Insurance & Payment

At The Woodlands Institute for Health & Wellness, we are committed to providing personalized, in-depth care that goes beyond traditional models. To maintain this high level of service and flexibility in our treatment plans, we operate as an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly.

We are not contracted with insurance companies, including:

• HMO or PPO plans
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Tricare
• Any private insurance carriers

This means we do not accept insurance as payment for office visits or treatments. However, some of our patients successfully submit receipts to their insurance companies for potential out-of-network reimbursement. In addition, FSA and HSA funds can be used at The Woodlands Institute for Health & Wellness.

If your insurance company covers out-of-network services, we will gladly provide a detailed, itemized receipt (superbill) that you can use to file your own claim. We encourage you to check with your insurer regarding their policy on out-of-network functional medicine care.

If your provider recommends diagnostic imaging (such as an MRI or CT scan) and you would like to use your insurance to cover the test, you will need to coordinate with your primary care physician or another in-network provider to request prior authorization. We are happy to help guide you through that process or recommend affordable cash-based imaging centers if you prefer self-pay.

Whether you choose to go through insurance or prefer self-pay, our goal is to help you access care in the most affordable way possible. For your convenience, here are some of the trusted cash-based providers we recommend:

• Texas Advanced Imaging
• SimonMed Imaging
• Houston MRI
• Memorial MRI
• River Oaks MRI

Your medical providers may issue prescriptions they feel are medically necessary for your treatment based on your symptoms and/or labs. Some of these may be compounded through a specialty pharmacy, while others are commercial products available at your regular pharmacy.

Compounded prescriptions are produced by specialty pharmacies specifically for you. Insurance does not cover these, though some pharmacies provide detailed billing so you can attempt to file for reimbursement. The Woodlands Institute for Health & Wellness recommends select compounding pharmacies known for their consistent high quality and effectiveness. You may choose your own compounding pharmacy, but product variations can sometimes affect treatment results.

->Here is a helpful article on choosing a compounding pharmacy

Commercial prescriptions, available through your regular pharmacy, can be sent to the pharmacy of your choice. Many patients can receive insurance coverage, but sometimes, prescriptions are not covered or require prior authorization. Because The Woodlands Institute for Health & Wellness is not contracted with insurance providers, we cannot complete prior authorizations.

If your medication is denied, we recommend checking GoodRx for cash pricing options at different locations. If cost remains a barrier, please email our office so your provider can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

We accept various convenient payment methods, including cash, checks, and all major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also use your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account) card. For those who prefer financing, we partner with CareCredit. If you have any questions about your payment or financing options, our team is here to guide you through the process before your visit.

At The Woodlands Institute for Health & Wellness, our functional medicine model allows for longer appointments, in-depth testing, and highly personalized treatment protocols—services that traditional insurance plans often don’t cover. By remaining out-of-network, we can provide truly comprehensive care, dedicate more time to each patient, and use advanced, evidence-based therapies. Our focus is on prevention, and identifying and addressing the root causes of your symptoms, not simply managing them. This approach gives us the freedom to work directly with you, rather than within the limitations of insurance networks, so we can develop the most effective plan for your long-term health and wellness.