Guest guest Posted May 7, 2010 Report Share Posted May 7, 2010 I did not have a good experience. I saw Wayne wightman @ Torrance LocationSent from my iPhone Has anyone had a GOOD experience at either of the LA or San Fran. clinics and if so which doctor did you see? Thanks very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 7, 2010 Report Share Posted May 7, 2010 I did not have a good experience. I saw Wayne wightman @ Torrance LocationSent from my iPhone Has anyone had a GOOD experience at either of the LA or San Fran. clinics and if so which doctor did you see? Thanks very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 7, 2010 Report Share Posted May 7, 2010 I did not have a good experience. I saw Wayne wightman @ Torrance LocationSent from my iPhone Has anyone had a GOOD experience at either of the LA or San Fran. clinics and if so which doctor did you see? Thanks very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2010 Report Share Posted May 8, 2010 I also did not have a good experience there. My dr was Laufer. He did not know about 1) ft3/rt3 ratio 2) iron issues 3)he thought that I have thyroid/adrenal issues AND cfs (!) probably Dr. Holtorf knows alot but the physicians in his clinic are not as knowledgeable as him (and he does not recieve new patient). I think Val and the other mods here know alot more than the docs there. > > Has anyone had a GOOD experience at either of the LA or San Fran. clinics and if so which doctor did you see? > > Thanks very much. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2010 Report Share Posted May 8, 2010 Re: Holtorf Clinic I have to weigh in on this. I began as a patient there within the last year. First off, from what I know I feel like the poster that says Dr. Holtorf knows his stuff is 100% correct. But he isn't seeing new patients. In my opinion, the doctor I saw was provided a fair at best experience so far. He did not listen to me on some critical issues. At least one thing he told me, directly contradicted what is published on the Holtorf website and on handouts in the lobby. I pointed that out to him. I don't think he liked it but it caused him to change my treatment. The initial office visit was over an hour. A general wellness check by a nurse, an hour or so with the doc and some in office tests. They have three tests that everyone seems to get run through on their first visit--- some sort of metabolic rate test, urine iodine test, and an reflex test for thyroid. The doctor ordered over 20 lab tests on this visit. They seem to have a bag of tricks which are a bit different than other HRT/ anti aging clinics I have read about. They use HGH, time release T3, time release Hydrocortisone, Welbutrin/Nalrexone combo for weight loss, HCG for weight loss and Byetta or Symlin for leptin/weigh loss issues. I learned male patients are sometimes prescribed Nondralone(sp? )in addition to Testosterone. Apparently, Nondralone(sp?) is unusual to be prescribed in HRT. Also, they give guys progesterone. They push push push their proprietary supplements. In my case the repeated push made me VERY uncomfortable. The doctor must get a cut of the supplements sold. He acted like a used car sales person with the supplements. DId I mention he was pushy? I walked out of the office with about $500 in monthly supplements. On my followup I battled and just refused some. He wasn't happy. It's so many supplements, how do I know what's working? Some non proprietary supplements were recommended and I have gotten them elsewhere Another issue is their compounding pharmacy. There is a sign in the lobby pointing out that you may have your prescriptions filled anywhere. Since I Iive what is over 5 hours traveling time away and have a great compounding pharmacy 10 minutes away, I asked that my prescriptions be filled there. The doctor told me that wasn't an option on one or two. These happen to be the most expensive. I checked with the local compounding pharmacy and a cursory comparison showed the local compounder was around 40% lower than Holtorf. Please give me ideas on how to handle this if you have them. They also pushed their IV therapy. Sorry I don't remember the details. But I had it. Couple of hours worth of drips. Can't say it did anything one way or the other. As for costs (in round numbers), my first visit was about $700 for the doctor plus $500 in supplements plus about $600 in compounded scrips plus $400 in in office tests and IV. That's over $2000. The original labs were another $2000 I recall. My second consultation was about an hour. On this visit we discussed my labs and he tweaked my meds and ordered more labs. This was probably about an hour. $700 for consultation and compounded meds and after a battle fewer supplements. The added scrips were not compounded and I got them locally. My third consultation was about 30 minutes. Same format as second consultation. Tweaked the meds and ordered labs to be done before my next consultation. $300ish for the doctors time. I can't put my hands on the supplement/compounding amounts at this moment but it was substantially less due to " encouragement " from my bottom line oriented spouse. Next appointment mid summer. Am I better? Yes. To what degree is the question. My initial complaints were weight, poor sleep, fatigue and some sexual issues. I was diagnosed as hypothyroid, adrenal issues, and leptin resistant. No cause was defined yet for my sexual issues. I'm sleeping better. Still tired but maybe not as much. No significant weight loss. Sexual issues persist. Since my spouse is a numbers guru, I'll say I'm 25% there. They are really expensive (at least by my standards and we're not poor). The supplement