Get to know your weight loss expert
Aalia Al-Barwani, MD DABFM DABOM
Meet Dr. Aalia Al-Barwani, a dedicated board-certified physician based in Houston, TX, who is passionate about helping her patients achieve their best health. She graduated with distinctions from Weill Cornell Medicine and completed her Family Medicine residency at the University of Connecticut, where she served as Chief Resident in her final year.
Dr. Al-Barwani is also the creator and host of the medical talk show "What’s Up, Doc?" on Muslim Network TV, where she shares her expertise on various health and wellness topics with the general public.
In her practice, Dr. Al-Barwani emphasizes an individualized approach to care, focusing on balanced and comprehensive treatment. Her interest in preventive and obesity medicine led her to further training in weight loss medicine, earning a certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Beyond her medical expertise, Dr. Al-Barwani is certified as an NLP coach. She integrates mindset work into her practice to help bridge the gap between knowing and doing, empowering her patients to embody and live their best selves. Her holistic approach is aimed at creating lasting change by addressing both the physical and mental aspects of health.
Dr. Al-Barwani is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, American Association of Family Physicians, and Physician Women in Leadership. She is committed to promoting diversity in medicine and improving patient outcomes through innovative and compassionate care.
When she's not seeing patients, Dr. Al-Barwani enjoys outdoor activities like biking and hiking. She loves learning about new languages, cultures, and cuisines through her travels, adding depth to her understanding of the diverse backgrounds of her patients.
Dr. Aalia Al-Barwani is dedicated to guiding her patients on their health journeys with empathy and expertise, helping them achieve their goals and live healthier, happier lives.
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FAQS
What is weight wellness?
Weight wellness encompasses the journey towards achieving and maintaining an optimal weight for a happy and healthy life. Recognizing that this varies for each individual, our approach is tailored to address unique needs, incorporating nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, mindset shifts, and, when appropriate, medical interventions. This includes but is not limited to weight loss, weight maintenance, pre and post bariatric surgery care.
Why should I see an Obesity Medicine Doctor ?
Obesity Medicine Doctors (OMDs) specialize in addressing patients with obesity, overweight, and associated conditions. OMDs undergo specialized training to navigate the complexities of weight management, enabling them to prescribe tailored medications and nutrition plans based on the most up-to-date evidence. Dr. Al-Barwani's commitment to obesity medicine ensures that she remains informed about the latest research and guidelines, empowering her patients with the best chance for success.
What medications do you prescribe? Do I have to take them?
Weight loss medications offer a safe and effective solution for some individuals. These medications work by restoring the balance of hormones that regulate hunger, cravings, and the sensation of fullness, thereby promoting weight loss. During the consultation, Dr. Al-Barwani will review all available weight loss medications with you to make an informed decision together ensuring the chosen medication aligns with your needs and preferences, always prioritizing your well-being.
How is Albidaya Wellness different from other weight loss options?
Albidaya Wellness offers a holistic approach, addressing emotional, mental, physical, and nutritional needs. We prescribe FDA-approved medications and provide personalized support through telehealth, with regular video consultations and ongoing messaging. Our founder, Dr. Aalia Al-Barwani, also incorporates mindset coaching bringing in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques to help you bridge the gap between knowing and doing, ensuring lasting results.
Does Albidaya Wellness also offer in-person appointments?
No, our appointments are entirely through telehealth, so there's no need for office visits. Albidaya Wellness provides comprehensive weight loss management in Texas, including regular video consultations with your physician and specialists to discuss nutrition, medications, and more. You also receive support via messaging and access to educational tools through our platform.
Telehealth programs increase adherence and success due to the convenience of scheduling and attending appointments.
Do I need a doctor referral to enroll in your program?
No, you do not need a doctor referral to enroll at Albidaya Wellness. However, we recommend that you have an active relationship with a Primary Care Provider (PCP). This is important for several reasons:
1. Medical Records: Upon enrollment, we will communicate with your PCP to obtain your medical records. This helps us understand your medical history thoroughly and ensures your safety.
2. Physical Examination: Telehealth limits our ability to perform physical exams. Having a PCP who has evaluated you in the last 12 months ensures that you have a recent health assessment.
3. Coordinated Care: We will update your PCP regularly about your progress in our program. This ensures that all aspects of your health are monitored and managed comprehensively.
Having a PCP allows us to provide safe and effective care while addressing any health issues that may arise during your weight loss journey.
Do you accept insurance plans?
No, Albidaya Wellness does not accept insurance plans. Our goal is to provide personalized care while reducing your financial burden through affordable and transparent costs. You only pay for the care you receive, with no "Fee for Service" billing or third-party involvement inflating expenses.
Opting for direct care offers several benefits:
- Affordability: Avoid the high premiums and confusing rules of traditional insurance.
- Flexibility: Create a care plan that suits your lifestyle, with options for multiple visits per week, weekly, or monthly appointments.
- Convenience: Enjoy virtual visits from the comfort of your home, with same or next-day availability.
- Personalized Care: Longer, more thorough visits that offer a comfortable and comprehensive experience.
If needed, we can provide an insurance-coded, itemized receipt for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Direct care empowers you to receive high-quality, accessible medical care without the constraints of traditional insurance. At Albidaya Wellness, we are proud to offer this model to better serve our patients.
Will I be expected to pay out of pocket for medications?
Please note, all prescriptions are covered by your insurance plan just as they would be if written by an in-network doctor. For prescription refills or prior authorizations, please contact your pharmacy and request that they fax a request to 888-719-7861.
For more information about your medication coverage, we recommend reaching out to your insurance company directly. They can provide detailed information about what is included under your plan.