Frequently Asked Questions

Endocrinology is the study of medicine that relates to the endocrine system, which is the system that controls hormones. Endocrinologists are specialist physicians who have completed internal medicine residency and fellowship in diabetes, endocrine, and metabolism i.e additional training to diagnose and treat diseases related to the glands (Eg: Type 1 / Type 2 Diabetes / Thyroid, Pituitary, Adrenal disorders).

You can also learn more about it here: Endocrine.org

In addition to being board certified as a M. D. for Internal Medicine and Diabetes, Endocrinology, & Metabolism, Dr. Makhija is also board certified as a Diplomate (Dip) of American Board Of Lifestyle medicine (ABLM) applying her high level of education, expertise and clinical skills, a combination that is extremely rare to find within Central Valley and greater California state.

You can also learn more about it here: LifestyleMedicine.org

We do not sign contracts with insurance companies or managed care plans. As a physician, I believe that for a patient, the TIME with your PHYSICIAN is valuable and needs to be adequate. High-quality care begins with time spent to understand the patient’s concerns and the disease. THIS is COST EFFECTIVE AS There is FOCUS on REDUCING MEDICATIONS and COMPLICATIONS.

The Fee schedule or membership allows patients with or without insurance to receive care uniformly, makes costs much more affordable for those with high deductible insurance plans, and shorten long wait times for scheduled visits.

The membership provides most of what any patient would desire for their specialty care and expertise including ample amount of time, discussion, and access in-between visits and quick appointments. We value your time as much as we do ours.

The main goal is to optimize your health by reducing (if possible) or titrating medications along with teaching lifestyle medicine. Bringing the goodness of Eastern and Western approaches to the patient’s wellbeing. The long-term investment is to reduce physician visits by making you an expert of your health. EMPOWERING YOU!!!

As a patient at Unified Endocrine and Diabetes Care, you can continue using your health insurance for laboratory, radiology, referral and prescription orders.

No. Our model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor.

Dr. Makhija is an out-of-network provider. Our office will provide you with a Superbill (an invoice with Medical Codes) to submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. Depending on your insurance you may be able to use FSA or HSA.

For patients with Medicare: Dr. Makhija is opted out of Medicare. Now patients are able to get medical care with us BUT will not be able to submit any claims as per Medicare laws.

Effective June 1st, 2024:

FRESNO OFFICE: A new visit with Dr. Makhija for 60 minutes is $550.00, Your initial visit will include a review of your intake forms, history, prior medical records, and a thorough physical examination as well as recommendations.

ALAMO/EAST BAY OFFICE: A new visit with Dr. Makhija for 60-90 minutes is $850.00. Your initial visit will include a review of your intake forms, history, prior medical records, and a thorough physical examination as well as a management plan including collaborating with our health care team.

TELEMEDICINE APPOINTMENTS: New - $850.00 (60 mins). Your initial visit will include a review of your intake forms, history, prior medical records, prior authorization if indicated for medications, labs, imaging as well as a management plan including collaborating with our health care team. A follow up email or phone call with Dr. Makhija within 4 weeks for any questions/concerns.

Please confirm with the office staff regarding current pricing and annual membership discounts as its subject to change

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: In addition, to achieving your health goals, you will have ongoing patient portal access with your endocrinologist to review your progress, glucose, and food logs, lab results, treatment adjustments or any pertinent questions.

In addition to specializing in Internal Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism, Dr. Makhija is a Lifestyle Medicine Specialist. By pairing remarkable treatment plans, Lifestyle medicine is a powerful ally in boosting patient education, enhancing emotional well-being, improving treatment compliance, and managing coexisting conditions. Unlimited communication, support, and education while nurturing my patients along their health journey is my passion as a physician and clinician. This is ideal for the Treatment and Prevention of Metabolic diseases like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, inflammation, heart diseases, diabetes mellitus, and more.

Membership is recommended for Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes care, Weight loss, injectables, hormonal prescriptions and Metabolic disease prevention and management.

JULY 2024 Current Payment Options:

ENDOCRINE, DIABETES, THYROID, METABOLISM & LIFESTYLE MEDICINE (ALL IN ONE): Paid in 3 monthly, 6 monthly or annual payment (~299/month). If paying Annually, ask the office for Discount offers. This also includes expert lifestyle counseling, body composition analysis, thyroid ultrasound as indicated, nutrition visits, monthly visits, telemedicine, and more.

*** Please note: a minimum of 3 months commitment is required. It does not include the initial comprehensive consultation.***

Yes, you should still maintain your health insurance benefits for laboratory testing, medications, emergencies and other preventive or acute care.

At your follow up visits, other than reviewing your medical data, progress and management, you will be able to learn personalized exercises, recipes and individualized nutrition counseling catered to meet your health goals.

No problem. If you have achieved your goals and would like to switch to a pay-per-visit model. We require 30 days’ written notice for changes in membership plans.

Dr. Makhija can prescribe or refill your medications pertinent to endocrine and diabetes management.

All your blood test orders, imaging, referrals, and prescriptions can go through your health insurance.

Yes. You will need your primary care physician for your annual physicals and other pertinent diseases.

Diabetes Type 1 and 2 are chronic diseases and need ongoing education and support for management. Other than your visits with Dr. Makhija, you or your family member are offered an opportunity to participate in self-management education classes to learn skills to manage your diabetes more effectively. These are free group classes and no personal treatment decisions are discussed.

SME programs have been shown to:

Lower A1C levels.

Prevent or reduce diabetes complications.

Improve quality of life.

Lower your medical expenses

Topics include:

Understanding prediabetes, diabetes and diabetes treatment

Understanding insulin resistance and its metabolic sequelae

What is healthy food for me?

Food as medicine

Being physically active (Learn stretches, daily routine exercises)

Walk with your doctor

Checking your blood sugar.

Use of Continuous glucose monitoring devices (such as Freestyle Libre and Dexcom G6)

Reducing your risk for other health problems.

Medications and Insulin

Relaxation techniques

Sleep hygiene

Learning to cope with stress, depression, and other concerns.