Rachel Kersey’s Post

Medical expenses Q10: Is the cost of a gym membership a medical expense that can be paid or reimbursed by an HSA, FSA, Archer MSA, or HRA? (added March 17, 2023) A10: Yes, but only if the membership was purchased for the sole purpose of affecting a structure or function of the body (such as a prescribed plan for physical therapy to treat an injury) or the sole purpose of treating a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease). Otherwise, the cost of a gym membership is for the general health of the individual and is not a medical expense. #taxes #cpa #accountant #gym #gymbro #obesity #doctors #HSA #fsa #employeebenefits #newyork https://lnkd.in/gA5Am2rN

Behavior support, lifestyle moderation, CBT to address emotional eating, therapy for trauma and other mental health factors all need to be provided in tandem with any weight loss intervention, whether that be GLP-1 or bariatric surgery or intentional caloric deficits through different food choices. *The underlying factors that contribute to obesity are complex and require a multi-faceted treatment approach.* #cardiometabolic #obesity #obesitymanagement #rd #registereddietitian #wegovy #saxenda #zepbound #ozempic

Gretchen Zimmermann, MBA, RD, CDCES, CSOWM has been talking about the importance of behavior change to achieving lasting #weightloss with GLP-1s for a long time. Check out her thoughts from a piece she wrote last May for Healthcare Business Today that stand just as true today. "Organizations and healthcare providers offering access to GLP-1s must recognize that it’s absolutely essential to prescribe robust nutritional guidance and behavioral health support alongside weight loss drugs. Care teams of registered dietitians and licensed therapists can help mitigate some of the biggest risks associated with #GLP1s for weight loss."

🌟 Weekend Reflections: IPM Integrative Conference This weekend, I had the privilege of attending the IPM Conference, filled with inspirational talks about the future of functional medicine. The key takeaway? The immense value of truly listening, caring, and empathizing with our clients' concerns. This morning, a client confided in me that they’ve never felt comfortable raising one of their concerns with their doctor because the consultations are so short. There’s simply no time. This highlights a critical issue in our healthcare system and underscores why I love my job—because I can provide the attentive care that each person deserves. As we move forward in functional medicine, it’s essential to prioritize deep, meaningful conversations with our clients. It’s not just about treating symptoms but understanding the whole person. Let’s continue to listen, empathize, and care deeply. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e3KHdxJh #IPMConference #FunctionalMedicine #PatientCare #EmpathyInHealthcare #ListeningToPatients #HealthCareInnovation #IntegrativeMedicine #HealthcareReform #WellnessJourney

I recently came across an insightful article that delves deeper into the pros and cons of Vitamin IV Therapy which is a hot topic at the moment. If you're interested in learning more, check out this article: The Pros and Cons of Vitamin IV Therapy: https://lnkd.in/en7tRj4x Remember, before considering any wellness practice, it's essential to consult with healthcare professionals to determine its suitability for your individual needs. Let's continue to prioritize informed decision-making and well-rounded healthcare discussions! 💚 #HealthcareInsights #VitaminIVTherapy #WellnessJourney

"In other words, behavior change is crucial to the success of the drugs. Without appropriate support, people are at risk of developing malnutrition, disordered eating patterns, and regaining weight when treatment is stopped. " What is Terra doing? Physician partnerships - Rx'ing GLP-1 Medications with required Lifestyle & behavior coaching engagement. Employer partners - approving cost coverage of GLP-1 medications on benefit plans ONLY if employees stay engaged with lifestyle & behavior programs. Consumer network - pursuing GLP-1 medications as a tool in their weight loss journey but ONLY if they stay engaged with the lifestyle program. There will be a responsible way that these medications are utilized - and Terra is paving the way for that norm to set in. #lifestylemedicine #dpc #weightloss #ozempic #wegovy #zepbound #healthcoaching https://lnkd.in/etEnGNG2

Your physician may see you once or twice a year, but who sees you in between those visits? The ever-growing population of people struggling with chronic health conditions deserves a new type of practitioner to hold the space between visits. This is where Functional Nutrition Counselors step in and empower patients to become their own health advocates through lifestyle and nutrition-focused self-care. We're on a mission to evolve healthcare beyond the 15-minute doctor visit once or twice per year. Are you ready to become a new kind of practitioner? Visit the link to learn how you can fill the gaps in care for the people who need you most: https://lnkd.in/e5-Fzzse

Megan Ramos and Dr. Jason Fung, experts in intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating, have combined their years of clinical experience to create The Fasting Method (TFM). This comprehensive program provides a solution for weight loss and type 2 diabetes remission. Heads Up (HU), the industry leader in health-tracking platforms, has partnered with TFM to create a seamless and secure user experience. HU's secure platform gives you access to a personalized TFM dashboard, a supportive community, and insightful health metrics. Are you ready for a data-driven approach to structured intermittent fasting? Click the link below to discover the transformative power of the collaboration between TFM and Heads Up: https://lnkd.in/gNsmtG_t #HealthTransformation #TheFastingMethod #HeadsUp

A Clinical GLP-1 Weight Management Wrap Program That Actually Works For Patient and The Plan. In a study conducted by Milliman in August 2023, they outlined Payer Strategies for GLP-1 medications. While shown to be helpful, a key conclusion was these medications “have potential to decrease medical cost if treated patients achieve sustained weight control in combination with diet and exercise.”  The white paper outlines the most effective strategies for a payer, and a health plan to manage weight loss in combination with usage of GLP-1 drugs. As an industry’s leading Care Management and Wellness provider, Hines’ Clinical GLP-1 Weight Management Wrap Program incorporates Milliman’s recommendations into a single complete offering to deliver long-term weight loss in a safe, and clinically managed program.   Source:  https://lnkd.in/ekfi4hjf https://lnkd.in/eFuuR5Jq #glp1 #weightloss #weightmanagement #semaglutide #healthandwellness #wellbeing #selffunding #benefits