Seeking Preventative Care Specialist

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I am a male in my fifties looking for a top-tier provider to help me manage a modest weight loss goal (currently 165 lbs at 5'5") and map out a comprehensive preventative health strategy.

Beyond reversing some borderline metabolic numbers (A1c is 6.0%), I am managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. I have a family history. I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. I’m in Northern Virginia but willing to drive anywhere in NoVA, DC, or the Rockville/Bethesda area for the right provider. Any recommendations?

Questions:
1) For those with Anthem BCBS, have you had success getting them to cover GLP-1 medications like Zepbound or Wegovy by using sleep apnea or cardiovascular risk?

2) Given this mix of metabolic and cardiovascular factors, should I be looking for a primary care doctor, an internist, or a cardiologist?

3) Can you recommend a provider who takes a holistic, data-driven approach to metabolic health and muscle preservation, rather than just rapid weight loss?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

1. Whether your insurance covers GLP-1 is solely based on the agreement that your employer has in place with Anthem. Call your insurance company.

2. You should probably be seeing an endocrinologist since you are pre-diabetic.

3. For weight loss, I use Northern Virginia Physicians for Wellness - they require you to work with both a doctor or nurse practitioner and a dietitian to ensure you are not losing muscle along with weight and are eating a proper diet.

[Anonymous]

How much weight do you want to lose?