Frequently Asked Questions

Will Dr. Winegardner accept insurance for this service?

Am I a candidate for HRT?

HRT is not a solution for everyone.  In some cases, a patient’s medical history may indicate HRT is not appropriate.  The initial consult with Dr. Winegardner will address the appropriateness of HRT for the patient.  Take the Quiz to see if you are a candidate for Bioidentical HRT.

What is pelleting?

Pellets are small rice sized compounded hormones customized for your body's needs.   These pellets are placed under your skin where they deliver the hormones needed in an optimal fashion.   Dr. Winegardner has come to the conclusion this process and method of hormonal delivery produces the most satisfactory results for the patient.

Does my insurance cover Women’s Healthcare of Lake Norman services?

Your insurance will probably cover the basic office visit consults and labs.  Due to high deductables and the many unknowns associated with insurance plans, you may be asked to deposit up to $425 for the initial consult and labs.  We will file with your insurance for those services and refund your money based on our contracted rate with your insurance.  Services related directly to the "pelleting" procedure will not be billed to your insurance and are paid at the time of service.  See below for additional payment options. 

How much does it cost for the pelleting procedure? 

In addition to the initial consult, pre-pellet lab review office visit, and minimal office visit for pelleting encounter, the pellets for a female patient are comparable in price to compounded hormones.  A "post pellet" encounter is required which will involve an office visit and labs.  This office visit will be used to adjust the follow on pellet dosing.  Once the patient is established on the correct doasage, pelleting is done every three or four months which includes a minimal office visit.   Additional encounters may be required based on patient needs.  

My husband has low testosterone and related symptoms.  Can he be treated by this procedure?

Yes.  Andropause is the male version of menopause.  Have your husband take the Quiz for men to see if the bioidentical hormone pellets may be appropriate for him.  He can schedule an appointment with Dr. Winegardner under similar terms and pricing. 

 Can I see Dr. Winegardner for other health issues?

Family Healthcare of Lake Norman, PC is Dr. Winegardner’s traditional managed care medical practice.  Unfortunately, she no longer has room on her schedule for traditional healthcare.  Her HRT patients will still need a seperate primary care and gyn for traditional care.  Dr. Winegardner is in network with nearly all insurance companies and will file with your insurance for covered charges.

If it is deemed medically necessary, most insurance companies will process claims for the consultation portion of this service.   Required labs may also be covered by insurance.   Our experience is that customized hormonal compounding is not covered by  insurance.  Compounding pharmacies usually do not file with insurance.   The same is true of bioidentical pellet therapy.  Services related directly to the "pelleting" procedure are not billable to insurance. 

Payment options include VISA, Mastercard, and CareCredit.   Care Credit cannot be used to pay insurance copays, deductables or coinsurance.  It may be used for uninsured patients, cash-only patients, and non-covered medical services.

Go to Family Healthcare of Lake Norman Pay Now  to apply for CareCredit or pay on your account.