Commonwealth Health Physician Network

About Commonwealth Health Physician Network

What is Commonwealth Health Physician Network?

Commonwealth Health Physician Network is a physician group with offices in several towns, including Kingston, Pittston and Scranton. Most of its work is general and specialty medicine, from family medicine and OB/GYN to orthopedics, urology and surgery. Medical weight loss is one of its services. The network also lists three affiliated hospitals: Regional Hospital of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and Moses Taylor Hospital.

The weight loss program starts with a complete health history, a physical exam and a review of eating habits, food preferences and lifestyle. A team of weight management specialists works with a supervising physician. The program covers five parts: medically managed weight loss, diet and nutrition, physical activity, behavioral modification and weight-loss medication. Medication is offered only if it is needed, and the program says the obesity medicine physician may prescribe one that fits.

Two providers are named for the program. Essam Almeky, M.D. is listed under family medicine and obesity medicine. Kimberly Serine, P.A. is listed under endocrinology. Both are shown with telehealth available. The program coordinator can be reached at (570) 821-1100. Its Google listing shows a 4.9 rating from 437 reviews.

This listing is for its Wilkes-Barre office at 500 Scott St.

What does it cost?

It does not publish prices. The program lists no consultation fee, no program fee and no per-visit cost, and it does not say whether medication is included in any fee. Insurance is not addressed for this program. The clinic has an Accepted Insurance section, so check it before you call. Telehealth is listed, but no telehealth price is given. Ask for every cost in writing before you schedule a first visit.

What should you ask before you book?

Start with who writes the prescription. The program names a physician and a physician assistant, so ask which of them would prescribe for you and whether a physician signs off. Ask whether the program fee includes the medication. If it does not, ask what the drug costs each month and what the pharmacy charges for it. Ask whether the drug is brand-name or compounded.

Then ask what follow-up visits and lab work cost, and whether they are billed separately. Ask whether the program takes insurance or is cash only, and which office you would attend, since no hours are listed for it. Ask how to cancel and whether there is a membership or minimum commitment. The clinic's own banner says it is under new management, so ask who runs the program now.

Who is it a good fit for?

This is a good fit if you want a physician-supervised program that covers food, activity and behavior, with the option of a prescription, and you are ready to call for prices before you book. It is a weaker fit if you need a published price or a named medication before you commit.

Sources: cwhphysiciannetwork.net/services-post/medical-weight-loss

Services Offered

Location