Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Below we have created our FAQ section to help.
How can the Institute for Human Optimization help me?
Thank you for your interest! Our founder, Dr. Bajnath is a conventionally trained board-certified Family Physician with additional training and certifications in Functional Medicine and Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. We practice advanced personalized medicine powered by deep biomarkers of aging. Our purpose and mission is to give you the tools and resources to optimize your health and increase your healthspan.
What is a Precision Medicine approach?
Precision Medicine focuses on identifying biomarkers, which are defined as biological characteristics or features that can be used to identify a disease state, diagnose a condition or predict an outcome. These biomarkers are being studied in detail to identify genetic factors that may influence responses to drugs, treatments, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This type of individualized medicine is seen as the future of healthcare. You can learn more about Precision Medicine HERE.
How do you ensure personalized care?
At the Institute for Human Optimization, we only accept 100 new participants annually. We understand that everyone’s needs and goals are different, so our team takes the time to get to know each participant and their unique story. This allows us to provide personalized care in every aspect of your journey to health optimization with us.
Is insurance accepted?
The Institute for Human Optimization (IfHO) is a private-pay practice and a non-Medicare provider. Appointments with our physicians are not billed through insurance. IfHO does not accept insurance or Medicare, and we do not file insurance paperwork on your behalf. At your request, we can provide you with a receipt for services (Super bill) , which you may submit to your insurance plan for reimbursement. However, IfHO does not guarantee reimbursement.
By operating outside the constraints of insurance-based care, we are not beholden to the restrictions and limitations that insurance companies place on clinicians. This allows us to treat you as an individual, have significantly longer appointment times, personalize your treatment plans, and offer the most advanced diagnostic testing.
Your journey with IFHO is an investment in your health. As such, we provide a complimentary 15 minute Discovery Call to those interested in joining our practice. Click HERE to set up your call.
How much is the Initial Consultation?
The Initial Consult is $500. This includes 1 hour with Dr. Bajnath.
Labs, additional tests, medications, additional therapies, and additional visits are not included in the New Patient cost. For specialty programs – please contact us at Support@IFHO.Org for cost.
Please note that our prices are subject to change. Please contact Support@IFHO.Org for our most up to date pricing.
How much are follow-up visits?
90 Minutes – $750
60 Minutes – $500
30 Minutes – $250
A 50% deposit is required for all follow-up appointments at the time of scheduling.
Is lab testing included in the cost?
Lab testing is not included in your consult fee. However, your insurance may cover some of your blood panels ordered through Labcorp. We cannot guarantee that your labs will be fully covered and it is your responsibility to confirm coverage with your insurance company and pay any difference.
We have negotiated cash pricing with Labcorp that is usually 80-90% cheaper than the insurance price. If you would like to take advantage of this, please let us know at your Consult.
Where can I have my labs drawn?
Please print your requisition and take it to the nearest LabCorp draw site. You can locate a draw site by clicking HERE.
How do you ensure personalized care?
Currently, we are only accepting 100 additional new patients per year. This allows us to scale our practice comfortably, prioritize patient care, continuously improve and optimize our programs to match the latest research and science.
Do you accept patients of all ages?
We are only able to provide services to patients that are 18+. Genomic-based, precision medicine is a new area of medicine and there are restrictions around DNA testing in minors.
Does IfHO replace my primary care provider?
IfHO is a complement to—not a replacement of—your primary care provider (PCP). As such, we require all new patients to have a primary care physician to cover emergencies, routine care and screenings. It’s important to keep your PCP and any other healthcare providers involved in your care up to date with IfHO.
What should I expect at the Discovery Call?
Our Discovery Calls are a complimentary meet and greet where you can learn about our practice, services we offer, and meet a member of our Team. While Discovery Calls are not a patient appointment (sorry – no medical questions will be answered), it is a great way to see if we are a mutually good fit before making the financial commitment.
Should I bring anything with me to the consultation?
We ask that you upload to the Patient Portal any pertinent medical records, supplements, medication and lab test results.
Does your office accept patients that live in other States?
If you are unable to come to our office, we are able to see patients in States where our Providers are licensed in and where telemedicine is allowed. To see if you are eligible, please contact Support@IFHO.Org before scheduling a Discovery Call.
Can my appointments be done over the phone or Zoom?
We conveniently offer telemedicine to our patients in States where telemedicine is allowed. For more information, please contact Support@IFHO.Org.
Does IfHO prescribe any anxiety, anti-depressants, stimulants, or benzodiazepines?
Short Answer: No
At IfHO, we do NOT prescribe any form of Narcotics. If you are taking any medications for mood disorders, ADD, or ADHD including but not limited to the use of anxiety, anti-depressants, stimulants, or benzodiazepines, you will be required to have a psychiatrist to provide and monitor your medications.
Does IfHO sign Disability/FMLA/Attorney paperwork, etc.?
Short Answer: No
At IfHO, we are a Precision, Longevity, and Functional Medicine practice with the goal of optimizing your health. These forms should be directed to your Primary Care Physician.
I’m ready to get started, what are the next steps?
Click here to set up your complimentary Discovery Call.