FAQs Revive Wellness | Bluffton, SC

Patient portal

Once you are an active patient you will receive an invite to our new patient portal labeled “MyPatientNow” please visit website for link. This will invite you to register, create a password, and fill out your demographic information.
The portal is for NON urgent/emergent questions related to your care.
Note*Any lengthy messages > than two sentences will be scheduled for a phone visit at the cost of $150 and you will be contacted to schedule an appointment. Please use this as a simple means of communication for easy to answer medical questions.
For HIPPA compliance we will NO LONGER answer patient questions via email or text.
We ask you please try to use your appointment time for questions, and utilize the FAQ sheet first to see if your question may be answered there prior to messaging us
Changes in appointment/ rescheduling/labs- Please direct to Nicole Via the portal.
Emergency contact:
- If you feel you are having an emergency, please contact 911.

Please read the entire FAQ page PRIOR to reaching out, your answers may be in this document.

If you would like to refer a patient have them, call our new patient scheduling line at 843-802-9264

Primary care Physician:

We are not a primary care office. If you have questions or concerns related to anything outside of what our office is treating you for, please contact your provider.

Do you take insurance?

We are a cash-based practice and cannot accept insurance. We like to provide a level of service beyond the limitations of what insurance companies place on clinicians to get reimbursed. We spend significantly more time with each patient to understand the state of their health, collecting information, analyzing symptoms, providing education, and giving you the time and attention you deserve and need to get the results you desire. It is impossible to follow the restrictive, reductive model of practice insurance companies mandate, which generally allots only 15 minutes per patient. We can, however, provide a Superbill upon request, for you to submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network coverage. However, we do not guarantee this will be covered.

Can I use insurance for my labs?

This will depend on your policy. As the patient you are responsible for your bill. Any billing questions should be directed to the lab. We at Revive Wellness are not associated with these two agencies and are not involved in pricing or billing.
If you do NOT have insurance, we have a third-party option RUPA to order labs. Please let us know this at the time of your visit. There is only ONE local draw place in Bluffton located in moss creek plaza. Instructions are provided once your kit is ordered, and ALL billing is done through RUPA not the office.
INITIAL testing can take 3-4 weeks to return from the time you get your testing done.
We watch lab results daily and once ALL your testing is in, including saliva, stool etc., we will then book your next appointment. Nicole will be in contact to schedule the appointment, there is no need to contact us prior.
Saliva kits: If you receive a saliva kit, please follow the instructions in the kit.
- Please do NOT mark any additional testing other than the one marked for you. This kit is not covered by insurance any longer it is a cash pay test only charged at the time of the visit.
- It typically takes 1-2 weeks from the time you send in your kit

Detox related questions?

How often can I detox? Detoxing is recommended once a quarter for patients, or at least once a year. The weeklong detox can be done back-to-back to equal 2 weeks.
What can I eat? Please follow the suggestions in the booklet provided. We recommend avoiding alcohol, gluten, dairy, and processed/fried foods.
Do I fast? The booklet states to fast the first 2-3 days(meaning only the shakes) this is a personal choice based on how you feel. We recommend you eat a meal with the shakes and healthy snacks if you feel hungry.
Do I take my other supplements? We recommend continuing PRESCRIPTION meds only and holding all supplements for the week of the detox. The detox will provide most if not all nutrients necessary. You may continue your probiotic if on one and digestive enzymes as well.
Please refer to the booklet included for further questions.

Local pharmacy medication refills:

If you need a refill of your medications from your local pharmacy, please contact the PHARMACY directly and request a refill. If you have no more refills the pharmacy will contact us, you do NOT need to call the office directly.
Please note you can find your refill info on your bottle, please look here first prior to calling the office

Compound pharmacy medication refills: Bluffton Pharmacy, Womens International Pharmacy, Carolina Compounding and Nutritional Pharmacy (NC patients only)

Please contact the pharmacy directly for refills. Please pay attention to the amount of medication you have left and plan to call to refill your medications in a timely manner
If you do not have any refills left, the pharmacy will contact us directly. There is no need to contact us.
Please note for your initial order the pharmacy will contact you to confirm your order. They WILL NOT SEND YOUR MEDICATIONS UNTIL YOU ANSWER AND CONFIRM. DELAY IN ANSWERING WILL RESULT IN DELAY OF MEDICATION
For those patients in NC that use Carolina Compounding, please contact the PHARMACY directly

Prior Authorization:

Because we are a cash-based practice, we do not perform prior Authorizations. If your insurance does not cover particular medications, we recommend utilizing GOODRX for best pricing

How do I apply my creams?

