Patient Guide
You're in the right place.
Let's keep going.
An ongoing care guide for the work we do together — covering refills, labs, follow-up visits, and how to get the most out of our time.
Care that connects the dots.
Download as PDFA note from Amy
We're just getting started.
I'm so glad you're here. Getting started is often the hardest part, and you've already done that. What comes next is the part I find most meaningful — the steady, ongoing work of actually feeling better.
This guide is your reference for how our practice works — the rhythms that keep your care running smoothly, from requesting a refill to preparing for your next visit.
Hormonal and metabolic care is a long game, and this is the work we do together — I don't take that lightly. If something isn't working, tell me. If you have a question between visits, send it through the portal. I'm paying attention.
Follow-up visits
What to expect at each visit.
Where the real progress happens.
Prior to your appointment, you may want to think about:
- How you've been feeling overall
- Any changes in symptoms since your last visit
- Side effects, if any, from your current medications
- Questions you'd like to address
- Any new supplements or medications you've started
Hormone therapy visits
Cadence
Every month while we dial in your dose, then every 6 months once you're stable. Labs are usually drawn before these visits.
GLP-1 / weight loss visits
Cadence
Monthly during titration, then every 1 to 3 months depending on where you are in your plan. Progress takes time — we track it together.
A note on follow-up visits. For some medications, having a recent visit on file is part of the prescribing process. Staying on schedule with your visits helps ensure your care continues without interruption — and gives us the time together to make sure everything is working well for you.
Lab review process
Numbers need context. We review them together.
Here's exactly how the lab process works — so nothing feels like a surprise.
Step 1
I order
I place the lab order for you. You'll receive a notification from the lab to complete payment before your draw.
Labs won't process without it.
Step 2
You go
Complete your bloodwork at the lab.
Try to time it before your follow-up visit so we have results ready to review together.
Step 3
We review
I'll send you a message once I've reviewed your results — typically within 5 business days. Normal results come with a brief note.
If results need discussion, I'll ask you to book a lab follow-up visit. Occasionally, if a simple adjustment is needed, I'll call you directly — no visit or charge required.
A note on results. Seeing numbers in your portal before we've had a chance to talk can sometimes raise more questions than answers. Unless a result needs timely attention — in which case I will reach out to you directly — your follow-up visit is the right place for that conversation. It will be so much richer with context.
Refill reminders
How to keep your prescriptions flowing.
A few simple steps to keep things running smoothly.
Step 1
Through the portal
Send refill requests through the patient portal only — not iPlum, not text.
This keeps your request in your chart, ensures nothing gets missed, and maintains a secure, compliant record of your care.
Step 2
Include the details
Medication name, dose, and your preferred pharmacy.
The more details you provide, the faster we can get it to you.
Step 3
Plan ahead
Allow 2 to 3 business days for processing.
I review every refill personally — send your request 5 to 7 days before you run out so there's never a gap.
Step 4
Some need a visit first
Your follow-up visits and refills are connected.
Staying on schedule with visits ensures your prescriptions continue without interruption.
Price-check before you fill
Your prescription will be sent to your preferred local pharmacy and may be covered by your insurance. If you'd like to compare pricing beforehand, the resources below can help. Just let me know before I send it if you'd prefer a different pharmacy.
A note on pharmacy changes. Once a prescription is sent, please stick with that pharmacy for that fill. As noted above, if you'd like to use a different pharmacy, just let me know before I send it.
Staying in touch
The right tool makes all the difference.
Using the right channel gets you a faster, more accurate response.
Patient Portal
For anything clinical
- Refill requests
- Clinical questions
- Symptom updates
iPlum
For scheduling and administrative needs
- Appointment scheduling and changes
- Billing and administrative questions
- General non-clinical communication
Response time. I respond to clinical messages in the patient portal within 1 to 2 business days — responses are thoughtful, not instant. For administrative and scheduling questions in iPlum, I typically respond within 24 hours. If you haven't heard back in 3 business days on either channel, a gentle follow-up is always welcome.
Medical emergencies. For medical emergencies, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Your ongoing care rhythm
Staying connected to your care.
A reflection of the work we do together.
- Send refill requests 5 to 7 days before you run out so there's never a gap in your therapy.
- Try to complete your labs before your follow-up visit so we have results ready to review together.
- Keep an eye out for the lab payment notification — labs won't be drawn until payment is received.
- Keeping your follow-up visits on schedule helps us stay on top of your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
- Jotting down questions before your visit helps us make sure we cover everything that matters to you.
- If something isn't working or doesn't feel right, please tell me — this is a partnership and we can always re-evaluate together.
"Thank you for entrusting me with your care. I look forward to continuing this journey with you."
Amy Patterson, MMSc, PA-C
NorthStar Integrative Medicine · Care that connects the dots.
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