Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you see patients?
Most visits are conducted by telehealth (virtual appointments) for patients located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and California, where Dr. Verma is licensed to practice.
In-person consultations are available by appointment in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
What ages do you work with?
Our program is designed for adults in their 20s through 60s who want to focus on prevention, long-term wellness, and reducing their risk for chronic disease.
Who is Dr. Varun Verma?
Dr. Verma is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, with over 13 years of clinical experience.
He has cared for thousands of patients at major institutions including New York University, UCSF, Brigham and Women’s, Columbia, Mount Sinai, and Jefferson Health.
He founded Health Improvement Institute to provide proactive, personalized care for adults who want to stay healthy and prevent chronic disease through evidence-based, physician-led guidance.
Do you accept insurance?
Health Improvement Institute is a direct-pay practice and does not bill or accept insurance.
This model allows for unhurried appointments, personalized care, and direct physician accessibility without insurance-driven constraints.
A detailed receipt (superbill) can be provided for you to submit to your insurance carrier, though reimbursement is not guaranteed & patients are responsible for communicating with their insurance.
What are the costs beyond physician consult fee/membership?
Membership fees cover physician consultations, direct access to Dr. Verma via secure email, and ongoing support and accountability check-ins.
Labs, imaging, and medications are billed separately, and you may use your existing insurance for these when available.
However, coverage, costs, and reimbursement vary by plan. We cannot guarantee any benefits, so please contact your insurance provider directly for details.
Prescription Medications
Costs vary depending on medication type and your insurance coverage.
GLP-1 medications (e.g., Wegovy, Zepbound) typically range from $25–$499 per month, depending on insurance and savings programs.
Other longevity medications (e.g., metformin) usually cost $10–$100 per month.
Laboratory Testing / Diagnostic Tests
Comprehensive lab panels typically cost $200–$500 per panel and are ordered two to four times per year, depending on your goals and current health data.
Imaging studies such as DEXA scans or full-body MRI may also be discussed when clinically appropriate.
Insurance rarely covers these advanced lab panels or diagnostic tests.
Supplements (if recommended)
Purchased independently, guided by my evidence-based recommendations and your preferences.
What conditions do you focus on?
We specialize in prevention and optimization for conditions that impact long-term health, including:
- Weight management and obesity
- Chronic disease management for hypertension, high cholesterol, and prediabetes
- Hormonal and metabolic health
- Risk reduction for cancer, dementia, and cardiovascular disease
How are labs handled?
Lab orders are sent electronically to a convenient facility near you, typically LabCorp or Quest.
Alternatively, you may use a direct-to-consumer company such as Function Health, Mito, Superpower, LifeForce, or InsideTracker.
After you provide him with reports – Dr. Verma reviews all results personally and incorporates them into your prevention and treatment plan.
You may be able to use your insurance for lab work, but coverage and costs vary by plan and typically do not include advanced biomarkers. Please check directly with your health insurance plan if you intend to use insurance.
Do I still need a primary care physician?
Yes. Health Improvement Institute focuses on prevention and long-term health optimization.
You should continue seeing your primary care physician for routine screening, vaccinations, and any urgent or in-person care needs.
Do you see Medicare patients?
No. We are unable to see Medicare beneficiaries due to federal regulations.
How do I get started?
Schedule a free, no-obligation 15-minute introductory call with Dr. Verma to determine whether our approach is a good fit.
If you choose to move forward, you’ll securely upload your medical records and schedule your first telehealth visit.
We hope this FAQ answers your questions.
We look forward to partnering with you on your journey to better health and longevity