pushing is very annoying. The compounding issue angers me. Insurance reimbursement has not been what I would have hoped. The nurses I dealt with were superior. Both caring and excellent. With regard to the office staff, they are like any other business. Some seem real good. Some seem not good. I think if there was a way to separate the medical care from the purely profit driven appearance of this practice, they would have earned a mild thumbs up so far. HOWEVER, the " let's gouge the patient " feeling I have gotten at almost every turn may be too much for them too overcome. Here's hoping for significant improvement in the coming months. I plan on staying the course through my year anniversary but I must see more light at the end on the tunnel. Forgive the length but I wish I had known all this 9 months ago. I may or may not have made the same decision to see Holtorf Clinic but I would have been much more prepared when I walked through their door. Hope this helps someone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2010 Report Share Posted May 8, 2010 Re: Holtorf Clinic I have to weigh in on this. I began as a patient there within the last year. First off, from what I know I feel like the poster that says Dr. Holtorf knows his stuff is 100% correct. But he isn't seeing new patients. In my opinion, the doctor I saw was provided a fair at best experience so far. He did not listen to me on some critical issues. At least one thing he told me, directly contradicted what is published on the Holtorf website and on handouts in the lobby. I pointed that out to him. I don't think he liked it but it caused him to change my treatment. The initial office visit was over an hour. A general wellness check by a nurse, an hour or so with the doc and some in office tests. They have three tests that everyone seems to get run through on their first visit--- some sort of metabolic rate test, urine iodine test, and an reflex test for thyroid. The doctor ordered over 20 lab tests on this visit. They seem to have a bag of tricks which are a bit different than other HRT/ anti aging clinics I have read about. They use HGH, time release T3, time release Hydrocortisone, Welbutrin/Nalrexone combo for weight loss, HCG for weight loss and Byetta or Symlin for leptin/weigh loss issues. I learned male patients are sometimes prescribed Nondralone(sp? )in addition to Testosterone. Apparently, Nondralone(sp?) is unusual to be prescribed in HRT. Also, they give guys progesterone. They push push push their proprietary supplements. In my case the repeated push made me VERY uncomfortable. The doctor must get a cut of the supplements sold. He acted like a used car sales person with the supplements. DId I mention he was pushy? I walked out of the office with about $500 in monthly supplements. On my followup I battled and just refused some. He wasn't happy. It's so many supplements, how do I know what's working? Some non proprietary supplements were recommended and I have gotten them elsewhere Another issue is their compounding pharmacy. There is a sign in the lobby pointing out that you may have your prescriptions filled anywhere. Since I Iive what is over 5 hours traveling time away and have a great compounding pharmacy 10 minutes away, I asked that my prescriptions be filled there. The doctor told me that wasn't an option on one or two. These happen to be the most expensive. I checked with the local compounding pharmacy and a cursory comparison showed the local compounder was around 40% lower than Holtorf. Please give me ideas on how to handle this if you have them. They also pushed their IV therapy. Sorry I don't remember the details. But I had it. Couple of hours worth of drips. Can't say it did anything one way or the other. As for costs (in round numbers), my first visit was about $700 for the doctor plus $500 in supplements plus about $600 in compounded scrips plus $400 in in office tests and IV. That's over $2000. The original labs were another $2000 I recall. My second consultation was about an hour. On this visit we discussed my labs and he tweaked my meds and ordered more labs. This was probably about an hour. $700 for consultation and compounded meds and after a battle fewer supplements. The added scrips were not compounded and I got them locally. My third consultation was about 30 minutes. Same format as second consultation. Tweaked the meds and ordered labs to be done before my next consultation. $300ish for the doctors time. I can't put my hands on the supplement/compounding amounts at this moment but it was substantially less due to " encouragement " from my bottom line oriented spouse. Next appointment mid summer. Am I better? Yes. To what degree is the question. My initial complaints were weight, poor sleep, fatigue and some sexual issues. I was diagnosed as hypothyroid, adrenal issues, and leptin resistant. No cause was defined yet for my sexual issues. I'm sleeping better. Still tired but maybe not as much. No significant weight loss. Sexual issues persist. Since my spouse is a numbers guru, I'll say I'm 25% there. They are really expensive (at least by my standards and we're not poor). The supplement pushing is very annoying. The compounding issue angers me. Insurance reimbursement has not been what I would have hoped. The nurses I dealt with were superior. Both caring and excellent. With regard to the office staff, they are like any other business. Some seem real good. Some seem not good. I think if there was a way to separate the medical care from the purely profit driven appearance of this practice, they would have earned a mild thumbs up so far. HOWEVER, the " let's gouge the patient " feeling I have gotten