Who this helps: Busy, high‑performing parents in Philly who want evidence‑based, personalized care that respects real life.
Outcome: You’ll know your numbers, your plan, and your next step—without chasing five clinics “near me.”
What we are: Precision primary care in Philadelphia blending conventional and integrative medicine.
How we work: Clear plan, advanced testing when useful, short‑and‑long‑term follow‑up, and real messaging access.
What most people miss: Most symptoms are multi‑factor—metabolism, sleep, stress, and strength interact. Treating one in isolation often fails.
Risk to know: Silent metabolic changes (fasting insulin, ApoE, ApoB, lipoprotein profile) start years before problems show up—catching them early saves time, money, health, and energy later.
Do this first: Book your fit call → complete digital intake → we map a plan before your first visit.
We screen for metabolic and heart risk at Fishtown Medicine in Philadelphia.
🔍 What happens first at Fishtown Medicine?
Step 1 — Fit Call (15-30 min, virtual).
We confirm we’re the right clinic, align on goals, and outline costs and next steps.
Step 2 — Digital Onboarding (same day).
You’ll complete a short intake: health history, meds/supplements, sleep, stress, nutrition, movement, and goals. You can connect wearables (Apple Watch, Oura, WHOOP) if you like.
Step 3 — Foundational Testing (Week 1–2).
We order core labs through your insurance or cash‑pay partners. Typical first panel (personalized as needed):
Metabolic & cardio: A1c, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, lipid panel with ApoB, Lp(a), Omega-3 index and NMR lipoprotein when indicated.
Hormones including thyroid, adrenal and sex hormones: TSH with free T4/T3; thyroid antibodies if symptoms/history, PTH, cortisol, DHEA, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, AMH, LH/FSH, and more as indicated.
Micronutrients: Vitamin D, homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, ferritin/iron, copper, zinc and others as indicated.
Organ health and inflammatory markers including liver, kidney, bone marrow, electrolytes, hs‑CRP, ESR, and others as indicated.
Optional based on goals: continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) trials, DEXA (bone + body composition), VO₂ max estimate, stool testing for persistent GI issues, sleep study if at risk.
Step 4 — 60–90‑minute First Visit (telehealth).
We review your story, labs, and goals. You leave with a written plan across our 5 Pillars (below), phased over 4–12 weeks so it’s doable.
Step 5 — Build Phase (Weeks 2–6).
We start with 1–2 high‑leverage moves:
Nutrition: protein target + fiber habit; simple meal pattern.
Movement: Zone 2 base 2–4x/week + 2 strength sessions; we define “easy” and “hard.”
Recovery: sleep schedule, wind‑down, one stress tool (box breathing, 5‑minute reset).
Treatments: targeted supplements/meds only if needed.
Tracking: 2–3 markers (steps, resting HR/HRV, morning energy, symptom).
Step 6 — Optimization (Weeks 6–12).
We tweak based on your data and how life feels: advance strength plan, refine nutrition (macros/micronutrients), adjust meds/supplements, address gut/sleep if needed.
Step 7 — 90‑Day Review.
Repeat key labs; check progress on outcomes that matter to you: energy, mood, body comp, labs, performance.
Ongoing Rhythm.
Most members do 3–6 touchpoints/year (mix of visits and messaging), plus focused check‑ins before big life events (travel, race, busy quarter), and when needed for illness (UTI, URI, rashes, and any time social media or health questions come up).
Why do we structure care around 5 Pillars?
Most people are stuck because care is siloed. We integrate:
Nutrition (macros + micronutrients)
Movement (strength, stability, Zone 2 base + Zone 5 peaks, HRV awareness)
Recovery (sleep, nervous system balance—think “nervous system overload” instead of jargon)
Testing (imaging, advanced labs, and genetics used to inform decisions—not to over‑test)
Treatments (medications & supplements when they add clear value)
Translation: you get a simple plan that actually fits a full life.
What do visits include, exactly?
Long first visit. We listen; we map your plan; you leave with it in writing.
Follow‑ups (20–40 min). We adjust your plan, review labs/metrics, and remove friction.
Messaging access. Secure portal for quick questions, clarifications, and updates. We aim to reply within 1 business day on weekdays.
Care coordination. We refer to and collaborate with specialists, PT, therapists, and coaches when that’s the fastest, safest path.
Do you take insurance? How do payments work?
Clinic visits & membership: We’re transparent about fees upfront during the fit call.
Labs & imaging: We route through your insurance or cash‑pay partners (often lower out‑of‑pocket).
Medications: We use your preferred pharmacy; we can often use discount cards if cheaper than insurance.
Insurance: We do not bill your insurance directly. Some patients use HSA/FSA.
What labs, imaging, and genetics do you offer near me in Philadelphia?
Labs: Proven tests through local draws in Philly or at national partners; some kits can be done at home.
