Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions​

What is Healthy Roots MD?

Healthy Roots MD is a Direct Primary Care practice in Summerville, SC. We provide family medical care that’s culturally sensitive, thorough, accessible and affordable.

​

What sets Healthy Roots MD apart from other practices?

At Healthy Roots MD, our aim is for every patient to be empowered to achieve optimal health. We provide full-scope family medicine/primary care and medical weight loss services that utilize evidence-based healthy lifestyle medicine based treatments to achieve whole-person health optimization..

​

What is Direct Primary Care?

​

​

 

What is disease prevention/reversal via lifestyle medicine-based treatments?

“Lifestyle medicine is the use of evidence-based lifestyle therapeutic intervention—including a whole food, plant-predominant eating pattern, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connection—as a primary modality, delivered by clinicians trained and certified in this specialty, to prevent, treat, and often reverse chronic disease.” -ACLM

​

​

Do you take Insurance?

No. We don't bill insurance.  Healthy Roots MD members pay an affordable monthly fee directly to Healthy Roots MD for our healthcare services.   Typically, up to 90% of a person's healthcare needs can be met by their primary care physician.   

 

What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?  Will I still need health insurance?

Urgent Care visits, emergency department visits, specialist care and hospitalizations are not included in your Healthy Roots MD membership.  We recommend a medical health-share plan, or a high deductible health insurance coverage plan with a health savings account to ensure financial help if a hospitalization or specialist referral become necessary. 

​

If I have Medicare, can I still join Healthy Roots MD?

Healthy Roots MD is not contracting with Medicare and Medicare-eligible patients at this time. Please join our wait list by emailing info@healthyrootsmd.com with the subject line Medicare Waitlist. 

​

Can children become members of Healthy Roots MD?

Yes. We are happy to accept children (age 5 years and up) if a parent is also a Healthy Roots MD member. We do not provide routine vaccinations for young children, but we will help locate a local provider for any recommended vaccines.

​

Can I contact my physician after hours? And how?

Yes! All members are provided Dr. McDonald's direct cell phone number and email address for communication. Members are advised to call Dr. McDonald for appropriate after-hours medical concerns that can not wait until regular business hours.  Please Call 911 if experiencing a medical emergency. 

 

What is the WholeBody program, and how is it different from other weight loss plans?

WholeBody is a 16-week, physician-led medical weight loss program rooted in lifestyle medicine. Unlike quick-fix diets, we take a whole-person approach—combining body composition analysis, key metabolic lab testing, lifestyle support, and FDA-approved medications when appropriate.

 

Who is eligible for the WholeBody Weight Management Program?

You may be eligible if:

• Your BMI is 30 or higher, or

• Your BMI is 27 or higher with a chronic condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, or insulin resistance

• You are 16 years of age or older

 

What’s included in the WholeBody Weight Management program?

• Comprehensive wellness consultation

• 16 weeks of medical supervision and accountability

• InBody body composition scans

• Metabolic lab testing (A1c, TSH, lipids, and more)

• Personalized lifestyle guidance (nutrition, activity, sleep, and stress)

• Direct, secure messaging with your provider

• Optional support with weight loss medications

• Tools and resources to support long-term success

 

Are weight loss medications part of the WholeBody program?

Yes, if appropriate for your health needs. We prescribe FDA-approved medications including:

• GLP-1's (Wegovy, Saxenda, Zepbound), Contrave, Qsymia, Orlistat, and Phentermine (as clinically appropriate)

Your plan is personalized and based on your medical history, goals, and preferences.

 

Do you help with prior authorization for medications?

Yes! If your insurance requires prior authorization, we’ll assist you with the process and submit the necessary documentation on your behalf.

 

Are medication costs included in the WholeBody membership fee?

No, medication costs are not included in the program fee. Prescriptions are sent to an outside pharmacy of your choice, and we’ll help you explore cost-saving options if needed.

 

What kind of results can I expect with the WholeBody program?

Most participants lose 5–15% of their starting weight during the 16-week program, depending on their goals, consistency, and medication use. Many also experience better energy, improved labs, and enhanced overall well-being.

 

What if I want a Healthy Roots MD experience without the membership commitment?

Consider our signature Deep Roots Wellness Physical.  It's our comprehensive health evaluation rolled into a  one-time, 2 visit assessment by Dr. Asia McDonald. 

 

​

​How will I know if Healthy Roots MD is right for me?

Come chat with us!  Schedule your free 15 min meet & greet with Dr. Asia McDonald today.

​

​We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have.  

​

​

​

​