General Questions about HGTC

What sets HGTC apart from the rest?

Most Americans who consult Alternative Medicine (CAM)  providers would jump at the chance to consult with a physician who has training in scientifically based medicine and is also open-minded and knowledgeable about, or even better, practices Alternative Medicine therapies.

HGTC is an integrated Gynecology office operated by Mylaine Riobe-Heron, MD, FACOG-a board certified female gynecologist specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture.  With her expertise, you will have a fully integrated evaluation, examination and treatment that will combine the best of both worlds to provide you with a balanced, complete treatment of your mind, body and spirit.  This is the first and only practice of its kind on the Treasure Coast.  All of your care will be provided by Dr. Riobe-Heron and you will not  receive your GYN care from one doctor and be referred for your Acupuncture or Herbal supplements to another doctor.  Many Americans are embracing Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture but do not share this information with their physicians.  Here at HGTC, we also embrace the Ancient Wisdom of China and bring it to you along with state of the art modern Gynecology care for one stop care!

What is Integrated Medicine?

This is a comprehensive approach based on the belief that health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being not just the absence of disease. Integrative Medicine is patient-centered, emphasizes the importance of the doctor-patient relationship while blending CAM and conventional care to facilitate the patient’s healing process.  In the case of HGTC, I combine conventional GYN with Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.These two accepted, tested forms of medicine combined give better results than either alone.

What will my first visit at HGTC be like?

During your first visit, you will have a comprehensive history review with Dr. Riobe-Heron followed by a comprehensive integrated examination consisting of your conventional examination-breast, abdomen and pelvic exam.  At the same time, Dr. Riobe-Heron  will also perform a Chinese evaluation consisting of what is termed a “tongue and pulse” evaluation.  This will reveal any patterns of disharmony or energy imbalances in the body and mind.  Dr. Riobe-Heron will then make recommendations to you to correct these imbalances while also addressing any conventional diagnoses and treatments.

How do I prepare for my first visit at HGTC?

A member of our office staff will contact you prior to your appointment to send you a history evaluation form to fill out prior to your appointment.  This form can be faxed, mailed or dropped off at the office prior to your appointment.  This will assure that Dr. Riobe-Heron has as much information prior to your appointment as possible to decrease your wait time and to assure that all your needs and goals are addressed.

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Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

How does Chinese medicine work?

Chinese Herbal medicine is essentially working to assist the body to balance its energy from the inside out.  Natural, safe herbs consisting mostly of plants and food are used for this purpose.  The herbs are made in the USA and meet all FDA requirements.  They have been used throughout the world for centuries to cure diseases

What kinds of conditions are treated with Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Countless medical conditions are treated with herbs in a safe, natural manner.  A few examples are as follows:  Infertility, Menopause, PMS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Endometriosis, Irregular or heavy Periods, Headaches, Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety, Obesity, Chronic Pain, Low back pain, Painful periods, Fibroids, vaginal discharge, recurrent miscarriages, Common Cold, Urinary Tract Infections, Fatigue, Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and osteoporosis to name a few.

How does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is the use of very fine needles on various points on the body in order to assist the body to balance its energy from the outside in.  When combined with Chinese Herbal Medicine, you rebalance the body both from the inside out and from the outside in for a holistic, comprehensive  treatment

What types of problems are treated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture can treat countless conditions.  A few examples are as follows:  Chronic Pain, Endometriosis, Low Back Pain, painful periods, Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Infertility, Obesity.  Some conditions are best treated with a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs.  Depending on your condition, recommendations will be made at your visit after your evaluation.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is extremely safe.  Side effects may include slight bruising, a very small amount of bleeding, minor pain and discomfort.  Rare complications can include infection.  The needles used are sterile and disposable.

Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture can be experienced as a relaxing time.  Many patients fall asleep during treatment.  The goal is to achieve “De Qi” which is the arrival of the Qi or energy to the site.  This is felt as radiation, numbness, or mild discomfort lasting for a few seconds.  This is a desired effect that tells me that the treatment is working.  Acupuncture is very well tolerated and there is no need for analgesia or special preparation.

How long will my treatment last?

Most sessions last about 20-30 minutes after the needles have been placed. 

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Anti-Aging and Beautification (BioRegenerative Aesthetic Therapy

What is BioRegenerative Aesthetic Therapy?

