Question 1

Is there a minimum membership?

Accepted Answer

No. We create individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. However, we typically recommend enrolling in a one-year membership. This allows us to provide comprehensive care across all three critical phases of your weight loss journey: active weight loss, transition, and long-term maintenance.

Each phase plays a vital role in achieving sustainable results. A year-long commitment enables us to monitor your progress closely, make timely adjustments, and support lasting lifestyle changes that promote long-term success.

Question 2

Does the membership price include the cost of medication or meal replacements?

Accepted Answer

No, meal replacement and medications are separate. However, we will help you estimate those expenses up front, so you know what to expect.

Question 3

What method of weight loss does your clinic use?

Accepted Answer

Our doctor will work closely with you to create a personalized plan that helps you reach your weight and body composition goals. We understand that every person’s journey is unique. Dr. Shill will take the time to consider a variety of important factors—including how much weight you’d like to lose, your desired timeline, health risk factors, any past medical conditions, insurance or HSA/FSA benefits for medications, your current and ideal muscle mass, family considerations, genetic predispositions, lab results, potential for future and current chronic diseases and much more.

Many of our patients achieve success through a combination of tools such as meal replacements, medication, healthy eating, fasting, physical activity, and behavioral support. You'll meet regularly with our medical team, in person and virtually, to ensure your plan is working effectively and to make adjustments as needed. Our goal is to help you get the best possible results—safely, efficiently, and affordably.

As we build your personalized program, we will also walk you through the costs of different options, so you feel fully informed and confident in your choices moving forward.

Question 4

Does ShillMed provide Primary Care services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dr. Shill is a board-certified Primary Care Physician. Any primary care concerns directly related to the treatment of obesity are covered by your membership. (An example of this might be changing diabetes or blood pressure medications as your weight decreases.)
 
For conditions not directly related to obesity, ShillMed is pleased to offer a direct-pay option for primary care. For example, we are happy to provide treatment for a UTI or sinus infection, but since the condition is not related to your weight loss care, an additional charge will apply. Members of our weight loss program enjoy a 66% discount on primary care services not directly related to weight loss.

We can provide primary care services even if you are not a member of our weight loss plans. We can accept HSA and FSA debit cards, and we are happy to provide an invoice that can be submitted to your insurance for out of network reimbursement consideration. A non-member office visit costs $150 which will be collected at the time of service.

Due to federal and state laws, we are unable to provide paid primary care services to those who are eligible for Medicare or enrolled in Medicaid.

Question 5

What types of patients do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We welcome and support individuals at any stage of their weight loss journey, with any amount to lose, and we specialize in medically guided weight management for patients with clinical or health-related needs.

As a board-certified physician in both Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, Dr. Shill brings extensive training and expertise to safely oversee and tailor your weight loss plan, regardless of your unique circumstances. Whether your goal is to lose weight in preparation for surgery, manage or reverse the effects of a chronic condition, or simply increase your energy to enjoy time with your children or grandchildren, we are here to help you achieve lasting, meaningful results.

Question 6

What states do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Dr Shill is licensed to treat patients in both Washington and Idaho. We have an in-person clinic in Spokane Valley, WA and Colfax, WA and treat patients remotely all over both states. We also offer a self-guided program that can provide you with tools and educational material to help you lose weight on your own if you live outside Washington or Idaho.

Question 7

What does the initial consultation with Dr. Shill involve?

Accepted Answer

Your initial consultation is complimentary. Once your appointment is scheduled, our office will send you a digital intake form. Completing this form in advance allows us to better understand your health history and make the most of your visit and provide a more personalized experience.

When you arrive, a member of our team will assist you with an “InBody” body composition analysis and a waist measurement. Dr. Shill will then review your results in detail, discuss your medical history, and take the time to understand your overall health and goals. This comprehensive approach enables him to design a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

During the consultation, Dr. Shill will walk you through the available options, explaining the potential benefits and risks of each. Following your discussion with the doctor, our business manager will review payment options and pricing for your custom weight loss plan and will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Please plan to spend approximately one hour in our office for this initial visit.

Question 8

Typically, how long are the office visits?

Accepted Answer

You will be seen regularly in our office for follow-up visits with the physician, who will closely monitor your progress through lab work, routine body composition scans, and both in-person and virtual appointments. The initial consultation typically lasts about one hour, while follow-up visits are generally 20 to 30 minutes. However, as part of our concierge-level care, we are committed to providing the time and attention you need. We will always ensure your questions are thoroughly addressed and your concerns fully discussed at each visit. Shorter and remote visits are also available for times when that better fits your needs.

Question 9

Do you collect a co-pay at each doctor’s visit?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no additional charges for office visits, virtual care, or any other communication with the doctor. This means there are no co-pays for any visit.

Question 10

Do you accept Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Because weight loss services are not typically covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, our office does not bill insurance directly for the services we provide. However, we are happy to supply you with detailed documentation and itemized receipts should you wish to seek reimbursement independently.

Laboratory tests ordered as part of your care are generally covered by insurance and we are glad to send lab orders to the laboratory of your choice. If you and Dr. Shill decide that prescription medication is an appropriate part of your treatment plan, prescriptions can also be sent to your preferred pharmacy.

Please note that weight loss medications may not always be covered by insurance. In cases where coverage is possible, we are happy to assist with prior authorization requests to support your access to necessary treatments.

Question 11

What information will an Inbody scan show?

