Direct Specialty Care means you work directly with me, rather than going through insurance. This lets me spend more time with you, focus on your unique needs, and keep care simple and personal.

It also means:

Clear, predictable pricing with no surprise bills
Faster access to appointments
Flexibility to order labs, imaging, or therapies that best suit your needs
Discounts on labs passed directly to you when possible
Consistent care with one doctor who knows your history and your goals

Healthcare is best with a partnership—it’s the way medicine was meant to be.

The Midlife Doctor is an independent specialty practice and does not contract with insurance plans. This allows me to spend more time with each patient, offer highly personalized care, and keep our visits focused on your needs rather than insurance requirements.

Wondering how to help pay for your care outside of insurance?
Many patients use tax-advantaged accounts or employer-sponsored benefits to help cover their visits. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and employer wellness stipends or Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) can all offset the cost of care at The Midlife Doctor. This section answers common questions about how these programs work and how you can use them for your visits.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) let you set aside pre-tax money for qualified medical costs. HSAs are paired with high-deductible health plans and offer a triple tax advantage (tax-free contributions, growth, and withdrawals for eligible expenses), while FSAs are offered by many employers and let you use pre-tax dollars for healthcare costs within the plan year. Both can help cover out-of-pocket expenses such as hormone therapy, preventive screenings, or other midlife-related care. Many of my patients use these accounts or submit receipts to their insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and I’m happy to provide the documentation you’ll need.

Employer Wellness Stipends or Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) are employer-funded benefits that provide flexible money for a wider range of health and wellness expenses. Check with your HR or benefits department to see if you have access to these programs and how to submit for reimbursement.

Yes. We belong to a group purchasing organization that negotiates lower rates on many common lab tests.

This lets us pass significant savings directly to our patients.

You will know the cost up front so you can make an informed decision.

With a few exceptions, I generally only prescribe FDA-approved medications and send them to your preferred pharmacy so you can use your health insurance.

Some medications—especially newer ones without generic options—can be expensive or not fully covered by insurance.

I’ll always work with you to find the best therapy at the best possible cost for your needs.

Definitely.

With your permission, I’m happy to share updates and collaborate with your other healthcare practitioners.

I do not order or interpret the DUTCH test.

However, I’m happy to support you in other ways—such as discussing your symptoms, exploring evidence-based testing options, and helping you develop an effective treatment plan based on reliable information.

Midlife generally refers to the period of life between roughly ages 40 and 60. It’s a time of physical, emotional, and hormonal changes—often including perimenopause and menopause for women.

This stage is significant because it can bring shifts in energy, mood, sleep, metabolism, and overall health.

As our health changes, taking proactive steps now helps us support our well-being and thrive in the years ahead.

Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause, usually beginning in your 40s (though it can start earlier) and lasting on average about seven years.

During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, which can cause a variety of changes, including:

Irregular periods — shorter, longer, heavier, lighter, or skipped.
Declining fertility (pregnancy is still possible until you’ve gone 12 months without a period)
Hot flashes and night sweats
Sleep disturbances
Mood changes such as irritability or anxiety
Breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, or worsening PMS
Changes in libido or vaginal dryness
Fatigue or difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
Joint or muscle aches
Shifts in weight, metabolism, or bone density

Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles and is officially confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. It typically occurs around age 51 but can happen earlier or later.

While it’s a natural part of aging, menopause can also result from medical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Symptoms often overlap with perimenopause, but hormone levels have now stabilized at a lower level.

Common symptoms include:

Menstrual periods have stopped completely
Hot flashes and night sweats may persist but are usually more predictable
Vaginal dryness/irritation or discomfort with sex
Decreased libido
Sleep disturbances
Mood changes (irritability, low mood, or anxiety)
Joint or muscle aches
Increased risk of longer-term issues like osteoporosis or changes in cholesterol levels