Cost
Many adults today face barriers to affording weight loss medications due to insurance restrictions and high fees from large medical companies. While GLP-1 medications are by no means inexpensive, I have researched compound pharmacies to find the most affordable and safe options to decrease the monthly cost of medications for my patients compared to other healthcare companies.
Quality Care
Many of these large companies don’t actually have their patients interact with a doctor or they have very limited, rapid visits that are pushed through as quickly as possible to make a profit. Your initial visit will give you time to ask questions and make sure we find the right option for you. The ongoing unlimited messaging also allows you to have rapid response and accurate/quality care from a medical doctor.
Ease
Many patients cannot find time to do an appointment with their in-person doctor or attend monthly telehealth visits for care. Casa Health Collaborative requires only one annual 15 minute video appointment from the comfort of your home (or wherever else you may be) along with regular messaging at at time you find convenient.
Overall, Casa Health Collaborative provides benefits that many other companies cannot offer.
I am board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and have been practicing as a family physician in various settings since 2019.
Undergraduate degree: BA from Washington University in St. Louis 2010
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa - 2016 along with Master of Public Health from the University of Iowa School of Public Health
Residency training: Genesis Quad Cities- Davenport Family Medicine Residency in Davenport, Iowa- gradudated in 2019
Philosophy: I have the knowledge, experience, and skills to direct medical weight loss however YOU are the ultimate driver of your own health. Your opinions, goals, and priorities matter and I will listen and collaborate with you to find the right option for you. I am also responsible for helping you understand sometimes complex nuances of medicine and the human body and will be happy to explain or clarify any questions and concerns you have.
What weight loss medications are prescribed?
The primary medications that patients are seeking are mostly the GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. There are some other oral medications that can be prescribed but typically the injectable GLP-1 medications are the most effective and therefore preferred.
What is the cost of the medication?
The cost is variable as it is determined by the pharmacy (mostly compounding pharmacies) that make the medication. However, I have researched pharmacies and aim to provide a month’s worth of injectable GLP-1 medication for approximately $175-$250 per month.
Do I need to be in a specific location for care?
Yes, you must be physically located in one of the following states where I am licened for ALL video appointments: Florida, Texas, or New York. If you are not located in one of these states at the time of your appointment, the appointment will be cancelled/forfeited.
Why is there a monthly membership fee?
The monthly membership fee is what makes it possible for me to provide asynchronous care through messages and refills throughout the work week. The membership fee is required every 28-30 days (based on your medication) regardless of whether you will be getting a refill that month.
Are compound pharmacies safe?
Many patients choose to get their GLP-1 medications at compounding pharmacies due to the signifcant cost savings (from 20-30% of the regular pharmacy cost). However, it is important to be aware that compounding pharmacies are NOT regulated by the FDA the same way that regular pharmacies are and therefore their medications are not considered “FDA-approved.” The pharmacies that I have chosen in particular all have certifications to enhance safety and effectivenss but in the same way you might take a vitamin over the counter, there are not the same standards as with regular prescription medications. I generally feel that the risk outweights the benefits for most however I am happy to discuss this in further depth with your at initial consult.
How long will I need to be on medication for?
If you want the best success with maintaining weight loss you should most likely plan to be on your medication long term (possibly even life-long). Most people who stop weight loss medications gain the weight back. You are not obligated to continue, of course, and many patients do stop, but I often see them again months later when they are regaining the weight. I encourage my patients to think about weight loss mediations as a long term investment in their health.
How should I prepare for my video appointment?
You should creat an account within our CharmHealth platform.
Is there a cancellation/no show fee?
Yes. This is a medical clinic and accordingly, if you do not show up for a scheduled appointment or show up too late, your appointment will be forfeited and you will be charged a no-show fee of $50. Please try to attend all appointments and notify as soon as possible if you know you will be unable to attend.
What if I decide I don’t want to start medication or want to stop?
If after your initial consultation you decide that medication is not the right option for you, you will be refunded 50% of the initial consult fee. The appointment is a service of time, energy, and knowledge so that is why the full fee is not refunded.
If at any time you want to stop, you are allowed to do so. There are no refunds for any membership fees already paid however but we can easily cancel future membership at any time. Keep in mind that once the medication has been sent to the pharmacy for processing typically the pharmacy will charge you for the medication without refund options so be sure to notify me as soon as possible if you do not want your medication that month.
Preferred method of communication is through our Electronic Medical Records system, CharmEHR.
However, if you are not yet a patient you may email cristina.woodhouse.md@gmail.com. Please do NOT include any personal medical information as this is not HIPPA protected.

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