For creams make sure to apply to the inner or outer thighs directly and rub in for a full minute switching spots each day.
Creams can also be applied vaginally to the outer labia, or inserted vaginally up to the first knuckle.
They may be applied at daytime or night depending on your preference.
Vaginal application we recommend nighttime.

How do I take my Progesterone?

Progesterone works to produce GABA receptors which in turn helps you with sleep.
Make sure you are taking your progesterone at NIGHT time only.
We recommend 2-3 hours prior to bed. If you take it late at night this can cause drowsiness the next day.
It will make you feel relaxed and tired this is a DESIRED affect NOT a side effect

How do I perform my injections?

When your medication is ordered all your supplies will come with you.
Injections are intended for Subcutaneous injections, meaning into the tissue not the muscle.
Cleanse the area you are injecting.
Draw up your medications.
Hold the needle at a 45-degree angle into the skin (abdomen is recommended) and inject slowly.
If you bruise, hold pressure for a minute or so to minimize.
Please watch this video to Review how to inject.

Thyroid Medications:

Thyroid medications are to be initiated and titrated slowly
Close follow up of your labs is needed when initiating therapy
Please make sure to get your labs done in the timeframe suggested, typically 5-6 weeks post initiation , and make sure labs are done 7-10 days prior to your visit
Having symptoms of heart fluttering/ palpitations for the first 3-4 days is not uncommon. Please allow time for your body to adjust to the medication.

How Do I take my thyroid meds?

Thyroid meds are to be taken first thing in the am on an empty stomach
Wait 30 – 60 minutes prior to eating or drinking anything except water
If you take Cytomel or Liothyronine twice a day, make sure the second dose is prior to 1pm and as close to being on an empty stomach as to not disrupt sleep

When do I start my progesterone if I'm still cycling?

This will depend on your individual instructions given by your provider
DAY 1 of your cycle is the FIRST day you begin to bleed, count out to the desired day and start your medication that NIGHT.
If you start your period, STOP the progesterone and that's your new day 1.
Resume on the intended day, for example day 12-26. Count out until day 12 and start then
It may take a few cycles to normalize, that is normal. Continue to take your medication as prescribed to the best of your ability
A cycle of 25-35 days is normal. If it is less than 21 days or over 35 days for 2 or MORE cycles, then contact Your provider via the Patient portal, this is NOT an emergency or even urgent, she just may want to adjust your mediation
What if I haven't got my medication or if I run out and its day 5. Compound pharmacies are not like Amazon it can take days for meds to be compounded and get to you. If you were instructed to take your meds days 5-26 and meds get there on day 8, then you are in the allotted timeframe of day 5-26 and should start your medication.

Post menopausal bleeding:

For women who are menopausal (no cycle >1 year), when initiating estrogen therapy with progesterone spotting/ light bleeding can occur within the first few weeks to 6 months. This is normal.
It can take your body time to adjust, and your provider will adjust the medication as necessary
With this cramping is also not abnormal and will also settle.
If the bleeding is significant and continues, again do not panic, but please contact your provider via the patient portal so she can notate your chart and advise accordingly.
For patients above a certain BMI a uterine ultrasound may be required prior to starting Estrogen therapy. For others it may be advised within the first year.
If bleeding continues (which many post-menopausal women experience), you may be referred for a uterine ultrasound.

When will I start feeling better?

