living a sedentary lifestyle would be expected to have elevated insulin levels in their blood because this physical state causes a relative resistance to the activity of insulin in your body. I don't have to measure your blood level to know this. When you lose weight and exercise, your body becomes more sensitive to your insulin, and your insulin levels will fall naturally. Once again, it is not necessary to measure these levels as the body's own homeostasis mechanisms will take care of things.