Frequently Asked Questions
Our Clinic at Akron
How do I become a patient?
- If you're new to Forum Health Akron, welcome! We invite you to book a complimentary discovery call to see how we can help you reach your health goals by clicking hereOur hours are Monday-Thursday 8 AM—4:30P PM and Fridays 8 AM—Noon
What Forms of payment are accepted?
Payment and balances for all services is required at the time of service. We accept all major credit cards, and personal checks.
Do you accept Insurance?
Most procedures and preventative/wellness services are elective treatments and are not covered by traditional insurance plans. In addition, our testing is often extensive, far outside what the traditional insurance carrier will cover. We will provide you with a receipt/invoice. We are not affiliated with Medicare or Medicaid in any way.
Patient Portal
Easily message your providers through the Patient Portal by clicking here.
Cancellation Policy
In order to avoid a cancellation fee, please notify our office by phone or patient portal 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. No shows will be billed for appointment time.
Where are you located?
We're located at 3635 West Market Street, Suite 104, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333.
I still have some questions, is there someone I can talk to?
Yes, please send an email to [email protected] or call 855-930-5810.
Saliva Testing
When do I collect my saliva test?
- If you have regular monthly cycles and you are collecting a saliva test that includes hormones (estrogens, progesterone, etc.), then it is advised to collect on cycle day #19, 20, or 21. Simply pick ONE of those days to collect.
- If you have irregular cycles or no longer have menstrual cycles, you can collect on any day.
- If you are using oral or nasal steroids, please refer to the instructions or call our office as you might need to discontinue them before you test in order to get accurate results.
- If you are using an estrogen patch, do your test on your third day of the patch.
If I am attempting to collect my saliva samples on cycle day 19, 20, or 21 and I start bleeding prior to then, what do I do?
- If it is just spotting and not a full flow menses, then proceed to collect as planned.
- If you begin a full flow period, then it is advisable to start again – counting this new period and counting out to another cycle day 19, 20, or 21.
What medications or vitamins can I take or should I not take when I am doing my saliva testing?
- All saliva test kits are a little different. Please refer to the instructions included with each kit to verify guidelines. Typically it is advisable to continue all current hormones (though sometimes the dose of progesterone, typically taken in the evening before bed, should be either taken earlier in the day or skipped completely the night prior to the saliva collection so that it is in a 12-24 hour window of collection).
- If you are collecting a 4-tube (adrenal test) saliva kit, then it is recommended to avoid any supplements that are stimulating (i.e.: adrenal vitamins) and also to avoid caffeine if possible on the day of collection. Rigorous exercise should also be avoided on the day of collection as this can impact cortisol levels.
How can I get insurance to cover my saliva test?
- Unfortunately, many insurance companies will not reimburse for saliva testing. However, it may be worthwhile to submit a claim to your insurance company. Some insurances will pay a portion, if not all, of the expense. Claim forms can be obtained online at your insurance company website and can then be submitted with the receipt we provide you at check out. *This applies to ZRT saliva test kits only
- If you are using a Genova kit via the Pay-Assure program, you are responsible for paying the amount listed on your form. You will need to provide your insurance information as Genova will attempt to bill your insurance. However, regardless of what your insurance does or does not pay, you will not be billed any remaining balance. If you do receive an additional bill from Genova, please disregard this. *This only applies for those patients that have insurance carriers in a contractual agreement with Genova allowing use of the Pay-Assure program. Please contact Genova with questions, (800) 522-4762.
Can I do saliva testing if I am taking birth control pills?
- Some saliva testing is done to check adrenal function. Whether or not you are taking birth control, you can do this testing.
- Other times, when it is important to test hormone levels, you may be asked to stop your birth control and wait two cycles before testing.
Blood Testing
When should I have blood work done?
- If you have regular monthly cycles and are having labs done that test hormones, it is advised that you collect on cycle day #19, 20 or 21.
- If your labs are fasting labs (fasting insulin, fasting glucose, or cholesterol/lipids labs), please avoid ingesting anything (including gum) except water for 10 to 12 hours before your labs are drawn.
- AM cortisol labs should be fasting and should be performed as close to 8 am – 9 am as possible in the day.
- For thyroid, the draw is four hours after taking medications.
What medications or vitamins can I take or should I not take when I am doing my blood testing?
- On the day you are having labs drawn, skip all oral medications. It is advised that patients skip thyroid medications unless they are able to take them at least four hours before the labs are drawn.
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Urine Testing
When do I collect for my urine test?
- If you have regular monthly cycles, collect on day #19-25 (pick any day but not Saturday)
What medications or vitamins can I take or should I not take when I am doing my urine testing?
- If you are doing a 24-hour urine test, skip oral hormones the day before AND the day you test. (Creams are OK to use.)
- If you are doing a FMB test, avoid oral hormones the day before you test.
To avoid “interference” in the results of your urine testing, please avoid any products containing soy, sesame or flax for at least one week before testing. - If you are using oral or nasal steroids, please refer to the instructions or call our office as you might need to discontinue them before you test in order to get accurate results.
Telehealth
Not near our Akron Office?
No Problem, our Forum Health Akron team is available to you no matter where you are.