BioRegenerative therapy is the injection of FDA-registered homeopathic, herbal remedies into various acupuncture points to rejuvenate the skin and reduce wrinkles, fine lines and various other signs of aging.  This is often combined with acupuncture to achieve optimal results. Furthermore, I supplement the treatment with nutritional supplements that are FDA approved in order to treat your whole body and mind to achieve optimal results. There is no toxic substance such as Botox (Botulin Toxin).  You will  not experience the paralysis of muscles that can accompany Botox treatments. BioRegenerative therapy is also used for breast lifting in premenopausal women and can be used to target areas for spot fat reduction such as the abdomen, thighs or buttocks.

Is BioRegenerative Therapy safe?

BioRegenerative Therapy is extremely safe.  It is FDA-regulated  and is a natural alternative to “Botox” and Restylane therapy.  We’ve all been concerned about reports of paralysis of facial muscles with Botox.  BioRegeneration achieves a “Botox”-like effect without the toxicity.  Furthermore, I supplement this treatment with with acupuncture and nutritional supplements to treat your whole body and mind.  These supplements are FDA approved. Minor side effects may include mild bruising, minor discomfort.  Risk of infection is quite rare.

How many sessions of BioRegenerative Therapy will I require?

On average, 10 weekly treatments are recommended with follow up visits either monthly or quarterly depending on age and desired effects.  A more comprehensive treatment plan will be discussed at your consultation visit.

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Infertility

How can Infertility be treated with Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture?

Excellent results can be achieved in the treatment of infertility by combining a conventional infertility evaluation (consisting of blood work, basal body temperature charting, evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes with testing called a hysterosalpingogram) with a traditional Chinese medicine evaluation which will reveal the pattern of disharmony which is preventing pregnancy.  By treating the underlying pattern as revealed by the TCM evaluation and combining this with the modern evaluation, wonderful success rates are achieved. This method can be combined with Intrauterine Insemination in the office or In-Vitro Fertilization with coordination with your reproductive endocrinologist.

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Weight Loss and Nutrition

How can Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine help with weight loss?

Chinese Herbal Supplements and Acupuncture can help to strengthen the internal organs responsible for the metabolism of food.  This can help to process food more effectively and speed up metabolism. Along with a sensible diet and moderate exercise, this can promote successful weight loss that can be maintained long term. Many crash diets don’t address the underlying causes of weight gain and are unsuccessful long term.

What will my visits be like for weight loss therapy?

Your initial visit will consist of a review of your diet and exercise regimen as well as your goals. Dr. Riobe-Heron will then perform a Chinese evaluation to determine the patterns of disharmony responsible for weight gain.  She will then make recommendations for Herbal supplements, Acupuncture treatments, diet and exercise and help you to set a schedule of treatments and follow ups.  Number of treatment sessions will vary based on your individual needs, your particular patterns of disharmony and your goals. Follw-up treatment sessions will consist of a review of progress with diet and exercise and an acupuncture session which will last 20-30 minutes. After you’ve reached your goals, Dr. Riobe-Heron will recommend maintenance visits either monthly or quarterly depending on your individual needs.

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Holistic and Anti-Aging Medicine

What is Anti-Aging Medicine?

Anti-aging or “youth preservation” is a form of holistic medicine which seeks to identify the factors associated with aging and illness and prescribe a lifestyle, nutrition, exercise and bio-identical hormonal regimen to correct any noted imbalances which are associated with aging and illness.  It is a lifestyle.

What are Bio-Identical Hormones?

Bio-identical hormones are customized hormonal regimens which seek to balance the body, mind and spirit to maintain wellness.  Hormonal imbalances can trigger many symptoms and diseases including, but not limited to premenstrual syndrome, menopause syndrome, thyroid disease, adrenal fatigue, osteoporosis, anxiety, endometriosis, and infertility. Bio-identical hormones are not considered “natural” but they are identical in chemical structure to the hormones made in your body naturally. This allows the body to recognize the bio-identical hormones properly and make the proper proteins needed to maintain health and wellness. The decision to use Bio-Identical Hormones is individual and should be made after a comprehensive evaluation and discussion with your physician.

Are Bio-Identical Hormones safe to use?

