Essenza Patient Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about concierge medicine, our doctors, services, membership, and what it is like to be a patient at Essenza Wellness in La Jolla.
i.
About Essenza
What is Essenza Wellness?
Essenza Wellness is a concierge medical practice in La Jolla, California, offering longevity-focused care across internal medicine, women’s health, neurology, psychiatry, addiction medicine, and advanced biomarker testing. Our Mind & Body approach treats the patient as one connected system, with the time and depth that traditional insurance-based care does not allow.
Where is Essenza Wellness located?
Essenza Wellness is located at 8950 Villa La Jolla Drive, Suite C212, La Jolla, CA 92037. We serve patients across La Jolla, San Diego, and throughout Southern California.
What does “Mind & Body Longevity” mean?
Mind & Body Longevity is our clinical philosophy. It recognizes that mental health, physical health, hormones, sleep, nutrition, relationships, and brain function are all connected. We treat the whole person, with coordinated care across our internal medicine, neurology, psychiatry, and women’s health teams. The goal is not just to treat disease, but to help patients live longer, better, and more fully.
How is Essenza different from a traditional medical practice?
Traditional medical practices are designed around insurance reimbursement, which limits the time physicians can spend with each patient. Essenza is built differently. We offer longer visits, direct physician access, advanced diagnostic testing, and coordinated care across specialties. Our physicians have the time to truly understand your case, listen to your concerns, and build a plan around you.
What is concierge medicine?
Concierge medicine is a healthcare model where patients pay a membership fee to access a physician who provides longer visits, direct communication, faster access to appointments, and more personalized care than traditional insurance-based practices allow. Concierge doctors typically maintain a smaller patient panel, which lets them provide significantly more attention to each individual patient.
Is Essenza accepting new patients?
Yes, Essenza Wellness is currently accepting new patients. We recommend starting with a consultation to learn whether our concierge model is the right fit for you. You can schedule a consultation by calling 858-267-4872 or through the inquiry form on our website.
Who founded Essenza Wellness?
Essenza Wellness was founded by a team of board-certified physicians focused on bringing concierge longevity care to La Jolla. Our founding physicians span psychiatry, neurology, sleep medicine, internal medicine, women’s health, and addiction medicine. You can meet each of our physicians on our website.
ii.
Membership & Costs
How much does concierge medicine at Essenza cost?
Essenza operates on a concierge membership model designed to provide significantly more physician time and personalized care than insurance-based practices allow. Membership pricing is structured around tiers based on the level of care and access you need. We provide complete transparency on cost during your initial consultation, and pricing is discussed openly before any commitment.
What is included in concierge membership?
Concierge membership at Essenza typically includes longer office visits, direct physician communication, priority access to appointments, coordinated care across our specialty team, ongoing care planning, and access to additional services. Specific inclusions depend on the membership tier you choose. Your physician will walk through the details of your specific membership during enrollment.
Do I have to be a member to see an Essenza physician?
Many of our patients are concierge members, but certain specific consultations and services may be accessed outside of membership. We discuss your needs and the best path forward during your initial inquiry. The right model depends on the type of care you are seeking.
How does Essenza membership compare to direct primary care?
Direct primary care (DPC) and concierge medicine are similar models. Both bypass insurance for primary care services through a membership fee. Concierge medicine typically offers a broader scope of services and more coordinated specialty care. Essenza combines concierge primary care with integrated access to women’s health, neurology, psychiatry, addiction medicine, and advanced biomarker testing under one practice.
Are advanced testing and treatments included in the membership fee?
Core concierge services like office visits, communication, and care coordination are included in your membership. Advanced biomarker testing, specific specialty treatments (such as Botox for migraine, TMS, hormone therapy), and certain laboratory services typically have separate costs. We provide transparent pricing on all of these and discuss any costs in advance.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for Essenza services?
Specific medical services delivered through Essenza, such as office visits, laboratory testing, and certain treatments, may be eligible for HSA or FSA use. Concierge membership fees themselves are generally not eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement under current IRS rules. We recommend confirming with your plan administrator and tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Is the membership fee tax-deductible?
Concierge membership fees are generally not tax-deductible as medical expenses under IRS Publication 502, although specific medical services delivered through the practice may qualify. Tax treatment varies by individual situation. We recommend consulting your tax professional for advice based on your specific circumstances.
Can I cancel my membership at any time?
Membership cancellation terms are outlined in your patient agreement. We aim to build meaningful long-term partnerships with our patients, while respecting that needs change. Specific cancellation policies are reviewed and discussed at the time of enrollment so you know exactly what to expect.
iii.
