Institute for Diabetes, Endocrinology, Adiposity, and Longevity (IDEAL)

About Institute for Diabetes, Endocrinology, Adiposity, and Longevity (IDEAL)

What is IDEAL?

Institute for Diabetes, Endocrinology, Adiposity, and Longevity (IDEAL) is a physician-run specialty practice at 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 201D, in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Michael Koren is the prescriber. He is board-certified in Endocrinology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, Internal Medicine, and Obesity Medicine, and the practice says he has over 20 years in the medical field. The practice says it is a specialty practice and not a substitute for primary care.

Weight loss is one of several services, alongside diabetes, thyroid, low testosterone, menopause, and longevity care. Its weight loss services include weight loss medications, body composition analysis, and metabolic rate assessment. In its own words: "At IDEAL, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss goals." Visits can be in person or by telehealth. The phone number is 330-552-8862. No office hours are listed.

What does it cost?

The practice is cash pay only. It does not contract with insurance companies or third-party payers, and it does not accept Medicare or Medicaid.

The weight loss membership is $99 a month ($3.30 a day) until cancelled, and it covers weight loss services only. Without a membership, a new patient consultation of up to 60 minutes, plus one follow-up within 30 days to discuss test results, costs $350 in total. A later follow-up on the same issue is $175. The diabetes or endocrine membership is $150 a month with a one-time $150 setup fee.

The membership can be cancelled at any time without penalty or cancellation fee, but no refund is given. Member access stays active for 30 days after the last payment. The practice says it will give you a billing claim that you can submit as an out-of-network visit, but it cannot promise your insurer will pay any part of it. The practice says HSA funds generally can pay for these visits, and it suggests checking with your plan administrator.

What should you ask before you book?

Start with the medication. The practice does not say whether medication is included in the $99 fee, and it does not name a specific weight loss medication or price one. Ask what the monthly fee covers, which medicine you would receive, whether it is brand-name or compounded, and who writes and renews the prescription.

Then ask about the rest of the bill. What do follow-up visits and lab work cost after the first 30 days? Will your insurer cover labs and imaging ordered by an out-of-network physician? If you have insurance, ask your insurer whether your plan allows out-of-network visits before you book. Ask for the office hours, which are not listed, and ask how the membership ends and what happens to your access after your last payment.

Who is it a good fit for?

This is a good fit if you are ready to pay cash, want a physician-led practice that covers weight loss alongside thyroid, hormone, or diabetes care, and will get the medication and renewal terms confirmed before you pay. It is not a fit if you need a primary care doctor or need insurance to cover your visits.

Sources: doctorkoren.com, doctorkoren.com/faq

Services Offered