The decision to use Bio-Identical Hormones is individual and should be made after a comprehensive evaluation and discussion with your physician.  The safety of bio-identical hormones lies in assuring that they are carefully monitored with periodic hormone levels to be certain that the appropriate ratios and levels are maintained.  The route of delivery or how they are administered as well as the ability of the body to process the hormones is also important.  Proper metabolization (detoxification) of estrogen is important to the safety of bio-identical hormones. During a comprehensive evaluation, these factors will be discussed at length and appropriate tests will be recommended based on your individual needs. A treatment plan will then be formulated with your individual needs in mind. 

What is adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is an under-diagnosed condition involving the adrenal glands.  These glands secrete very small, precise levels of steroid hormones which influence all the major functions of the body. When they do not function normally, most commonly due to significant long term stress, the effect on the overall function of the body is evident.  The most common symptom is fatigue; but weight gain, allergic reactions, mood swings, frequent colds due to decreased immunity, low libido, glucose elevation, and many more symptoms can be attributed to adrenal fatigue. 

Can adrenal fatigue be diagnosed and treated?

Yes, adrenal fatigue can be easily diagnosed.  Treatment is based on several factors as determined by your symptoms and results of testing.  Several different types of supplements and herbs can be prescribed depending upon the level of fatigue. Lifestyle modification and nutrition recommendations can also greatly assist in recovery.  A comprehensive treatment plan can be prescribed after a comprehensive evaluation and the needed tests are performed. Treatment is usually for several months, sometimes 1-2 years depending on the level of fatigue and current lifestyle factors.

What factor does nutrition play in wellness?

“You are what you eat” has never been a truer statement.  The age of food processing and food preservation has presented us with never before seen challenges to our health and wellness.  Many processed foods cause inflammation in the gut which leads to many unrecognized symptoms such as weight gain, anxiety, sinus conditions, pain, diarrhea or constipation. The inflammation in the gut then makes it difficult to digest even naturally found foods once the cells become unhealthy and don’t perform their functions well.  This leads to undernourishment and increased inflammation which perpetuates the vicious cycle of disease.  The role of stress on the gut is now being recognized in modern medicine.  It has long been understood in Chinese Medicine.  Stress has similar effects on the gut and also leads to disease.  Identifying the imbalances in the gut and stress organs can help to correct the imbalances that lead to unwelcome symptoms.  Food allergy testing and micronutrient testing help to identify some of these factors, and can form the foundation of a treatment plan.  Nutritional supplements, Chinese Medicinals and acupuncture, as well as a balanced detoxification program can also be of significant help. Nutrition is unique and should be recommended based on your individual constitution, patterns of disharmony, lifestyle factors, and appropriate testing. 

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BIHT FAQ

How are Bio-Identical hormones different than conventionally prescribed hormone replacement therapy?

a. There are many differences between bio-identical hormones and conventionally prescribed hormones.  The most important aspect of bio-identical hormones is that they are chemically “identical” to the hormones made naturally in the body.  This is critical because the cells of your body only properly recognize what your body is designed to recognize.  If a “hormone” with a different chemical composition than what your body recognizes attaches to the cells, mixed and confusing signals will go into the cell resulting in substances such as proteins being improperly made. 

b. Another important aspect of bio-identical hormones is that they are consistently monitored and administered in very specific ways to minimize risk. There are certain accepted ranges and ratios of hormones that help to minimize risk and maximize benefits.  It is important to maintain hormone levels within these ranges with periodic measurements. 

c. Certain pharmaceutical conventional hormones such as Estradiol patches or Micronized Progesterone are considered bio-identical, but they come in predetermined doses and cannot be customized.   Conventional pharmaceutical Testosterone formulations (usually closer to male doses) tend to be in higher doses than what is usually needed.  Female DHEA doses also tend to be much lower than commercially available pharmaceutical formulations (which tend to be male doses).

My physician says I can measure my hormones with routine blood work.  Why does Dr Riobe-Heron use saliva and “blood spot” capillary testing rather than routine blood work?