at almost every turn may be too much for them too overcome. Here's hoping for significant improvement in the coming months. I plan on staying the course through my year anniversary but I must see more light at the end on the tunnel. Forgive the length but I wish I had known all this 9 months ago. I may or may not have made the same decision to see Holtorf Clinic but I would have been much more prepared when I walked through their door. Hope this helps someone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2010 Report Share Posted May 8, 2010 Re: Holtorf Clinic I have to weigh in on this. I began as a patient there within the last year. First off, from what I know I feel like the poster that says Dr. Holtorf knows his stuff is 100% correct. But he isn't seeing new patients. In my opinion, the doctor I saw was provided a fair at best experience so far. He did not listen to me on some critical issues. At least one thing he told me, directly contradicted what is published on the Holtorf website and on handouts in the lobby. I pointed that out to him. I don't think he liked it but it caused him to change my treatment. The initial office visit was over an hour. A general wellness check by a nurse, an hour or so with the doc and some in office tests. They have three tests that everyone seems to get run through on their first visit--- some sort of metabolic rate test, urine iodine test, and an reflex test for thyroid. The doctor ordered over 20 lab tests on this visit. They seem to have a bag of tricks which are a bit different than other HRT/ anti aging clinics I have read about. They use HGH, time release T3, time release Hydrocortisone, Welbutrin/Nalrexone combo for weight loss, HCG for weight loss and Byetta or Symlin for leptin/weigh loss issues. I learned male patients are sometimes prescribed Nondralone(sp? )in addition to Testosterone. Apparently, Nondralone(sp?) is unusual to be prescribed in HRT. Also, they give guys progesterone. They push push push their proprietary supplements. In my case the repeated push made me VERY uncomfortable. The doctor must get a cut of the supplements sold. He acted like a used car sales person with the supplements. DId I mention he was pushy? I walked out of the office with about $500 in monthly supplements. On my followup I battled and just refused some. He wasn't happy. It's so many supplements, how do I know what's working? Some non proprietary supplements were recommended and I have gotten them elsewhere Another issue is their compounding pharmacy. There is a sign in the lobby pointing out that you may have your prescriptions filled anywhere. Since I Iive what is over 5 hours traveling time away and have a great compounding pharmacy 10 minutes away, I asked that my prescriptions be filled there. The doctor told me that wasn't an option on one or two. These happen to be the most expensive. I checked with the local compounding pharmacy and a cursory comparison showed the local compounder was around 40% lower than Holtorf. Please give me ideas on how to handle this if you have them. They also pushed their IV therapy. Sorry I don't remember the details. But I had it. Couple of hours worth of drips. Can't say it did anything one way or the other. As for costs (in round numbers), my first visit was about $700 for the doctor plus $500 in supplements plus about $600 in compounded scrips plus $400 in in office tests and IV. That's over $2000. The original labs were another $2000 I recall. My second consultation was about an hour. On this visit we discussed my labs and he tweaked my meds and ordered more labs. This was probably about an hour. $700 for consultation and compounded meds and after a battle fewer supplements. The added scrips were not compounded and I got them locally. My third consultation was about 30 minutes. Same format as second consultation. Tweaked the meds and ordered labs to be done before my next consultation. $300ish for the doctors time. I can't put my hands on the supplement/compounding amounts at this moment but it was substantially less due to " encouragement " from my bottom line oriented spouse. Next appointment mid summer. Am I better? Yes. To what degree is the question. My initial complaints were weight, poor sleep, fatigue and some sexual issues. I was diagnosed as hypothyroid, adrenal issues, and leptin resistant. No cause was defined yet for my sexual issues. I'm sleeping better. Still tired but maybe not as much. No significant weight loss. Sexual issues persist. Since my spouse is a numbers guru, I'll say I'm 25% there. They are really expensive (at least by my standards and we're not poor). The supplement pushing is very annoying. The compounding issue angers me. Insurance reimbursement has not been what I would have hoped. The nurses I dealt with were superior. Both caring and excellent. With regard to the office staff, they are like any other business. Some seem real good. Some seem not good. I think if there was a way to separate the medical care from the purely profit driven appearance of this practice, they would have earned a mild thumbs up so far. HOWEVER, the " let's gouge the patient " feeling I have gotten at almost every turn may be too much for them too overcome. Here's hoping for significant improvement in the coming months. I plan on staying the course through my year anniversary but I must see more light at the end on the tunnel. Forgive the length but I wish I had known all this 9 months ago. I may or may not have made the same decision to see Holtorf Clinic but I would have been much more prepared when I walked through their door. Hope this helps someone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.