Where to begin?!

[3nigma]

Hi guys/gals,

I'm new to the whole concept of HRT/Life extension. I've been checking out this board for a while and there is a TON of information - but has anyone put together a FAQ for newbies? I don't see any stickies about it... Here is what I'm curious about:

1. Privacy - will going to an HRT clinic and doctor be private? I'm concerned that crazy things like work or insurnace my find out about my visits and drop me from coverage. Is this a valid concern?
2. What is the best option/place to go? Some of the factors that I can think of include:
a. Most options for treatments/compounds
b. Price (of course!)
c. Quality of care
d. Speed of turn aroudn on tests and compounds
3. Rating system - has anyone taken this type of data and made a rating system for the HRT clinics?
4. Bad experiences - any places to stay away from? Why?

Thats all I can think of for now - but wouldn't it be helpful if some non-newbs like me put together a FAQ like this for us? .

 

[temetrepo]

Hi guys/gals,

1. Privacy - will going to an HRT clinic and doctor be private? I'm concerned that crazy things like work or insurnace my find out about my visits and drop me from coverage. Is this a valid concern?
2. What is the best option/place to go? Some of the factors that I can think of include:
a. Most options for treatments/compounds
b. Price (of course!)
c. Quality of care
d. Speed of turn aroudn on tests and compounds
3. Rating system - has anyone taken this type of data and made a rating system for the HRT clinics?
4. Bad experiences - any places to stay away from? Why?

Here are my experiences:
I did not go via insurance, very private, received over the mail with no issues (FedEx 2 day). Price, well i feel it was ok although I know you can prolly get it over the net for 1/2 the price but I got a script with mine. I travel a lot with my job and I was able to take it with me. Quality was good, I received weekly calls since I am in TX and the doc is in FL. I have only used them and can not comment on others. I will use them again for sure.

Hope it helps.

 

[shdowflare]

Hey all,

I'm a newbie to the forums and am having similar difficulty putting all this information together. I'm considering HRT and have found a few anti-aging places in my area, but really want to just to go with a place that I know has quality stuff (at reasonable prices) rather than throw a dart at some of these local clinics. And as for testing, I have no idea how to prepare my body so that I can ensure I get put on the HRT program.

Is there a consolidated FAQ out there? I've learned a LOT the past few hours on this forum but the more I learn, the more questions I have!

Thanks all,
S

Hi guys/gals,

I'm new to the whole concept of HRT/Life extension. I've been checking out this board for a while and there is a TON of information - but has anyone put together a FAQ for newbies? I don't see any stickies about it... Here is what I'm curious about:

1. Privacy - will going to an HRT clinic and doctor be private? I'm concerned that crazy things like work or insurnace my find out about my visits and drop me from coverage. Is this a valid concern?
2. What is the best option/place to go? Some of the factors that I can think of include:
a. Most options for treatments/compounds
b. Price (of course!)
c. Quality of care
d. Speed of turn aroudn on tests and compounds
3. Rating system - has anyone taken this type of data and made a rating system for the HRT clinics?
4. Bad experiences - any places to stay away from? Why?

Thats all I can think of for now - but wouldn't it be helpful if some non-newbs like me put together a FAQ like this for us? .

 

[hard2handle]

These are good questions...anyone?

 

[thelion2005]

I'll give you my take on these questions based on my experiences over the last 3 years and some reasonable conclusions:

1. Privacy - will going to an HRT clinic and doctor be private? I'm concerned that crazy things like work or insurnace my find out about my visits and drop me from coverage. Is this a valid concern?

I go to a Dr and all the information is held private by him unless I sign a release. Needing and getting help through an HRT program is nothing to hide. It extends longevity through improved health as indicated on blood testing results. My insurance covers it.

2. What is the best option/place to go? Some of the factors that I can think of include:
a. Most options for treatments/compounds
b. Price (of course!)
c. Quality of care
d. Speed of turn aroudn on tests and compounds

I have had great care, treatment and results by working with an Anti-Aging Dr. He is affiliated with a major teaching hospital.

Options? He prescribes thise drugs that produce the best results with the least side effects. The blood testing is very thorough (21 vials) and takes place every 4 months now.

Price? Insurance covers the visits and the drugs except HGH.

3. Rating system - has anyone taken this type of data and made a rating system for the HRT clinics?

I am not a fan of clinics. I have yet to see one affiliated with a major teaching hospital. I see them as profit centers dispensing cycles. That is not HRT.

4. Bad experiences - any places to stay away from? Why?

Clinics. Here to day...gone tomorrow..or in jail.

 

[zamboni2354]

lion,

in your post you mention about being affiliated with a teaching hospital. I've seen this in mentioned in a few other threads. What's the importance of this?

thanks.
go wings.
jeff

I'll give you my take on these questions based on my experiences over the last 3 years and some reasonable conclusions:

1. Privacy - will going to an HRT clinic and doctor be private? I'm concerned that crazy things like work or insurnace my find out about my visits and drop me from coverage. Is this a valid concern?

I go to a Dr and all the information is held private by him unless I sign a release. Needing and getting help through an HRT program is nothing to hide. It extends longevity through improved health as indicated on blood testing results. My insurance covers it.

2. What is the best option/place to go? Some of the factors that I can think of include:
a. Most options for treatments/compounds
b. Price (of course!)
c. Quality of care
d. Speed of turn aroudn on tests and compounds

I have had great care, treatment and results by working with an Anti-Aging Dr. He is affiliated with a major teaching hospital.

Options? He prescribes thise drugs that produce the best results with the least side effects. The blood testing is very thorough (21 vials) and takes place every 4 months now.

Price? Insurance covers the visits and the drugs except human growth hormone - somatropin - .

3. Rating system - has anyone taken this type of data and made a rating system for the HRT clinics?

I am not a fan of clinics. I have yet to see one affiliated with a major teaching hospital. I see them as profit centers dispensing cycles. That is not HRT.

4. Bad experiences - any places to stay away from? Why?

Clinics. Here to day...gone tomorrow..or in jail.

 

[thelion2005]

lion,

in your post you mention about being affiliated with a teaching hospital. I've seen this in mentioned in a few other threads. What's the importance of this?

thanks.
go wings.
jeff

IMO ... this means the Dr is in good standing with a hospital of high standing. This is opposed to a Dr who is a fly by night out to make a buck hidden behind a web site or a clinic store front.

My Dr is affiliated with University of Michigan.

 

[zamboni2354]

thanks. that makes sense.
I took your advice seen on one of your posts on tips and I did a search for compounding pharmacy in my area in google and a pharmacy popped up from a previous claim I had( I'm a claims adjuster). I think I'll call them cause after giving the owner 15-20k check he seemed to like me =)

IMO ... this means the Dr is in good standing with a hospital of high standing. This is opposed to a Dr who is a fly by night out to make a buck hidden behind a web site or a clinic store front.

My Dr is affiliated with University of Michigan.