Patient Policies & Acknowledgment

INTAKE FORMS & APPOINTMENTS

I agree to complete all required intake forms, medical questionnaires, consents, and requested documentation prior to my appointment.

I understand that failure to complete required paperwork may result in appointment cancellation or rescheduling.

I understand that failure to attend a scheduled appointment without appropriate notice may result in a no-show fee, forfeiture of any deposit paid, suspension of scheduling privileges, or dismissal from the practice at the discretion of Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute.

PAYMENT POLICIES

I understand that Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute is a self-pay medical practice and does not bill insurance for services rendered.

All services, consultations, laboratory reviews, and products must be paid for at the time of service unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Payment arrangements may be established on a monthly basis or for multiple months in advance at the discretion of the practice.

If multiple months of medication or therapy are dispensed, I remain financially responsible for the full balance of all products provided regardless of payment schedule.

I acknowledge that no refunds will be provided for:

• Medical consultations

• Clinical evaluations

• Laboratory reviews

• Services rendered

• Medications dispensed

• Products ordered

• Shipping charges

I understand that medications that have been dispensed, shipped, opened, used, or delivered cannot be returned under Florida law.

I acknowledge that health insurance generally does not cover services provided through Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute.

Chargebacks & Payment Disputes

I agree not to initiate a chargeback, payment dispute, or reversal for services rendered, consultations completed, laboratory reviews performed, medications ordered or dispensed, or products received.

Any disputed charges may be referred for collections and recovery of associated costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, court costs, collection expenses, and administrative fees where permitted by law.

COMMUNICATION POLICY

I understand that communication through email, text message, patient portal, telephone, or other electronic methods is intended for non-emergency matters only.

Messages are reviewed during normal business operations and may not receive an immediate response.

I understand that Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute does not provide emergency medical services.

For medical emergencies, I agree to call 911 or seek immediate care at the nearest emergency department.

MEDICATION USE & CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

I acknowledge that testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance regulated under federal and Florida law.

I agree to use all medications only as prescribed and to follow all provider instructions.

I agree not to:

• Sell medications

• Share medications

• Transfer medications

• Alter prescribed dosing without authorization

• Use medications in a manner inconsistent with provider instructions

I understand that misuse, diversion, noncompliance, dose manipulation, unauthorized sharing, or suspected abuse of prescribed medications may result in immediate discontinuation of treatment, refusal of future prescriptions, dismissal from the practice, and reporting when required by law.

NATURE OF TREATMENT

I understand that treatments provided by Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute may not be considered medically necessary by insurance carriers, governmental agencies, medical organizations, or other healthcare providers.

Services are intended to support hormone balance, hormone optimization, metabolic health, weight management, sexual wellness, quality of life, and other clinically appropriate treatment goals.

I understand that an appointment, consultation, laboratory review, or payment does not guarantee a prescription.

All treatment decisions are made solely at the professional discretion of Brenden Watkins, APRN, based upon clinical judgment, applicable regulations, patient safety, and accepted standards of care.

FOLLOW-UP CARE, LABORATORY MONITORING & SCOPE OF CARE

I understand that ongoing treatment requires periodic follow-up appointments, laboratory testing, and clinical monitoring.

I acknowledge that continuation of therapy is based upon clinical findings, laboratory results, patient compliance, safety considerations, and provider discretion.

Prescription refills are contingent upon compliance with recommended laboratory testing, follow-up appointments, and treatment recommendations.

Refill requests may be denied if required monitoring has not been completed.

I acknowledge that risks, benefits, side effects, alternatives, and limitations of treatment have been explained to me through separate informed consent documents.

I understand that Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute is not a primary care practice and does not provide comprehensive primary care services.

I agree to maintain an established relationship with a primary care provider and to seek urgent or emergency care when appropriate.

I agree to inform my primary care provider of treatments received through Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute.

FOLLOW-UP CARE, LABORATORY MONITORING & SCOPE OF CARE

I understand that Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute does not provide routine preventive care services, including but not limited to:

• Prostate cancer screening

• Colon cancer screening

• Digital rectal examinations

• Cardiovascular screening

• Age-appropriate preventive screenings

• General medical management outside the scope of treatment provided by the practice

I agree to obtain recommended preventive screenings through my primary care provider or appropriate specialist.

I acknowledge that failure to obtain recommended screenings may impact treatment decisions and continuation of therapy.

I agree to provide relevant screening results to Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute when requested.

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION

I am voluntarily requesting care through Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute.

I understand that treatment recommendations may be based upon symptoms, quality-of-life concerns, clinical findings, laboratory values, or a combination thereof.

I acknowledge that treatment may be recommended even when laboratory values fall within ranges considered normal by some laboratories, healthcare providers, professional organizations, or clinical guidelines.

I understand that participation in treatment is elective and that either I or the practice may discontinue treatment at any time, subject to applicable laws and professional obligations.

DISMISSAL FROM PRACTICE

Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute reserves the right to discontinue treatment or dismiss a patient from the practice, consistent with applicable laws and professional obligations.

Reasons for dismissal may include, but are not limited to:

• Repeated missed appointments

• Failure to complete required laboratory testing

• Failure to attend follow-up appointments

• Medication misuse or diversion

• Failure to comply with treatment recommendations

• Abusive, threatening, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior

• Repeated violation of practice policies

• Nonpayment for services rendered

• Conduct that compromises patient safety, provider safety, or the integrity of the therapeutic relationship

GOVERNING LAW

This agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Florida.

Any dispute arising from services provided by Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction located within the State of Florida, unless otherwise required by applicable law.

PATIENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, I acknowledge that:

• I have read and understand this Patient Policies & Treatment Agreement in its entirety.

• I have had the opportunity to ask questions.

• My questions have been answered to my satisfaction.

• I agree to comply with all policies contained herein.

• I understand that these policies govern my participation and treatment through Apex Testosterone and Weight Loss Institute.