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How is Dr. Zarbalian's approach different?

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As a physician board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology, with additional expertise in acupuncture and herbal medicine, Dr. Yousef Zarbalian is uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive medical care for a wide variety of medical conditions.  

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There are many medical conditions for which modern rheumatology has limited treatment options.  Having additional skillsets allows Dr. Zarbalian to offer more than a conventional rheumatology clinic can provide. For example, his knowledge of traditional medicine which includes acupuncture and herbal medicine as well as functional medicine (which includes microbiome analysis to assess imbalances in the gut ecosystem) are not areas of focus in most rheumatologists' clinics.  The ability to look through these different lenses to more thoroughly assess your unique situation allows Dr. Zarbalian to offer treatment strategies which would not be considered in a standard rheumatology clinic.

We can provide the best of both approaches (western pharmacology as well as holistic modalities) to our patients. 

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What is Direct Physician Care ?

The direct physician care (DPC) model takes the middle man (insurance) out of the equation. This means longer visits with your board-certified physician, who has more time to dedicate to your health condition. This means having a doctor who is empathetic, who can dedicate an hour to you (and every patient like you), and utilize evidence-based medicine that isn't limited to pharmaceuticals.
 

Do I need a referral to schedule a visit? 

- As our clinic does not participate with private insurance companies (only original medicare), no referral is required.

- We recognize the financial limitations of patients so we do offer packages to make the prices more affordable for our patients. 

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Pay-as-you go or a la carte rates:

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- Initial Rheumatology and Internal Medicine consultation:  $500 (one-hour visit includes $50 registration fee)

- Medical Cannabis consultation: $250

- Follow-up Rheumatology and Internal Medicine consultation:  $200 for a 30-minute visit.

- Follow-up Acupuncture, cupping / hijama session:

Price ranges from $150 to $250 depending on time spent by Dr. Zarbalian for the treatment. A shorter acupuncture treatment costs on the lower end, while a 60 minute session which includes acupuncture with electrical stimulation, gua sha, and cupping (all in the same session) costs about $250.

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Herbal Intensive Visit Package: 

 

• Initial Rheumatology and Herbal medicine consultation + follow ups every 1-2 weeks

  • Follow-up visits can be in-person or via telemedicine 

  • $400 per month x 3 month minimum :

    • Includes cost of visits. Herbal medicines are reasonably priced for (at most $100 per month).  

    • 3 month minimum commitment is because it takes at least 4 weeks to see a sustained response and longer if there is more chronic disease.

    • Acupuncture, cupping, gua sha visits discounted : $175 per session

    • Following the 3 months once improving , patients can do a 6-month platinum membership.  

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Platinum membership : Initial Consultation + Rheumatology follow up once monthly: 

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• Initial Rheumatology consultation + 11 Rheumatology/Internal Medicine follow up visits per year

  • $600 per every 3 months or $2300 per year (if paid by check)

  • Follow-up visits can be in-person or via telemedicine  ​

  • User-friendly patient portal to review the treatment plan, ask questions, and/or schedule appointments

  • Acupuncture, cupping, gua sha (performed by Dr. Zarbalian): $150 per session 

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What does long-term care with Dr. Zarbalian look like?

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• 360 degree medical intake ​

  • One-on-one consultation with Dr. Zarbalian about your health priorities, previous health history, and previous diagnostic testing

  • Nutritional assessment and lifestyle factor analysis

  • Additional lab testing for autoimmune diseases or other contributing factors as decided upon at initial visit

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• Access to conventional and holistic medical care :

  • Pharmaceutical intervention if indicated

  • Tongue and pulse diagnosis to arrive at personalized herbal formula

  • ​Functional medicine consultation : gut microbiome analysis or detailed micronutrient / inflammatory profile

  • Discounts on high-quality supplements medicinal herbs (when indicated for specific medical conditions) 

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