Frequently Asked Questions

For many of our patients, we can take the place of a primary care physician. Because you can message us online during business hours, we are often able to take care of acute requests. For example, prescribing an antibiotic for a minor infection such as a sinus infection.

It is important to note the following however:

• We do not fulfill an insurance company’s requirement for an in network primary care physician as we are not in-network with any insurance plan.
• We will make every effort to make you fully aware of any additional lab fees that may be incurred and to give you the opportunity to choose which lab tests you feel comfortable paying for.
• We do not have a 24-hour answering service and do not take calls on weekends. If you need to be seen urgently or have a medical emergency you would need to visit an ER or urgent care center.

• Most lab tests ordered by The Real Gut Doctor physician will be billed directly to your insurance by the lab.
• Some lab tests we offer as part of our functional medicine testing program may not be covered by insurance. In these cases you will be charged a fee for a particular test by the lab or through The Real Gut Doctor.
• The specific tests ordered will be personalized to you based on your initial evaluation with The Real Gut Doctor and may include blood, saliva, urine or stool testing.
• We will make every effort to make you fully aware of any additional lab fees that may be incurred and to give you the opportunity to choose which lab tests you feel comfortable paying for.
• You are under no obligation to purchase any specialty testing.
• Should any lab results indicate you may need further testing through your insurance with authorization you will be directed to continue with your primary care physician or a relevant specialist, or should you choose you may continue to work with The Real Gut Doctor physician team.
• At home test kits: If a lab test kit is mailed to you by The Real Gut Doctor, you will be charged the same day.
• The Real Gut Doctor is not responsible for any 3rd party lab testing and any of their associated lab testing delays.
• If your particular insurance company only pays for blood work done at a particular lab facility like LabCorp or Quest, you must inform us of this in advance of having blood work done. Most insurance plans cover labs done by major national labs – however, your lab coverage is strictly between you and your insurance company. We cannot bill or assist you with lab claim resolution for our services..

Do you have questions about starting your path back to health? Our patient coordinator is standing by, happy to answer any questions you have to determine if our approach is right for you.