Studies reveal that the most important factor in the determination of hormone dosing is the effect of those hormones on your tissues such as your breast, heart, bones, etc… When we measure blood levels of hormones, we usually obtain TOTAL levels which reflect the amount of hormone in the blood, NOT the distribution of those hormones to your TISSUES. Most of the hormones remain attached to other molecules in your blood and do not get distributed to the tissues.  When blood work is used to determine doses of topical (cream) hormones, the tissue distribution is GROSSLY UNDERESTIMATED RESULTING IN PRESCRIPTION OF DANGEROUSLY HIGH HORMONE LEVELS. When topical creams are used, it is essential to determine levels using saliva or blood spot tests in order to be able to interpret the results effectively and obtain good effects on the tissues.  When obtaining saliva testing, it is CRITICAL to select the appropriate lab to perform the testing.  Only certain labs in the country can give accurate reference ranges for saliva testing once you have started your hormone creams.  To avoid this problem, capillary or blood spot testing can be obtained in order to obtain the most accurate testing available with proper interpretation.  This results in the lowest and safest levels which will be considered effective for symptom management. It is very important that your physician use the proper testing techniques and interpretation for your long-term success and safety with the use of bio-identical hormone therapy.  CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT

2. My doctor obtained saliva hormone testing for me and says my levels are too high.  What does this mean and what should I do?

When topical (cream) hormones are used, the hormones are concentrated in the salivary glands and when salivary testing is obtained, the levels are expected to be very high.  IT IS CRITICAL TO OBTAIN TESTING FROM THE PROPER LAB CAPABLE OF GIVING THE CORRECT REFERENCE RANGES FOR INTERPRETATION BY YOUR DOCTOR.  Only a few labs in the country are currently able to do this.  To avoid this problem, you can obtain capillary blood or “spot blood” testing (NOT SERUM BLOOD) .  This type of testing is only available at select labs in the country.  It is very important that your physician use the proper testing techniques and interpretation for your long-term success and safety with the use of bio-identical hormone therapy.  CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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Weight Loss FAQ

What will my visits be like for weight loss?

Your first visit will be quite lengthy.  Dr Riobe-Heron will perform a conventional evaluation as well as a Chinese evaluation to determine your patterns of disharmony or energy imbalances.  A comprehensive weight loss strategy may consist of the use of nutritional supplements, diet and exercise recommendations, calorie restriction, hormonal assessment and balance, food allergy testing, nutrient testing, Chinese herbal remedies, acupuncture, MIC-B12 injections.  Your customized plan will be determined based on your goals, your current weight, and most importantly, on your patterns of disharmony.  There are many nutritional supplements that can be used for weight loss and their proper selection is critical for success.  Many supplements can be counter to your desired energetics and can be either ineffective or possibly harmful.  It is critical to have proper guidance through this process.  It is also critical to perform certain needed tests prior to completing the evaluation.  Once all needed tests and your evaluation are completed, you will receive a comprehensive treatment plan and food therapy guide. 
A considerable amount of follow up is needed for successful weight loss.  Follow up visits will consist of reevaluation of your patterns of disharmony with any needed adjustments in your supplements and/or Chinese herbs.  Additional testing may also be recommended depending on the circumstances.  A successful weight loss plan must be flexible.  Lifestyle reinforcement is also a critical part of success. 

Why has Dr. Riobe-Heron decided to use MIC-B12 as part of her weight loss options?

Obesity is a very complex condition to treat.  For some patients it is a matter of calories in versus calories out.  For a significant number of patients, this formula simply does not work.  Cutting edge nutrition and obesity research reveals that this condition is much more complex than previously thought.  Metabolic derangements within the body’s cells make the cells respond abnormally and they do not assimilate nutrients in the proper ways.  This is especially evident as we age.  In order to successfully treat obesity, a multi-pronged approach is required.  We must surround the patient with multiple strategies that have been shown to work to produce weight loss and metabolic repair.  One of these strategies includes subcutaneous or intravenous nutritional supplementation as one of the strategies.  MIC-B12 is a series of vitamins injected subcutaneously on a weekly basis which has been shown anecdotally to be a “fat burner”.  It is an off-label use of vitamins not regulated by the FDA because it is a nutritional supplement.  In order to achieve success the underlying causes of the weight gain must be sought and treated with other strategies such as hormonal balance,  correction of Chinese patterns of disharmony (Yin-yang imbalances), elimination diets, correction of nutrient deficiencies, detoxification, etc…

Why does Dr Riobe-Heron not use HCG as part of her weight loss strategies?