When initiating therapy every patient is different, what worked for your friend won't necessarily work for you. This is why your provider reviews all the options with you at the time of your appointment.
It can take several weeks and for several months or longer for your hormones to normalize and depends directly on your therapy prescribed.
Having water retention, change in moods (good or bad), mild breakouts, more or less energy is COMPLETELY NORMAL for the first several weeks. Things will settle out and we will continue to adjust to get your dosing perfect.
For this reason, this is why we schedule follow-ups as we do, and the importance of attending your follow-up appointment in the scheduled time frame. PLEASE give your body the 6 -8-weeks time period we have allotted to adjust, and we will discuss changes that need to be made at that time. We understand you are anxious to feel better. However, we as you please do not message us prior to this to let us know your symptoms have not all resolved. This is normal and we understand your frustration, but patience is key here. Because hormones need time to adjust, changes in dosing are NOT typically made prior to the 6-8 week follow up.
This is a journey, and we will get your formulation right, please be patient and get ready to feel better!

What if I miss a dose of my medication?

If you miss a dose of your supplements, medications, or hormones do not double up on the dose
Resume the next day as prescribed
If you normally take supplements in the AM and forget you can take them in the evening minus anything with an adrenal glandular as that can disrupt sleep
NOTE: If you are a woman on estrogen and you miss a dose of Progesterone, this may cause you to spot. That is normal, and there is no need to panic. If it continues, please contact your provider via the PP
This is NOT emergent, but does require attention and communication with the provider
If you spot (light brown or red blood) for several days after Initiating therapy or after increasing your dose of medication, THIS IS NORMAL. No need to contact us for this. Your body is just leveling out and will stop.
Make sure you have NOT missed a dose of your progesterone as this can prompt spotting and is likely the cause. If it continues then message via the PP

My cycles are irregular:

There are many things that can throw your cycle off including stress, hypothyroid, imbalanced blood sugar, illness/infection.
Most of the time it is not your hormones, but rather these above factors
One month of an irregular cycle with any of the above factors is not abnormal. A cycle of 25-35 days is normal. If it is less than 21 days or over 35 days for 2 or MORE cycles, then contact Your provider via the Patient portal, this is NOT an emergency or even urgent, she just may want to adjust your mediation
Abnormal cycles are a cardinal sign of perimenopause and can take time to adjust. Depending on your age these may continue until menopause( absence of cycle) occurs.

When will I follow up?

Your follow up appointment will be scheduled at the time of your last visit , according to the time frame given by the provider
Initially we will set up a 6–8-week follow-up typically via phone to follow up, you may need labs for this if so, those are ordered at the time of your visit and a lab slip will be sent to you. This appointment is VERY important whether you feel great or not. Please do NOT skip this
On average hormone replenishment is needed every 3-4 months and you will be scheduled accordingly .
Please note if you have not followed up or be seen in 6 months, we will NOT issue any refills
If you have labs, it is your responsibility to make sure you get your labs drawn 7-10 days PRIOR to your appointment.

Supplements:

Supplements are ordered via full script. We advise you set up auto ship so you never run out. You can also find other partners we recommend on our website and can order there
https://growthpartner.nutrafol.com/pages/revivewellnesssc
Clear stem https://glnk.io/rqop/erinwellness
Fiber supplement: https://link.sharepurium.com/XJVB
Fullscript store link: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/egagne

Weight loss medications?

When will I see the results?

The short answer is that it depends on each individual patient. Each person is different, with different body types and lifestyle habits. It usually takes around 8-12 weeks of consistent use for Semaglutide to begin working. However some patients need continuous adjustments over 6 months prior to seeing results.
Weight loss can be a complex process, so the speed at which you see results will depend on a few factors including your starting weight, diet, exercise, and what your health goals are.
The key is consistency! Staying consistent on your injections and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you should see great results over time!

What can you expect from Semaglutide injections?

The most common side effects are nausea and constipation. These side effects are usually mild and will resolve after the first week of injections. Other side effects include vomiting, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and low blood sugar levels. These are usually all mild and temporary, however, if these symptoms do not go away after a week or two, be sure to reach out to your provider.

How often do I follow up?

After your initial visit to review labs and initiate therapy, you will have a 10 week phone call with our practitioner.
At this time you will review diet and lifestyle changes, side effects of medications and if titration is needed. Our program is 3 months and it is $1200. NO REFUNDS.