Imaging: DEXA, echocardiogram (ECHO), coronary calcium (with clear indications), sleep studies (home/in‑lab), Ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI scans at high-performing imaging centers.
Wearables: Electrocardiogram (EKG) and longterm cardiac monitoring, Home Sleep Study (HSAT), and data you are willing to share, including Apple, WHOOP, Oura, Fitbit and other wearables.
Genetics: Practical, targeted use (pharmacogenomics, actionable cardiometabolic variants, cancer screening and more).
Specialty testing: High-yield functional and integrative tools, including advanced cancer screening,
How do prescriptions, refills, and controlled substances work?
Refills: Request through the portal; allow 1 business day.
Safety: We don’t manage long‑term opioids/benzodiazepines and we follow best‑practice monitoring for stimulants and other controlled meds.
Follow‑up cadence: Health‑dependent (commonly every month, or every 3–6 months).
Telehealth vs in‑person—how does it work?
In‑person available in the Greater Philadelphia Metro at your home, office or gym, when it is not medically appropriate to your care via Telehealth.
Telehealth available where licensure permits (35+ US states). We’ll confirm at your initial call.
When should I text the doctor—and what do we check?
Call us for: new or changing symptoms, medication questions, testing follow‑ups, plan adjustments, or to prep for a heavy travel/work season.
Red flags (seek urgent care/911): chest pain/pressure, trouble breathing, new severe headache, weakness on one side, fainting, heavy bleeding, high fever with confusion, or anything that feels like an emergency.
At visits we may:
Screen: BP, waist, mental health, sleep apnea risk, alcohol/substances, cancer screenings by age/family history.
Track: A1c, ApoB, fasting insulin/glucose, thyroid, iron/B12/D, HRV/resting HR, body composition, function/strength.
Adjust: nutrition, training plan, sleep tools, meds/supplements, referrals.
Common mistakes & what to do instead
Trying 7 changes at once → Start with one habit per pillar.
Chasing exotic tests → Nail the core labs first; layer advanced testing when it changes decisions.
Weekend‑only warrior → Build a Zone 2 base; add 2 strength days. Consistency beats intensity.
Ignoring sleep and stress → Energy and appetite follow recovery. Protect the wind‑down.
Our care pillars, mapped to your plan
Nutrition: Protein target, fiber minimum, smart carbs/fats, hydration, micronutrient repletion when needed.
Movement: 150–300 min/week Zone 2, two full‑body strength sessions, occasional Zone 5 sprints; stability for joints.
Recovery: Sleep timing, light/caffeine cutoffs, 5‑minute nervous system reset, boundaries with tech.
Testing: Labs every 3–12 months based on risk; imaging/genetics only when they change the plan.
Treatments: Evidence‑based meds (e.g., lipids, blood pressure, glucose) + focused supplements when they add measurable benefit.
💡 Action Steps
Book a fit call to confirm we’re a match and outline costs.
Complete digital intake (10 minutes) and connect your wearable if you use one.
Get foundational labs (we’ll order the right set for you).
Pick one habit per pillar (keep it tiny; keep it daily).
Message us when life changes—travel, stress spikes, training blocks.
Personalized, prevention‑forward primary care in Philadelphia that turns your numbers into a doable plan—then walks with you as life shifts.
Explore our services: fishtownmedicine.com
We serve Philadelphia and nearby neighborhoods (the Greater Philadelphia Metro); many patients search “primary care near me,” “functional medicine near me,” or “metabolic testing near me,” or are referred by a friend/neighbor.
FAQ
Is this concierge medicine?
Is this concierge medicine?
It’s precision primary care. We use longer visits, proactive testing, and messaging access. We’ll explain membership and visit options during your fit call so you can choose what fits.
Do you replace my current PCP?
Do you replace my current PCP?
Yes, if you want us to. We coordinate with your specialists and keep records clean and simple.
Can I use my insurance?
Can I use my insurance?
Yes for nearly all labs, imaging, specialists, and prescriptions. Clinic fees are transparent; HSA/FSA may apply. We review all of this before your first visit.
Do you see kids?
Do you see kids?
We focus on adults, and can accept all persons age 16 and above. We defer to pediatricians for ages 15 and under.
What’s your cancellation policy?
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancel anytime. Monthly and quarterly memberships stay active through the end of the current billing period. Annual memberships are prorated—we refund the unused portion. Packages end on the two-year anniversary of purchase. See our Terms for full details.
How fast do you reply to messages?
How fast do you reply to messages?
We aim for one business day. For emergencies, call 911.
Privacy?
Privacy?
We follow HIPAA. You control who sees your data. We use secure systems and won’t share without your consent unless required for your care or by law.
This article is education, not personal medical advice.
This article is education, not personal medical advice.
This article is for general information. It doesn’t replace a clinic visit. If you have urgent symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.