Does the clinic accept insurance?
Gut Mend is a fee for service clinic that does not accept insurance. However, paid insurance invoices will be posted within 3 weeks of a clinic appointment. Patients may submit their invoice to their insurance company if they so choose.
What type of payment is accepted?
Cash, credit cards (including Health Savings Account cards), and checks (made out to Gut Mend) are accepted for patient visits and tests. Supplements purchased through Fullscript and Cell Core will involve payment via credit card.
Does Gut Mend accept payment plans?
At this time, we do not accept payment plans. Payment is due at the time of visit. In fact, it is encouraged to add a credit card before the first appointment to make payment easy and have more clinical discussion time.
Will Gut Mend serve as my Primary Care Clinic?
Though Dr. Chavez is a former Primary Care Physician, the clinic does not serve as a Primary Care Clinic. It is strongly encouraged that all patients have a Primary Care Provider.
How many lab tests do I need?
Most patients obtain 0-2 tests, though patients are not required to purchase any tests. The GI-MAP stool test is the most common test ordered. It is also encouraged for patients to upload (to the patient portal) any lab tests already done within the past year (including a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel blood test).
Where do I need to get the lab tests done?
Other than the blood tests, the other lab tests require samples of saliva, urine, hair or stool which can be collected from the comfort of your own home and dropped off at the lab’s preferred postal service (USPS, UPS, or FEDEX) drop off location.
How long does it take labs to come back?
Please give 2-4 weeks for lab results to come back. A confirmatory email will be sent after the results of ALL the tests are ready. Patients will next need to schedule their follow up appointment to review the results. It is easiest to set up appointments by going to “My Appointments” in the patient portal.
Blood test results will be communicated via the patient portal. Please allow 7 business days from the time the blood was drawn.
Can I see my test results before the clinic appointment?
Other than blood tests, lab results will be discussed at the next clinic appointment (appointment fees apply). The results will be released on your patient portal AFTER the appointment.
Where do I need to purchase the supplements needed for my protocol?
After your appointment, you will be sent an e-mail and/or text from the Fullscript or Cell Core online dispensaries with the product information. You may then order your products and have them delivered to your home.
Can I purchase different supplements from the ones recommended on Fullscript or Cell Core websites?
The products recommended on the Fullscript and Cell Core websites have been personally chosen for their high quality, specific dosages, and history of results. You may purchase products from other sources, but please make sure you research their quality thoroughly, as opinions on other products will not be provided.
How long is it going to take me to get better?
This varies from person to person and depends on how long a patient has felt unwell.
How can I ensure that I have success with my particular program?
An accountability buddy, like a life partner, can help an individual improve their compliance, especially with dietary changes.
Additionally, Health Coaches are very beneficial and are known to increase patient success. Recommended Health Coaches can be found at the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy website.
What if I forget what was discussed during a clinic appointment?
Each patient will be provided with a written-out personalized action list at the end of every office to refer to. Additionally, patients will be alerted, by email, when their visit note is available to be viewed. This will be under “My Visit Summaries” and can take up to 3 weeks to complete.
I was alerted by email that I had a response to my message in the patient portal but I can’t find it. Where is it?
Responses to patient portal messages can be found under “My Visit Summaries”.
What if I have more questions after my appointment or need clarification?
You can use the messaging service through the patient portal. Please note that it is a non-urgent messaging service which is free. Responses will be located under “My Visit Summaries” but can take up to 10 days. You will be emailed as soon as a response to your message is completed.
What if I have an acute issue like a cold or UTI?
Please see your Primary Care Physician or local Urgent Care Facility for acute issues. If more urgent, consider an evaluation at the Emergency Room of a hospital.