Accepted Answer

The InBody Scan is a non-invasive, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device used to measure body composition. Unlike your standard bathroom scale, which simply tells you your weight, the InBody machine breaks down your body into key components, including:

• Muscle mass
 • Body fat percentage
 • Visceral fat level (the fat surrounding your organs)- This is the fat most likely to increase your risk of chronic disease.
 • Water distribution (intracellular and extracellular)
 • Segmental analysis (muscle and fat distribution in each limb and trunk)

It provides a detailed printout or digital report within minutes, helping you understand your body like never before and allows you to track your progress over time. You can also track your progress in the InBody App!

Question 12

How often can I use the InBody scan?

Accepted Answer

Come as often as you would like! Members of our weight loss programs have unlimited access to our InBody machine to track their progress during regular business hours. Some patients enjoy checking their fat loss progress even when they don’t have an appointment with Dr. Shill.

Question 13

Can non-members use the InBody scanner?

Accepted Answer

YES! We love helping people get more information to guide their health journey. Either Dr. Shill or a member of our staff will go over the results with you and answer any questions that you have. Although an appointment is recommended, it is not required.

Non-members pay $50 per scan for an InBody scan OR $50 per month for UNLIMITED scans with auto-billing to your bank or debit card. We require 30-days notice to cancel an unlimited plan.

Question 14

How do I prepare for my InBody scan?

Accepted Answer

At ShillMed, we use the InBody scan in two different ways. Each time you come to the clinic, we will scan you to ensure that you’re making progress on losing fat without losing muscle. This allows us to fine tune your weight loss plan to maximize your muscle preservation. Here, 100% accuracy is less important than consistency from visit to visit. In order ensure the best results, please follow the following guidelines:

• Wear the same clothing each week – we recommend gym clothing
 • Keep your pre-scan food and water intake similar – the amount of water and food you have eaten in a day impacts the results of your InBody scan. Keep your caffeine intake similar as well. While eating and drinking before your scan can impact your results, if you eat and drink approximately the same amount prior to your scan, your results will be consistent from scan to scan
 • Use a similar exercise routine and shower at the same time on scan days – because exercise and warm water both dilate blood vessels, these activities can impact the InBody measurement. Keep your routine similar from visit to visit to ensure an accurate trend of fat and muscle measurements.

InBody has been found in studies to have a high level of accuracy, within 3% of the gold-standard DEXA body composition scan. When you want the most accurate InBody results, follow these guidelines:

• Hydrate well the day before
 • Use the restroom prior to testing
 • Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours prior to the test
 • Do not drink caffeine on the day of your test
 • Do not eat 8 hours prior to testing
 • Do not exercise 12 hours prior to test
 • Do not take shower or sauna session within 6 hours prior to the test
 • Do not use lotion or ointments on hands or feet prior to testing
 • Remove your jewelry, socks, pantyhose and shoes – extra clothing counts as fat 
 • Do not wear clothing that covers feet and hands (e.g. nylons, tights, etc.) - we recommend gym clothes
 • If testing in the winter, be sure to warm up for 20 minutes prior to testing
 • Do not take InBody Test if you have a pacemaker or other electronic medical device implanted, or are pregnant.
 • Women specifically should note that water weight fluctuates widely during a menstrual cycle. It is important to understand that you will want to compare your InBody scans from the same day in your cycle to ensure maximum accuracy. You will wish to avoid scanning during menstruation for the most accurate results.

Question 15

How does the InBody Scan Machine Work?

Accepted Answer

We have all of our patients scan each time they come in our office. This allows us to track their real progress very closely. The InBody device sends a safe, low-level electrical current through your body. Since water, fat, and muscle all conduct electricity differently, the machine can determine what proportion of your weight is made up of each component.

Don’t worry—you won’t feel a thing. The process is quick (usually under 60 seconds) and completely painless. All you need to do is stand on the platform barefoot, hold the handles, and stand still while the scan is being conducted.

Question 16

What makes ShillMed different from other weight loss programs?

Accepted Answer

One of the key factors that sets ShillMed apart from other weight loss programs is that your care is directly supervised by a board-certified physician. Dr. Shill brings years of experience in Primary Care Internal Medicine, where he witnessed firsthand how many chronic health conditions are closely linked to obesity. This inspired his deep commitment to helping patients address the root causes of their health challenges through personalized, medically guided weight management.

Dr. Shill is known not only for his clinical expertise, but also for his compassionate, approachable manner. He has built a dedicated team of professionals and developed a comprehensive program grounded in attainability, accountability, safety, and long-term success. At ShillMed, we are here to support you in making meaningful, lasting changes—so you can live a healthier, more energized life.

Question 17

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Accepted Answer

Weight loss outcomes can vary significantly based on several factors, including genetics, sex, age, underlying medical conditions, current medications, amount of weight loss needed and adherence to the treatment plan. While we cannot guarantee specific results, we consistently see excellent outcomes among patients who are fully committed to the program and who follow their personalized plan closely.

In many cases, patients experience weight loss comparable to those who have pursued surgical interventions. It is not uncommon for highly engaged individuals to lose between 10 to 30 pounds per month, depending on their unique circumstances and goals.

Question 18

How does ShillMed measure liver health?

Accepted Answer

ShillMed is proud to partner with Echosens to offer FibroScan technology in our clinic.(https://www.shillmed.com/fibroscan) In a simple, painless process that lasts only a few minutes, we are able to evaluate the health of your liver and provide you with a numerical score. You'll learn how much scarring you may have in your liver and how much fat is building up. Fat is known to cause inflammation in the liver which eventually leads to scarring.

Book your appointment (https://shillmed.hint.com/booking?appointment-type=appty-5e00d987d5b28cbd)for your FibroScan today!

Dr. Shill or one of our trained staff members will perform your test right in our office!

An NO! You do not have to be a patient to get a FibroScan in our office. We are happy to accept a referral from your provider, or a self-referral. You can click on the booking link above to schedule yourself at any time.

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