What is a Bariatric Medicine Physician/ Bariatrician?
A Bariatric Medicine Physician or Bariatrician is a Medical Doctor (M.D.) who specializes in the treatment of “Overweight”, “Obesity” and its associated conditions. They are also referred to as a Weight Loss and Obesity Medicine Specialist, or Bariatric Medicine Physician. Bariatricians can help prevent, and more importantly, reverse obesity related diseases by reducing body fat responsible for the disease processes while maintaining muscle mass.
Board Certification in Bariatric Medicine includes:
- Education and training in Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, Obesity related conditions and Fat Metabolism
- Passing a written board exam in Obesity Medicine
- Undergoing several hundred credit hours of continuing medical education in Obesity and Metabolism
- Maintenance of Certification in Obesity Medicine and Metabolism yearly
While some weight management doctors may refer to themselves as weight loss experts, only Board-Certified Bariatricians have had the rigorous education mentioned above.
How is the Weight Loss Program structured?
For an overview of the Medical Weight Loss Program, please click here: https://barimedmd.com/weight-loss-program/
What insurances do you accept?
We accept the following insurances:
- Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS, including FEP)
- Aetna
- Multiplan (PHCS)
Visits are billed to insurance just as they would when you see a Specialist Physician for a medical condition. You would be responsible for any copays if applicable.
At this time, we are not a participating provider/do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you don’t have one of these insurances that we accept, then you would be considered “Self Pay” and would pay out of pocket for the visits.
It is the responsibility of the patient to contact your insurance company to determine if Dr. Patricia McClendon M.D. is a participating provider with your specific insurance plan.
What should I expect during our initial appointment?
Dr McClendon will discuss your weight history, medical history, medications, allergies, any recent labs, weight loss goals and you will be given an assessment. Based on this assessment, she will devise a weight loss regimen that is specific for you. This will include diet, exercise, and weight loss medications (if applicable). She will also order labs such as a CMP, Lipid panel, TSH, HgbA1C, Insulin, and an EKG (if applicable). You can obtain the labs/EKG at a facility that your insurance approves.
Monthly follow up visits with Dr McClendon are required while in the Weight Loss Program.
Do you prescribe weight loss medications?
Yes, FDA approved weight loss medications are prescribed such as Mounjaro, Phentermine and its derivatives, Qsymia, Contrave, Saxenda, Wegovy and Plenity if they are safe and appropriate for you. If a medication such as Phentermine is prescribed, this will require an EKG prior to prescribing which can be ordered by Dr McClendon and you can obtain it at a facility that your insurance approves.
I was referred by my Healthcare Provider, where do I send the referral?
You can send the referral to our secured fax: 641-450-1315. Or, if you have a copy, it can be emailed to: [email protected]
Is Dr McClendon a participating provider in Medicaid or Medicare?
No, Dr McClendon is not a participating provider/not enrolled in Medicare nor Medicaid.
If you have Medicaid or Medicare with supplemental insurance, you would be considered “Self Pay”.
Examples: Anthem HealthKeepers -Medicaid, AARP- Medicare
What is the Self Pay Telemedicine Visit Pricing?
New Patient Self Pay Telemedicine Visit: $250
Established Patient Self Pay Telemedicine Visit: $130
Does Dr McClendon perform Bariatric Surgery (ie; Gastric Bypass/ Gastric Sleeve/ Lap Band)?
No, Dr McClendon is not a Bariatric Surgeon, she does not perform Bariatric Surgery (i.e.: Gastric Bypass/ Gastric Sleeve/ Lap Band). She instead practices weight management by prescribing weight loss medications, along with a diet and exercise regimen to lead to long term weight loss success.
What type of patients do you see?
Adult patients, ages 18 to 59, in the Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland area who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25 (Overweight and Obese) who are in need of safe and successful weight loss.
How do I measure my BMI?
BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared.
A BMI calculator link can be found here: Calculate Your BMI – Standard BMI Calculator (nih.gov)
To find your BMI, locate where your height and weight intersect; your BMI is listed at the top of that column.
I’m interested in becoming a new patient how do I go about making an appointment?
- Obtain your height, current weight and BMI. Your BMI must be above 25 to be seen for weight loss by Dr McClendon.
- Go onto the New Patient Portal (click the button at the top of the “New Patients” page and sign up to schedule a New Patient Telemedicine appointment, or you can call 703-869-7220 to be scheduled with one of our receptionists. The New Patient Portal link can also be found here: https://patientportal.advancedmd.com/149938/onlineintake
- Since telemedicine visits are with Dr McClendon M.D., we accept insurances. Visits are billed to insurance just as they would when you see a Specialist Physician for a medical condition. You would be responsible for any insurance copays if applicable. We accept the following insurances: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carefirst, Multiplan, United Healthcare (UHC). If you don’t have one of these insurances, then you would be considered “Self Pay” and would pay out of pocket for the visits. At this time, we are not a participating provider/do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. It is the responsibility of the patient to contact your insurance company to determine if Dr. Patricia McClendon M.D. is a participating provider with your specific insurance plan.