HCG has been linked with auto-immune disorders although this is not yet proven in formal studies.  Auto-immune disorders are conditions in which the body’s immune system turns on itself.  Women are especially prone to these conditions and they can be life-threatening.  Given this possible link and the availability of other safer strategies, Dr Riobe-Heron has chosen not to use this as part of her weight loss strategy.

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Financial Policy

Which insurance plans are accepted by Holistic Gynecology of the Treasure Coast?

Dr. Riobe-Heron has recently joined the following insurance companies as a provider:

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield
• Medicare
• United Healthcare (pending)
• Multiplan (pending)
• Beechstreet (effective August 1, 2011)
• Aetna (pending)

These insurance companies offer many different plans and Dr. Riobe-Heron has not chosen to participate with all of them.  Please call your insurance company to determine if your specific plan is accepted at Holistic Gynecology of the Treasure Coast.

My insurance company says that Dr. Riobe-Heron is a provider but they will not cover certain services.  Why is this?

Dr. Riobe-Heron provides holistic services and uses Traditional Chinese Medicine as part of her evaluations in order to provide a more effective and comprehensive approach to health.  These services are frequently not covered by most insurance companies.  Part of the visit may be covered as a “conventional” medicine evaluation (as you would have at any other gynecology office), and part of the visit will not be covered because it is holistic and consists of a Traditional Chinese Medicine/holistic exam.  Most insurance companies consider these services “not medically necessary” and will not provide coverage.
Even companies who do provide holistic medicine or acupuncture coverage have very specific criteria and limitations regarding coverage.  Unless you have a very specific diagnosis, your visits will not be covered.  If your diagnosis is covered, it may only be covered for a certain number of visits.  Unfortunately, most insurance companies will not give you any information in advance regarding these restricted diagnoses.

How can I determine if my visits may be reimbursed or covered by my insurance company before my visits?

a. Contact your insurance company to verify if Dr. Riobe-Heron is a provider for your specific plan.  Insurance companies have many different plans, and a physician may be a participating provider with your insurance company, but may not participate with your specific plan.
b. If Dr. Riobe-Heron is NOT a provider for your plan, ask if you have out of network benefits, then see

a. Does the policy provide out-of-network benefits?
b. Is there an out-of-network deductible?
c. Does the policy provide coverage for the appropriate CPT code? (See list below)
d. Is there a limitation on the number of units that can be billed for this procedure within a certain time frame?

Note that this verbal verification does not guarantee reimbursement by your insurance company for your visits to HGTC.
If Dr. Riobe-Heron is considered out of network for your specific plan, you will be responsible for payment in full at the time of your appointment.  Holistic Gynecology of the Treasure Coast has established discounted rates for out of network  or self-pay patients.  We will provide you with an invoice that includes your diagnosis codes and procedure codes that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

CPT Codes Billed: 
The following codes will likely be used for Holistic Problem evaluation,  New patient Nutrition Assessment Evaluation, Holistic Weight Loss Evaluation, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Evaluation:

99203: New patient detailed visit
99204: New Patient Comprehensive Moderate
99205: New patient Comprehensive High
99213: Established Patient Expanded 
99214: Established Patient Detailed
99215 Established Patient Comprehensive High
97810  + 97811: Acupuncture without electrostimulation 30 minutes (usually very restricted coverage for certain diagnoses only, number of visits also frequently limited)
97813 + 97814: Acupuncture with electrostimulation 30 minutes (usually very restricted coverage for certain diagnoses only, number of visits also frequently limited)
83516 Antigen Allergy Test (ALCAT)
82670,84144,84403,84270,82627,82533,84443,84481,84439,86376: Female Blood Profile (Hormone Testing for Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, DHEAS, TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody)
82530 x 4: Cortisol Diurnal Levels (Testing for Adrenal Fatigue/Overload)
*Patients presenting for infertility evaluations should specifically request if this service or diagnosis is covered.
*Patients presenting for weight loss evaluations should specifically request if this service or diagnosis is covered.

CPT Codes for Preventive Visits (Conventional  Preventive Medicine Examination)-does not include the holistic portion of this exam, which is usually not a covered service.

