How long is the Metabolic Fitness Program?
The Metabolic Fitness Program is designed as a 24-week virtual program.
How much does the program cost and will insurance cover it?
The Metabolic Fitness Program is an intensive 24-week program; the program fee is $575 which works out to about $20 per session or similar to an office copay. The MFP program also has required labs and exercise stress test (for clearance in the program) that are billed to insurance. Please contact your individual insurance carrier for coverage details. We will provide you with the necessary information to investigate your coverage.
What are my payment options?
The program cost is charged the first Tuesday night class. Payment is available on the MiChart patient portal or call patient financial services, 855-855-0863. University of Michigan employees may schedule payroll deduction by calling Patient Financial Services at 855-855-0863.
Can I use my FSA or HSA?
Yes. Prior to enrolling, we recommend that you confirm that the program is recognized as a qualified expense in order to prevent unnecessary headaches.
Are there scholarships available?
There are no scholarships available.
I’ve recently seen my doctor; do I need to have the initial appointments?
Yes. These exams are designed specifically for this program.
Do I have to fast for a blood draw?
Yes. Please fast for 12 hours prior to the blood draw.
I’ve recently had blood drawn; do I need an additional blood draw?
In most cases we need additional blood testing specific to our program and within a certain timeframe. Our medical team reviews your recent lab results to assure that we do not perform unnecessary testing.
What is a stress test?
During a stress test you are connected to several heart monitoring devices (EKG, blood pressure, etc.) to monitor how your heart responds to exercise (standard is on a treadmill). This data is read by a cardiologist to evaluate if it is safe for you to begin an exercise program, and helps our exercise team direct your exercise program appropriately.
Is the stress test necessary?
We schedule the stress test for all incoming participants. If you have had a recent stress test or if the medical team decides that it is not necessary or appropriate, it will be cancelled.
What if I can’t walk on the treadmill?
Our medical team can help you determine the best option for you.
Do you have evening appointments?
Our clinic operates between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Are there follow-up appointments?
Yes. With the exception of a stress test, the entry visits are repeated at 11 weeks and 23 weeks.
Are all the appointments at Domino’s Farms?
Yes. Lobby A – Cardiovascular Medicine. Visit the Domino's Farms Location page.
Is the program only offered on Tuesday evenings?
Yes, the Metabolic Fitness Program is only on Tuesday evenings. Participants are welcome to use our fitness center during operating hours (see below).
What happens if I miss a session?
Exercise orientation and the first session are mandatory—these sessions are foundational information for the program, if you miss one of them your start will be delayed. Handouts are available for most other sessions, and the team is available to you if you have questions. There are no make-ups.
Can my spouse or significant other attend the sessions with me?
They may attend the education sessions with you; exercising in the Metabolic Fitness Program requires enrollment in the program.
Are individual consultations with the dietician or other specialists included?
The program cost only covers the Tuesday evening sessions and access to our Fitness Center during our business hours.
What kind of exercises can I expect?
Due to the virtual platform, each session may vary. Our exercise portion consists of a warm up, aerobic/strength training exercises, and a cool down. You do not need specific equipment to complete our program, but home exercise equipment is encouraged for personal use.
What if I have other health issues that make exercise difficult?
Our exercise physiologists are specially trained to work with individuals who have a wide variety of chronic health conditions. However, if you have significantly limited mobility, our program may not be appropriate for you. We are not able to admit patients into the program who use a walker or are a fall risk.
What are the results of the program?
Each individual is different and the results vary greatly. Many people lose weight and have significant improvements in their health measurements (blood pressure, waist, cholesterol, etc.). People often feel better and sleep better, too. These results are hard to measure. We hope you will come experience our program for yourself. If you’d like more detail take a look at the 2016 Results: Metabolic Fitness Program PDF.
Questions and Appointment Info
For more details about the program including the process to get started, visit our Metabolic Fitness Program page.