Do you prescribe weight loss medications?
Yes, since Dr McClendon is a Board Certified Bariatric Medicine Physician (Weight Loss Physician) with over a decade of experience, she is up-to-date on the latest and greatest FDA approved weight loss medications, such as Mounjaro, Phentermine and its derivatives, Qsymia, Contrave, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Plenity if they are safe and appropriate for you. If a medication such as Phentermine is prescribed, this will require an EKG prior to prescribing which can be ordered by Dr McClendon, and you can obtain it at a facility that your insurance approves.
I’m not sure I want to go the Weight Loss Surgery or Medical Weight Loss route, can you help me with this decision?
Yes, Dr McClendon is uniquely qualified as not only a Board- Certified Bariatric Medicine Physician, but also due her experience working with Bariatric Surgeons, to be knowledgeable about Weight loss surgery such as the Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Band, Intragastric Balloon, and Aspire Device.
Does Dr McClendon accept patients as a PCP?
No, Dr McClendon does not practice as a PCP and is instead a Specialty Physician.
How do I send a copy of my insurance card, driver's license, previous labs, ekg, and/or other pertinent information?
Please send a copy of the front and back of your insurance card, front of driver’s license, and any recent labs, ekg or other pertinent documents to [email protected] or secured fax: 641-450-1315
I have some questions about payment (bill/copay/fees), who do I contact?
If you have any questions about any payments (bill/copay/fees) please contact our Patient Services Department at 1-855-255-1036 and they would be happy to assist you. They can also accept payments by phone. In addition, payments can be made on our online patient portal.
What is your Meal Replacement Product Return Policy
For any question(s) regarding our Meal Replacement Product Return Policy, please Click here.
- Why Choose Us
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Why Choose Dr. McClendon M.D.
- You want an experienced Board-Certified Bariatric Medicine Physician (Weight Loss and Obesity Medicine Specialist/Bariatrician) to treat your weight concerns using an evidence based medical approach that has proven to be successful.
- You want a compassionate medical doctor who has managed the weight loss of thousands of patients safely and effectively
- You are ready to stop the weight rollercoaster and are ready to initiate a lifestyle change to help you to not only lose the weight but keep it off.
- You want a one-on-one approach to enable you to be successful on your weight loss journey.
- You want a second opinion on which weight loss option, Weight Loss Surgery or Medical Weight Loss is best for you.
- You want a physician that as a Bariatrician, can help prevent, and more importantly, reverse weight- related illnesses (for example, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, High Cholesterol) by reducing body fat responsible for the disease processes.
Please click on the following link to access the Patient Portal:
Since we are a physician supervised medical weight loss practice that serves the Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland area we accept insurances. We accept the following insurances:
- Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS, including FEP)
- Aetna
- United HealthCare (UHC)
- Multiplan (PHCS)
- Carefirst
Visits are billed to insurance just as they would when you see a Specialist Physician for a medical condition. You would be responsible for any copays if applicable.
At this time, we are not a participating provider/do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you don’t have one of these insurances that we accept, then you would be considered “Self Pay” and would pay out of pocket for the visits.
It is the responsibility of the patient to contact your insurance company to determine if Dr. Patricia McClendon M.D. is a participating provider with your specific insurance plan.
Please sign up in the Patient Portal as a new patient and complete the registration forms prior to your first appointment. If you are a new patient and your BMI is less than 25, you do not qualify for weight management services by Bari-Med M.D.
We recommend that you seek the care of a dietician, personal trainer, or your Primary Care Provider instead.
If your BMI is above 25, please sign up and complete the new patient forms on the Patient Portal (top right corner of the homepage) or found here: (New Patient Portal link): https://patientportal.advancedmd.com/149938/onlineintake
For information on how to calculate your BMI if it is not known please refer to “How do I measure my BMI?”
If you were referred by your Healthcare Provider, you can send the referral to our secured fax: 641-450-1315.
Bari-Med M.D. Practice Policies can be found here: Practice Policies
Bari-Med M.D. Practice Policies can be found here: Practice Policies
Dr Patricia N. McClendon MD, Included in Marquis’ Who’s Who of Physicians December 15 2020 Patricia N. McClendon, MD, Celebrated for Dedication to the Field of Medicine (24-7pressrelease.com)
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Please click the link below for the Established Patients Online Scheduler to make convenient and efficient Follow Up Telemedicine Visits:
https://patientportal.advancedmd.com/149938/onlinescheduling