FAQs

Are all of the visits through Telemedicine?

Yes! Telemedicine is connecting with your physician remotely through your computer or phone. We can meet face-to-face using a private video web-based conference or simply over the phone. This approach respects the patient’s personal time and need for safety. Additionally, it helps keep overhead lower, allowing more accessible care.

Do you accept insurance?

Because insurance often dictates the care that a patient receives, I do not currently except insurance. My goal is to give you the best individualized care. You can pay online when you schedule your visit using a credit card or a HSA account. I can send you a form to file with your insurance company for reimbursement.

Do you do testing for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement?

Yes, testing is the only way we can truly individualize your therapy. The schedule for men and women is generally as follows:

-Initial visit

 -First set of labs, follow up and prescription

-Second set of labs six weeks after starting prescription with follow up and further customization of prescription if needed

-Third set of labs three months after customization with follow up for review and further customization. (sooner if needed)

-Fourth set of labs and follow up six months later and every six months if stable. Our needs change over time and testing is essential to keep your Bioidentical Hormone Therapy the perfect fit.

What is a Living Plan?

Your Living Plan is a pathway for you to follow toward your best health. At your first visit, together we will formulate an initial Living Plan that is realistic and appropriate for you. At each visit after your Living Plan will evolve as our understanding of your unique needs do, through in depth analysis of lab results and following your progress. Your Living Plan is a guide that is always relevant and appropriate for wherever you are on your journey.

What is bioidentical hormone replacement?

The term ‘bioidentical hormones’ means hormones that are the same molecular structure as the hormones our bodies make. For this reason, they are used exactly as our own hormones are and are a safer alternative to conventional hormone therapy which is different in structure from our own. Additionally, going through a compounding pharmacy, we can individualize bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for each person and customize dosing throughout life.

What about coordination with my other medical providers?

My approach compliments the work of your conventional doctors, so you don’t have to choose between providers. We want the best care from all and I will gladly coordinate with your other providers to achieve this for you.

What do I do for medication refills?

When sending a prescription to the pharmacy, Dr. Gael will ensure you have an adequate number of refills before your next visit. Please be aware if you have a prescription requiring refills and you need to have labs drawn and a visit prior to having a refill per your Living Plan, you must keep that commitment. This is the only way Dr. Gael can assure your prescription is the right fit for you.

Are my labs covered by insurance?

If you have insurance that covers labs, you can use that insurance for the labs drawn at a location like Quest or LabCorp. If you do not have insurance that covers your lab work, you can access discounted pricing through Dr. Gael. Some of the functional medicine tests accept insurance, but some do not and Dr. Gael is able to offer discounted pricing on those.

What do I need to provide for my first visit?

Be sure to fill out your history form and forward any relevant lab results or physician notes done within the last year. In order for Doctor Gael to prepare for your visit, please send this information to doctorgael@gmail.com one week prior to your appointment. It is also advised you make a list of questions and topics you wish to discuss prior to each visit to assure everything important to you is addressed.

What conditions do you treat?

My broad training and over 20 years experience equips me to help each patient enhance their own capacity for reaching their best health. In Optimal Aging, I work with individuals proactively looking to optimize their health, wellbeing and functional capacity as they approach their later years. I also work with common chronic issues such as heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, reversing the trajectory of the disease. I treat people with complex chronic issues such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and autoimmune conditions including thyroid, rheumatic and neurological disorders. I have over 20 years experience working with compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy where appropriate for conditions such as low testosterone for men and perimenopause, menopause, PCOS and menstrual disorders for women

What is Functional Medicine?

The Institute for Functional Medicine states “The Functional Medicine model is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness. It requires a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors and leverages that data to direct personalized treatment plans that lead to improved patient outcomes.” Functional Medicine looks beyond the disease process and works to emphasize an individual’s innate ability to be well.