Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at PaulinaDNP@highermed.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Why should I choose Higher Med?

At Higher Med, we specialize in providing comprehensive services for weight loss, hormone optimization, and health optimization. We begin your patient journey with a thorough workup and create an individualized treatment plan to help you achieve your wellness goals and feel better than ever!

How does your approach differ from traditional weight loss or hormone treatments?

Our framework is holistic and evidence-based. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique health profile, and designed to address the root causes of weight gain, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances. We combine in-depth biomarker analysis, personalized consultations, and continuous support to create sustainable, long-term results. We provide guidance around nutrition, fitness, stress management and lifestyle modifications to support you in reaching your health goals. This sets us apart from one-size-fits-all solutions offered by traditional med spas & conventional practices.

How soon can I expect to see results?

Results vary depending on individual goals and health status, but many patients report noticeable changes within the first few weeks, including improved energy, sleep and mood. Weight loss and metabolic improvements may take longer and are typically seen over the course of the 12-week program.

Can I use my insurance?

Our practice does not accept insurance because most commercial insurance plan typically do not cover the cost of hormone replacement or comprehensive medical weight loss programs. However, we can provide you with a “superbill” statement, complete with diagnosis codes that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. We do accept HSA/FSA and offer monthly financing.

Is the cost of bloodwork included in the program cost?

Yes, your initial consultation fee includes lab work, which provides a comprehensive overview of your metabolic and hormonal health to guide your personalized treatment plan.

How is the Metabolic Reset Program different from other weight loss programs?

Our Metabolic Reset Program focuses on correcting metabolic dysfunction which is often a root cause of weight gain, low energy, and inflammation. We aim to correct underlying metabolic issues to support sustainable weight loss, improved energy, and enhanced general wellness.

What is the cancellation policy at Higher Med?

We ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment at Higher Med. This allows us to offer the appointment slot to another patient in need of care.

What should I do if I have a medical emergency?

If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you have a non-life-threatening medical concern, please call our office and we will do our best to fit you in for an appointment.

What is the process for becoming a new patient at Higher Med?

To become a new patient at Higher Med, you can call our office or use our online booking system to schedule an initial appointment. During your appointment, we will gather information about your medical history and discuss your healthcare needs.

Cannabis Medicine

how can medical marijuana help?

Medical cannabis can help to reduce inflammation, ease chronic pain, improve sleep & anxiety (and more) by restoring the balance of our Endocannabinoid system. The Endocannabinoid system is our bodies' cell-signaling network made up of endocannabinoids, enzymes and receptors. It plays a vital role in our overall health by regulating inflammation and allowing for optimal function of many of our other body systems.

There are now over 40 qualifying medical conditions recognized by the state of CT that benefit from medical marijuana use.

Some of the most common health conditions that we see patients for include:

Chronic pain
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Fibromyalgia
Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Epilepsy
Cancer
Chronic migraine
and many more. Click here for a full list of the qualifying conditions.

I'm new to marijuana, where do I start?

There are many ways to use cannabis, so if the thought of 'rollin up a joint' makes you cringe, don't you worry!

Here are some other ways to consume this powerful, healing plant:

Vaporizers
Edibles
Topicals
Drops
Concentrates
Flower
Pre-rolls

We look forward to providing you with more education and guidance around medical cannabis use. We are happy to discuss the different ways you can consume cannabis and provide some suggestions for how to introduce medical marijuana into your life if you are just getting started on this journey.

Why even get a card? Marijuana is legal/recreational in CT...

There are several benefits to having a Medical Marijuana certificate.

Medical cannabis will remain UNTAXED. Recreational marijuana is taxed heavily (17-24% total tax). Medical marijuana is a medical product recommended by a healthcare professional, therefor not subject to sales tax or marijuana tax.
A Medical Marijuana card allows you access to a greater variety of products & services! This means no THC potency limits, access to various forms of cannabis (tinctures, edibles, etc.) and consultations with the dispensary pharmacists.
Due to concerns of a potential shortage of cannabis (pursuant to section 28 (c) of RERACA), the Department for Consumer Protection enforces a "per transaction" cap of 1/4 ounce for adult recreational purchases. Medical cannabis does not have a transaction cap limit, and medical patients are allowed a monthly limit of 5 ounces. Medical marijuana patients are given priority over recreational users in the event that this shortage persists or affects general supply.

What do I do after my consultation?

If our medical provider determines that you do qualify for a medical marijuana card per CT regulations, you will receive an email from the CT Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) confirming that you have been recommended for Medical Marijuana use.
Next, you will need to create an account on CT.gov to access the online registration system. Please be sure to use the email you gave us at your evaluation appointment. Go to https://www.biznet.ct.gov/AccountMaint/Login.aspx and click the “Log In/Out” button in the top left corner. Log in to your account with the email address you supplied at your certification appointment.
Verify that the information submitted is accurate.
Be sure to select a cannabis dispensary in your area because this will need to be specified on the form.
See "CT Dispensaries" tab for a list of current medical marijuana dispensaries in CT,
The average wait time for medical marijuana approval is about 3-4 weeks and you will receive your Medical Marijuana Certificate by email.
The certification is valid for 1 year. We recommend renewing about 1 month prior to your expiration date to ensure no lapse in coverage.

This whole process is a bit intimidating, and what if I don't get approved for a card?

Having gone through the 'Medical Marijuana patient' process ourselves, we understand that it can be a bit overwhelming, confusing and scary.

In fact, THAT is what motivated us to create this clinic in the first place!

Many of the medical marijuana clinics (telehealth or not) do a quick 10 min evaluation and send you on your way; no guidance, feedback, or follow up.

Higher Med is different.

We aim to create a positive, comfortable patient experience that sets the groundwork for an ongoing patient:provider relationship.
Together, we can have open-minded discussions about how medical cannabis can treat the symptoms that are preventing you from living your best life.

We want to hear from you!

What did you think of the Sativa pre-rolls?
Did the Indica tablets work better than your sleep medicine?
Did you feel less irritable after smoking your Hybrid vape?

Our patients are at the heart of what we do. We'd love to hear your feedback! Shoot us an email or a text. Let us know what's worked well for you AND what hasn't. Or just drop us a message and tell us how medical marijuana has affected your healthcare.

We learn from you just as much as you learn from us!