The Care Experience
What happens during my first visit at Essenza?
Your first visit is a detailed conversation with your physician, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes. We listen to your full story, take a thorough medical history, understand your goals, and review any concerns you have been carrying. From there, your physician outlines what care could look like for you and recommends initial steps including any testing or specialty referrals.
How long are appointments at Essenza?
Most appointments at Essenza last 60 to 90 minutes, which is significantly longer than the typical 15-minute insurance-based visit. This is by design. Real medicine takes real time, and our concierge model is built around giving patients the attention their care deserves.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Concierge members receive priority scheduling, typically with same-day or next-day availability when clinically needed. New patient consultations are scheduled based on physician availability and patient need. Call 858-267-4872 to discuss timing for your specific situation.
How do I reach my physician between visits?
Concierge members have direct communication access to their physician, typically through secure messaging, email, and phone. Response times are significantly faster than traditional practices because our physicians maintain smaller patient panels. The specific communication channels available depend on your membership tier.
Does Essenza offer telemedicine or virtual visits?
Yes. Telemedicine and virtual visits are part of our standard care model when clinically appropriate. Some visits, especially physical exams and certain treatments, are conducted in person at our La Jolla office. Your physician will determine the best format for each appointment.
Can I bring my partner or family member to appointments?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a partner or family member to your appointments if you would like. Many patients find it helpful to have a second set of ears, especially for complex care discussions or longevity planning.
Will I always see the same physician?
Within each specialty, you typically see the same physician for ongoing care, which is one of the central benefits of the concierge model. When your care involves multiple specialties, your physicians coordinate as a team, but you maintain consistent relationships with each member of your care team.
How does Essenza coordinate care with other specialists?
Care coordination is a core part of what we do. Our internal medicine, women’s health, neurology, psychiatry, and addiction medicine teams work together seamlessly for our patients. We also coordinate with external specialists when needed, including imaging, surgical care, and other subspecialty providers. Your physician serves as your central point of contact and advocate.
iv.
Our Physicians
Who are the physicians at Essenza Wellness?
Our founding physicians include Dr. Peyman Tashkandi (Psychiatry), Dr. Maya Vaysbrot, DO (Neurology and Sleep Medicine), Dr. Tina Ziania, Dr. Roman Starikov (Addiction Medicine), Dr. Aboo Nasar, and Anna Bishop, MSN, PMHNP-BC. Each physician brings deep expertise in their specialty and shares our commitment to thoughtful, patient-centered care. You can read detailed profiles for each on our website.
Are all Essenza physicians board-certified?
Yes. All Essenza physicians are board-certified in their respective specialties. Specific certifications, training, and credentials are listed on each physician’s individual profile page.
Can I choose which physician I see?
Yes. You can request a specific physician based on the care you need. During your initial consultation, we help match you to the physician whose expertise best fits your situation and goals.
Do Essenza physicians treat both men and women?
Yes. Most of our care is delivered to both men and women. Our women’s health practice is led by board-certified OB/GYN physicians who provide care specifically for women across all life stages.
Are both female and male physicians available?
Yes. Essenza has both female and male physicians across our specialty teams. Patient preference for physician gender is honored whenever possible.
How are your physicians different from those at a hospital system?
Our physicians maintain smaller patient panels, which lets them spend significantly more time with each patient. They are not bound by the insurance time pressures that shape practice patterns in hospital systems. The result is a different kind of medical care, with slower visits, deeper conversation, and more thorough planning.
Will my primary concierge physician coordinate with the specialty team?
Yes. Coordinated care is a defining feature of Essenza. Your primary physician maintains an overview of your care and works alongside our specialty teams when you need neurology, psychiatry, women’s health, addiction medicine, or advanced biomarker testing. Nothing falls through the cracks.
v.
Services & Treatments
What conditions and services does Essenza treat?
Essenza provides comprehensive concierge care across longevity and internal medicine, women’s health, neurology, psychiatry, addiction medicine, and advanced biomarker testing. Common conditions we treat include hormone changes, perimenopause and menopause, depression, anxiety, ADHD, migraine, chronic headache, cognitive concerns, sleep disorders, opioid use disorder, and the broader range of issues that affect both physical and mental health.
Does Essenza offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Yes. Our women’s health team offers hormone replacement therapy and hormone optimization, including bioidentical hormones when clinically appropriate. Treatment plans are individualized based on your symptoms, medical history, and goals.
Does Essenza offer Botox for migraine?
