FAQs

At Cascadia Medical Weight Loss and Nutrition, we’re not a national chain —
we’re your local medical team with a personal touch.

Sometimes.
Yes: Most lab work is usually covered by insurance.
No: Virtual appointments cannot be billed to insurance, but we can provide a Superbill. Visits are FSA/HSA eligible.
Maybe: GLP-1 medications may or may not be covered, depending on your plan and the reason for use.

The most reliable way to determine coverage is for me to send the prescription to your pharmacy and see how your insurer processes it. Some plans require prior authorization; outcomes range from full denial to affordable copays. I manage all required paperwork and will keep you informed throughout the process.

Our clinic uses both modern and established weight-management medications.
This includes GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, as well as other evidence-based medications that support appetite regulation, reduce cravings, stabilize blood sugar, or help address binge eating.

Treatment is tailored to your individual medical history, symptoms, and goals.

This is common, unfortunately. If your insurance does not cover any GLP-1 medications, we can still arrange access through a trusted local pharmacy. A Free Consult is the best way to learn more about this option.

Safety and suitability depend on your individual medical background, which we will review together at your visit.
In general, GLP-1 medications are not recommended for individuals with:

    • active substance abuse
    • active eating disorders
    • type 1 diabetes
    • current cancer treatment
    • bariatric surgery within the past 18 months
    • active gallbladder disease
    • recent pancreatitis (within 6 months)
    • personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MEN syndrome)
    • pregnancy, breastfeeding, or attempting to conceive

A Free Consult is the best first step if you have questions about safety.

Most patients need approximately 3 months to reach an initial weight or health goal.
For individuals with more than ~15 lbs to lose, or those aiming for broader metabolic improvements, a timeframe of 6–9 months or longer is more realistic.

Sustainable weight management also requires nutrition and habit changes, which generally take more than 3 months. You will have ongoing support through monthly visits, email, and our patient portal.

No. We are a fully virtual medical clinic. All appointments occur through our secure, HIPAA-compliant portal using Zoom. We currently serve Washington, with Oregon coming soon.

You may begin with a Free Consult or proceed directly to a New Patient appointment.
Free Consults are informational and designed to answer general questions; personalized medical advice is provided only during medical visits.

To begin as a new patient:

  1. Book your New Patient – 1st Appointment
  2. Activate your patient portal account
  3. Complete the new patient paperwork

Once those steps are complete, you’re ready for your first visit.

New patient care is divided into two visits for thoroughness.

Visit 1:

  • Review your medical, weight, and dietary history
  • Discuss GLP-1 medications: how they work, safety, side effects, and dosing
  • Order any needed lab work
  • Send your prescription to your preferred pharmacy to check insurance coverage
  • Answer your questions

Visit 2:

  • Review your lab results in detail
  • Confirm medication options after insurance review
  • Provide instructions, guidance, and practical tips for medication use
  • Optional: complete your first dose together during the visit

If insurance does not approve GLP-1 therapy, we will discuss alternative access options.

We offer several convenient ways to stay connected with your care team. You can reach us through secure messaging in your patient portal, secure two-way texting using your regular texting app, or by phone. Our clinic app—available in both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store—provides streamlined communication and quick access to your health information.

At each follow-up visit, we review how you’re doing on your medication, including tolerability, side effects, and benefits. We’ll determine whether any dose adjustments are needed and review your nutrition to ensure you’re meeting your protein and macronutrient needs. We also discuss exercise and physical activity to support your overall progress. Your treatment plan may benefit from periodic lab monitoring, which we will order and review together.

Our approach is rooted in the principles of comprehensive Obesity Medicine care, which emphasizes real food and strategy over restriction. You will be eating real, nourishing foods you can find at your grocery store. At each appointment, we refine your nutrition plan so that progress is steady, sustainable, and realistic for your lifestyle.

We follow the four pillars of obesity treatment, as endorsed by the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA):
nutrition therapy, physical activity, behavioral modification, and medical interventions.
This comprehensive model begins with a full assessment of your health, metabolism, history, and goals, and recognizes the importance of treating the whole person—not just managing symptoms. Think of these pillars as a menu of scientifically supported options. Together, we determine the best path forward using nutritional science, your lab results, your medical history, your personal goals, and evidence-based strategies for sustainable habits and exercise.

Slow, consistent behavior change is the key to long-term success, and our goal is long-term sustainability. Meaningful habit change and steady, healthy weight loss take time, often months, and we support you through that process.