                                                                                                 
Please note that these services may be covered only for very specific diagnoses.  Your insurance company may not be able to provide you with this information in advance of your visit.
4.  Can I come to Holistic Gynecology of the Treasure Coast if I don’t want any holistic services?
Absolutely.  Conventional evaluations and examinations are available.  Dr. Riobe-Heron highly encourages all of her patients to take advantage of the wisdom of ancient medical principles, but you may elect to not include these services in your evaluation if you wish.  If you are uncertain if holistic services may be of benefit to you, take advantage of the free “Meet the Doctor” session which is a free 15 minute visit during which Dr. Riobe-Heron will explain the services available and the benefits of holistic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Are there payment plans available at HGTC if I am unable to pay in full for my care?

Yes, we have established Care Credit, a medical savings and financing plan designed especially for healthcare.  An application can be made prior to your appointment and approval will be received within minutes.  You can then set up a flexible payment that will work for you.

What are the fees at HGTC?

Please see the financial policy page on my website for details.  Fees are based on the time requirements of the visit.  Initial visits are charged more due to their length.  Follow up visits are charged at a lower rate because they will be shorter.  The fees for visits do not include herbal supplements or cosmetic products. Fees for visits also do not include any needed laboratory testing.

How can I determine if my visits may be reimbursed by my insurance company before my visits?

Contact your insurance company and indicate that you would like to verify coverage.

a. Does the policy provide out-of-network benefits?
b. Is there an out-of-network deductible?
c. Does the policy provide coverage for the appropriate CPT code? (See list below)
d. Is there a limitation on the number of units that can be billed for this procedure within a certain time frame?

Note that this verbal verification does not guarantee reimbursement by your insurance company for your visits to HGTC.

CPT Codes Billed: 
The following codes will likely be used for Holistic Problem evaluation, New patient Nutrition Assessment Evaluation, Holistic Weight Loss Evaluation, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Evaluation:

99203: New patient detailed visit
99204: New Patient Comprehensive Moderate
99213: Established Patient Expanded 
99214: Established Patient Detailed
97811: Acupuncture without electrostimulation 30 minutes
97814: Acupuncture with electrostimulation 30 minutes
97802: Medical Nutrition Therapy, Initial Assessment, each 15 minutes (three units total=45 minutes)
97803: All subsequent nutrition therapy follow up visits, each 15 minutes (three units total=45 minutes)
83516 Antigen Allergy Test (ALCAT)
82670,84144,84403,84270,82627,82533,84443,84481,84439,86376: Female Blood Profile (Hormone Testing for Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, DHEAS, TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody)
82530 x 4: Cortisol Diurnal Levels (Testing for Adrenal Fatigue/Overload)

*Patients presenting for infertility evaluations should specifically request if this service or diagnosis is covered.

*Patients presenting for weight loss evaluations should specifically request if this service or diagnosis is covered.


CPT Codes for Preventive Visits (Holistic Gynecology Wellness Examination)

Please call the office for additional pricing information

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Miscellaneous

Can I obtain my routine GYN care at HGTC?

Absolutely!  A comprehensive, integrated evaluation is performed.  This consists of a Chinese medical evaluation combined with a conventional exam consisting of full physical exams, breast exam, pelvic exam and pap smear  along with lab work.  Blood work  can be done at a local lab offsite. Referrals for ultrasounds, mammograms and any additional needed testing are available.  We offer a full range of evaluations for any GYN problems you may have.

What if I need blood tests during my visit?

Dr. Riobe-Heron will give you a prescription that you can take to any lab covered by your insurance plan.  You can have all your necessary blood work done at the lab which will be covered by your insurance plan as per your benefits. Please review your benefits prior to having any blood work so that you will be aware of any out of pocket expenses.

Is Dr. Riobe-Heron on staff at any area hospitals?

Due to the nature of her practice of Integrated Gynecology, Dr. Riobe-Heron has elected not to participate in any hospital plans.  In the case of an emergency, she will refer you to the nearest emergency room where a hospitalist or specialist will take care of your emergency. She will remain in constant contact with all consultants in order to coordinate your care and insure the highest standards of care.

What if my condition requires surgery?

Dr. Riobe-Heron believes that a conservative approach to many conditions is best, however, there are a number of conditions that require surgery.  She will refer you to a local board-certified surgeon who will provide you with quality care and she will be in constant communication with the surgeon throughout your evaluation and during the postoperative period.  Dr. Riobe-Heron has chosen not to perform surgery due to the nature of her practice of Integrative Gynecology.

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