FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - Holtorf Medical Group

Guarantees and refunds

We promise to partner with you in order to provide the best possible care. While we can never guarantee results, the odds are very good that treatments will be beneficial. A 500 person study by Dr. Kent Holtorf, M.D. published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome showed patients experienced the following results while undergoing a multi-system treatment protocol that addressed known physiologic abnormalities in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: 94% of patients had overall improvement by the 4th visit, 75% noted significant overall improvement, 62% reported substantial overall improvement, and average energy level and sense of well-being for patients doubled by the 5th visit

We will happily refund any unopened Holtraceuticals supplement that is returned within 30 days of purchase. Once opened, we are unable to accept the product and issue a refund. There are no refunds or returns of medications purchased in the center or compounded medications made in the Holtorf Medical Group physician compounding lab. If your dosage has increased before you run out of a compounded medication, we may have options for how you can utilize the prescriptions that you have on hand. Once a service has been provided, we are unable to issue a refund for that service.

How long will it take before I feel better?

Each patient is unique in their diagnosis, treatment plan, and genetic makeup. Although there is no guarantee when you will start to feel the positive effects of your treatment protocol, we generally see patients beginning to notice an improvement in symptoms by the fourth appointment.

When should I cancel my appointment?

Please give us at least 72 hours notice if you need to cancel a new patient appointment and at least 24 hours to cancel a follow-up appointment. A fee of $75 will be charged for no-shows or cancellations if enough time is not allowed for canceling.

How come my doctor doesn't believe in the importance of thyroid testing?

A question that is often raised by patients is “Why doesn’t my doctor know all of this?” The reason is that the overwhelming majority (all but a few percent) of physicians (endocrinologists, internists, family practitioners, rheumatologists, etc.) do not read medical journals. When asked, most doctors will claim that they routinely read medical journals, but this has been shown not to be the case. The reason is multi- factorial, but it comes down to the fact that the doctors do not have the time. This is especially true for endocrinological conditions, where physicians are very resistant to changing old concepts of diagnosis and treatment despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary because it is not what they were taught in medical school and residency. At Holtorf Medical Group, we specialize in treating thyroid disorders. Although the research is clear, there is still controversy around testing thyroid function. The general use of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) as the sole screening test is outdated and has been shown repeatedly in research to be an unreliable marker of thyroid disorders. Dr. Holtorf has published two separate peer-reviewed studies confirming that TSH is not an accurate marker of tissue levels of thyroid hormone as the result of stress, chronic fatigue, infection, depression, extreme dieting, obesity, diabetes, and aging. The TSH also misses up to 80% of thyroid disorders in some conditions.

Can Holtorf Medical Group be my primary care physician?

Although Holtorf Medical Group has world-class physicians who are trained in specialties like family medicine and internal medicine, we require that our patients maintain a primary care physician for visits such as strep or flu testing and annual physicals, which we do not perform.

We also recommend female patients maintain an OBGYN for regular pap smears. If you have a medical emergency, we recommend that you visit urgent care or an ER.

When should labs be completed?

We recommend that you have labs completed prior to your second appointment with your Holtorf Medical Group provider. This allows your doctor enough time to review all lab work and establish a treatment plan for your care.

Should I provide my entire medical history?

No, Holtorf Medical Group asks that each patient complete a detailed health questionnaire that will help guide the physician to gain a better understanding of each patient's individual health needs.

Do you bill insurance?

While Holtorf Medical Group does not accept insurance directly, depending on your insurance provider, you may be reimbursed for a portion of your treatment. It is important to recognize that although we have an idea of what might be approved for coverage, our staff are not experts on the specific guidelines for each provider. Further, insurance companies consider each claim individually based on a variety of factors. Therefore, something that is covered for you may not be approved for a friend or relative. We recommend that you contact your insurance provider to discuss your out-of-network coverage and benefits.

Dr. Holtorf made the decision to not enter into a contract with any insurance companies for several reasons. When a physician contacts an insurance company, he or is agreeing to practice medicine within the framework dictated by that particular insurance provider. This means that diagnostic and treatment protocols, medications, and appointment duration are all determined by the insurance company, and more or less outside of the physician's control. The familiar experience in which your doctor seems to be racing through your appointment so they can move on to the next patient can be credited to the system. It is not the fault of the physician, simply a requirement of staying afloat while operating within these parameters.

What portion of my treatment may be covered?

Lab work, certain prescriptions, IV treatments, and office visits may be covered by insurance depending on insurance coverage and diagnoses.

Guarantees and refunds

Are labs covered by insurance?

Our patients are typically able to receive partial or full coverage of lab testing ordered by their Holtorf Medical Group provider. Coverage may require a copay and will depend on each patient's individual insurance plan, diagnoses, and whether or not the lab executing the testing is within their insurance network.

Does Holtorf Medical Group participate in Medicare?

Our offices have opted out of the Medicare system. This means that our services cannot be filed with Medicare and therefore are not reimbursable. Patients have the option to get their labs done through their primary care physician.

When is payment due?

Payment is expected at the time services are rendered and your office may require a $100 non-refundable deposit to schedule your first appointment. We accept most major credit cards, cash, or check. We will provide you with a complete billing statement that you may submit to your insurance company for possible partial reimbursement to PPO insurance. We are an out of network provider.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

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