Yes. Botox is FDA-approved for chronic migraine prevention and is offered through our neurology team, led by Dr. Maya Vaysbrot, DO. Treatment is delivered in our La Jolla office every 12 weeks for eligible patients.
Does Essenza offer TMS therapy?
Yes. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is available at Essenza and is FDA-cleared for both migraine and major depression. It is non-invasive, requires no medication or anesthesia, and is delivered through a structured course of in-office sessions.
Does Essenza offer Spravato or ketamine therapy?
Yes. Spravato (esketamine) is offered through our psychiatry team for eligible patients with treatment-resistant depression. Spravato is FDA-approved and delivered in our office under careful clinical supervision per the REMS protocol.
What advanced biomarker testing does Essenza offer?
Essenza offers a comprehensive advanced biomarker program including cardiovascular markers (ApoB, Lp(a), hsCRP), full hormone and thyroid panels, biological age testing, pharmacogenomics, brain health biomarkers (APOE4, p-tau, NFL, GFAP), performance markers (VO2max, HRV), methylation genetics (MTHFR, COMT), and heavy metals testing. We welcome patients who already track their own data and want a physician who can interpret it with them.
Do you treat opioid use disorder or substance use?
Yes. Dr. Roman Starikov is board-certified in Addiction Medicine through the American Board of Preventive Medicine and provides care for opioid use disorder, chronic pain related to substance use, and other substance use concerns. Treatment includes Medication-Assisted Treatment with buprenorphine when clinically appropriate, in a respectful and nonjudgmental setting.
Do you offer addiction medicine and buprenorphine treatment?
Yes. Our addiction medicine services are led by Dr. Roman Starikov and include comprehensive evaluation, Medication-Assisted Treatment with buprenorphine, medication management, relapse prevention planning, and coordinated care with our mental health and integrative health teams. Care is patient-centered, medically grounded, and built around dignity.
Does Essenza treat children or adolescents?
Essenza primarily serves adult patients. For pediatric and adolescent care, we recommend referral to a specialist pediatric practice. Some young adult care may be appropriate in coordination with our team.
Does Essenza offer cosmetic or aesthetic services?
Essenza is focused on clinical and longevity care rather than cosmetic services. We do offer specific medical treatments like Botox for migraine prevention, which have clear therapeutic indications. We do not offer aesthetic or cosmetic procedures.
vi.
Insurance, Billing & Logistics
Does Essenza Wellness accept insurance?
Essenza operates on a concierge membership model that is separate from traditional insurance billing. Many specific services, including certain laboratory tests, some specialty treatments, and certain consultations, may be billable to your insurance based on your coverage. We are transparent about which services are billable and which are not. A superbill can be provided for services that may qualify for partial reimbursement.
Will my insurance pay for any Essenza services?
It depends on your specific plan and the service. Many laboratory tests, certain treatments like Spravato when clinically indicated, and specific specialty consultations may be covered by insurance. Concierge membership fees themselves are not billable to insurance. We walk through this in detail during your initial consultation.
Will I receive a superbill for reimbursement?
Yes. We provide superbills for services that may be eligible for partial insurance reimbursement or HSA/FSA submission. Actual reimbursement depends on your specific plan and benefits, but we make the paperwork as straightforward as possible.
What is your cancellation policy for appointments?
We ask for 24 to 48 hours notice for appointment cancellations when possible. Specific policies and fees for late cancellations or missed appointments are outlined in your patient agreement and discussed at enrollment so there are no surprises.
How do I become a patient at Essenza Wellness?
Begin with a consultation by calling 858-267-4872 or submitting the inquiry form on our website. The consultation allows us to understand your needs, answer your questions, and determine whether the Essenza concierge model is the right fit for you.
Where is the office and where do I park?
Essenza Wellness is located at 8950 Villa La Jolla Drive, Suite C212, La Jolla, CA 92037. Parking is available on site. Our office is in a professional medical building with elevator access for all visitors.
Is the office wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Our office is in a fully accessible medical building with elevator access and is compliant with ADA accessibility requirements. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please let us know in advance so we can prepare.
How does Essenza protect my privacy and health information?
Essenza Wellness is fully HIPAA-compliant and follows strict policies for the handling, storage, and sharing of your protected health information. Our complete Notice of Privacy Practices is available on our website. Patient privacy is a foundational commitment, not a checkbox.
Still Have Questions
The best answer begins with a conversation.
Some questions belong on a webpage. Others belong in a one-on-one conversation with a physician who has the time to actually listen. We are happy to help with both.
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