Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about visits, testing, insurance, policies, and how we work with you.
Unfortunately, no. Insurance-based models often limit physician time and restrict coverage for certain testing. Our approach requires the time needed to understand your full medical history and, when appropriate, order the testing necessary to evaluate root causes.
Some test and lab costs may be reimbursable. We can provide diagnosis and procedure codes for you to submit to your insurer to request possible reimbursement.
Costs depend on your individual needs. We’ll discuss fees when you call to schedule. If additional testing is recommended (including from outside laboratories), we will review the need and cost during your first visit.
No. We do not treat pediatric patients.
The first and second visits are typically the longest. The first visit includes a physical exam and a detailed medical history. Both visits usually take about two hours each.
At the second visit, you’ll receive your laboratory results along with a detailed verbal and written explanation of findings and a treatment plan.
Every individual is unique, and many medical problems are complex. A two-hour initial visit with Dr. Smith (not an assistant) allows an in-depth conversation to understand your health history over time and the full context of your current concerns.
Depending on your symptoms and goals, testing can help clarify what may be happening physiologically and guide a more personalized plan. As you progress, we’ll review what’s improving and what isn’t—so we can adjust thoughtfully.
At CAARM, we collaborate with you to rebuild and optimize health. We combine best practices of traditional care with integrative and functional approaches that focus on identifying contributors to symptoms and supporting lasting outcomes.
We take time to explain the “why” behind findings and recommendations so you feel informed and empowered.
Often, yes. Insurance frequently covers standard laboratory studies through LabCorp or Quest when ordered with appropriate diagnosis codes.
However, specialized testing (including certain advanced or niche labs) may not be covered. We’ll discuss recommendations and costs with you.
Initial lab work can be extensive. The lab may draw up to 12 tubes of blood. Please hydrate well beforehand. These tests are typically fasting.
We’ll provide clear verbal and written instructions before your testing date.
We often hear from patients with long-term or complex concerns. If your condition is outside our scope, we will research it and refer you to an appropriate specialist.
Some advanced tests—especially those considered emerging, proprietary, or “non-standard” by insurance—may not be covered or may be reimbursed at a low rate. Coverage decisions depend on the plan and the insurer’s policies.
When we recommend specialty testing, we will review the purpose, potential value, and expected cost with you beforehand.
Patients pay the office directly for specialized tests. We may draw blood in-office or provide a take-home test kit. Once results are received, we schedule a visit to review findings.
We can provide a “superbill” for you to submit to your insurance company as an out-of-network request.
Because of HIPAA privacy regulations, we cannot discuss other patients (even with family members) without explicit prior consent.
We suggest reviewing Google and website reviews to hear what patients share publicly about their experiences.
We encourage patients to reach out via email after hours. For minor issues, the physician may respond by email. If urgent, the physician will call by phone.
Separate after-hours fees may apply. If your concern can’t be safely handled by phone, the office will schedule an appointment.
This is more common than it should be. Time constraints can limit how thoroughly complex issues are evaluated, and labs may be incomplete or not tailored to your situation.
Once you are an established patient, we can review prior labs and records as part of your care planning.
We encourage all patients to do due diligence and verify credentials, training, and scope of practice for any provider. Integrative and functional care can vary widely between practitioners.
A helpful step is to confirm a provider’s degree (MD/DO, NP, PA, DC, etc.), licensure, and board certifications (if claimed).
CAARM’s physician, Yale (Yoel) R. Smith, MD, is a former anesthesiologist who holds three board certifications. He is board certified in anesthesiology in both the U.S. and Israel and is certified in integrative/functional medicine in the U.S.
Dr. Smith combines traditional medical training with advanced integrative and functional approaches.
Yes. Dr. Smith can prescribe medication when needed. He also may recommend nutraceuticals when appropriate as part of a comprehensive plan.
Nutraceuticals are foods or food-derived products with potential health benefits and may be used when clinically appropriate.
Yes. Many patients travel from across Florida and from other states for care, sometimes combining visits with a Florida vacation. Dr. Smith also holds medical licenses in multiple states and in Israel.
Florida, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, and New Mexico—plus a lifetime license to practice medicine and anesthesiology in the State of Israel.
Appointments must be canceled at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time.
Patients who cancel after the 48-hour deadline or do not show up will be charged a cancellation fee. We send email and text reminders of upcoming appointments. Please cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours in advance so we can offer the time to other patients.
Yes. We maintain a formal written policy and agreement so rights and responsibilities are clear. This includes payment policies, appointment cancellations, and requests made after a patient has left the practice.
CAARM accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Patients can save processing fees by paying with cash or check rather than a credit card.