FAQ
How is Hotze Health & Wellness Center different from other doctors I’ve seen?
With so many doctors claiming to know how to treat with bioidentical hormones, thyroid and natural approaches to health, choosing the right one can be confusing. Sure, any doctor can prescribe hormones and thyroid, but we have found that it is not so simple.
Since 1989, Dr. Hotze and our medical team have developed and refined a comprehensive treatment program that addresses the body as a whole, rather than treating individual symptoms. And we didn’t stop there. Our medical team is continuously researching the most effective treatments to ensure that you receive only the finest care. We are experts in bioidentical hormones and thyroid, airborne and food allergies, yeast overgrowth, nutrition, and vitamin and mineral supplementation. We also offer aesthetics services.
You will leave here with tried-and-true treatments that work. Despite what you may have experienced elsewhere, this can only be done by first taking the time to listen and learn about your history, physical symptoms and health goals, so that you receive an individualized plan that works for you. And that’s not all. Whether due to stress, life circumstances or simply aging, hormones are constantly changing and need to be adjusted on an ongoing basis. We will be there every step of the way and won’t be satisfied until you have your life back.
To be clear, our mission is not to write you a prescription and send you on our way. We are the health coaches and you are the health athlete. We will guide you along your health journey. Our goal is to transform your life.
Is it possible that I may need thyroid supplementation if my lab work shows that I am within the “normal range”?
Yes. Unfortunately, while the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is the “gold standard” used to diagnose hypothyroidism by conventional doctors, it actually fails the majority of patients. While your thyroid gland may be producing enough thyroid hormones so that the TSH blood test falls within the normal range, your cells may not be able to use those hormones efficiently, which is why you would still have symptoms of hypothyroidism. It’s as simple as that. At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we focus on your history and physical symptoms to determine if you have hypothyroidism and could benefit from thyroid supplementation.
What is the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones (including birth control pills, Premarin, Provera, etc.)?
Bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure that is biologically identical to the hormones made by the human body. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, are not the same molecular structure as human hormones and they and have a host of dangerous side effects.
If I have a hormonal deficiency, will I need to take hormones for the rest of my life?
Yes, we recommend that you remain on bioidentical hormone supplementation, once you start. The reason for this is that once your hormone levels have declined, they will not increase again and must continue to be replenished. If you stop supplementation your body will go back to producing the levels it produced before you began supplementing. Therefore, the symptoms experienced when the patient was deficient are the symptoms the patient should expect to experience when bioidentical hormone supplementation ceases.
How long can I expect to notice relief of symptoms?
There are many variables that can affect this, including what specific issues you have and how long they have been affecting you. In general, you can expect to notice gradual and steady improvement over the course of three to six months. Some patients notice improvement sooner than that, but it is different for everyone.
Do you see out of town patients?
Because of our unique, comprehensive program, Hotze Health & Wellness Center attracts patients from all over the world. Our out of town patients only need to visit the Center in Houston, Texas for their initial visit, which is a comprehensive exam with the physician. All follow-up visits may be completed over the phone.
Do you accept insurance?
No, we do not contract with insurance companies, because to do so would mean that they could dictate the type of treatment we offer, which would not allow us to treat patients naturally. However, we do offer special financing with Advance Care. We believe that the physician, not the insurance company, should recommend the treatment regimen for the patient. However, we can provide you with a statement of insurance codes, so you can submit the charges for reimbursement. With that being said, we cannot guarantee that the codes reflected are the specific codes required by your insurance company or that they will offer reimbursement. On average, our comprehensive treatment plans start at around $3,900.
Can I use my flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) for your services?
Yes. You may use your flexible spending account or health savings account for our medical services.
How do I get started?
Simply call us at (877) 698-8698 and talk with a Wellness Consultant about your medical concerns. If you and your Wellness Consultant agree that our services are a good fit for you, your consultant will review the various treatment options available. This is the first step in helping you decide if Hotze Health & Wellness Center is right for you.
