Your PCP Has a Scorecard: What Patients Aren't Usually Told About Insurance Metrics

Most people assume their doctor's recommendations are purely about their health — but did you know your clinic might be graded on whether you got a mammogram this year?

Behind the scenes, insurance companies track whether patients complete certain screenings, labs, and vaccines, and those numbers can affect how clinics are paid, scored, and penalized. That doesn't automatically make your provider's recommendations wrong.

But there's a layer to your healthcare most patients never see — and patients who understand the system are better equipped to advocate for themselves in it.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - [email protected]

www.rmhealthpartners.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ashley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- [email protected]

www.karvefitness.co

How hard do you actually need to train to build muscle?

In this episode, we’re diving into new research reviewed by Bill Campbell that examined whether women build more muscle and strength when training closer to failure.

Spoiler: most people probably aren’t training nearly as hard as they think they are.

We break down:

• the difference between fatigue and failure
• what “reps in reserve” actually means
• why the last few reps matter most for hypertrophy
• what training close to failure should FEEL like
• why women may benefit from higher training effort than previously thought
• when to push to failure — and when NOT to

We also discuss common mistakes we see in the gym, how to apply this research to your own workouts, and why progressive overload and intentional effort matter more than fancy programming.

Whether you’re new to lifting or have been training for years, this episode will help you better understand how to train smarter, harder, and more effectively for muscle growth and strength.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - [email protected]

www.rmhealthpartners.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ashley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- [email protected]

www.karvefitness.co

You’ve probably heard:
“Carbs make you fat.”
“Fat makes you fat.”
“Calories are all that matter.”

…but what does the research actually say?

In today’s episode, we’re breaking down a fascinating study reviewed by Bill Campbell that explored what happens when people intentionally overeat carbohydrates versus dietary fat.

Does the body store them differently?
Does one lead to more fat gain?
And why does protein still reign supreme when it comes to body composition?

We’re diving into:

• how the body burns vs stores carbs and fats
• why dietary fat is more easily stored
• how carbs impact metabolism and training performance
• why “calories in vs calories out” is only part of the conversation
• practical applications for muscle building, fat loss, and everyday nutrition

If you’ve ever been confused about carbs, fat, metabolism, or weight gain — this episode breaks the science down in a way that actually makes sense.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - [email protected]

www.rmhealthpartners.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ashley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- [email protected]

www.karvefitness.co

In this episode, we sit down with Joshua LeBreton, author of SO OUR KID IS SICK, NOW WHAT?: An Anecdotal Evidence Guide—a book shaped by every parent’s worst nightmare. Joshua shares his family’s journey, the hard-earned lessons along the way, and how those experiences reshaped his approach to advocating for his child’s health. This conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a powerful perspective on navigating uncertainty, asking better questions, and becoming your child’s strongest advocate.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - [email protected]

www.rmhealthpartners.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ashley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- [email protected]

www.karvefitness.co

So you're ready to talk estrogen — now what?

In Part 2, we get into the practical stuff: your options, what to expect when you start, and the questions you should absolutely be asking your provider.

We break down the difference between systemic and localized formulations, why the route you take matters (hello, oral vs. transdermal), and what insurance will and won't cover. We also talk estriol - yes, there's a version that works locally without raising your serum levels, and it has some pretty interesting uses beyond the obvious.

Then there's the titration dance. Side effects, breakthrough bleeding, what's normal, what needs attention, and why slow really is the only way to go.

We close out with a guided list of questions to bring to your next appointment - because the best outcomes happen when you show up to that conversation prepared.

Part 1 is still up if you missed it.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - [email protected]

www.rmhealthpartners.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ashley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- [email protected]

www.karvefitness.co

Hot flashes are just the tip of the iceberg.

The average American woman lives to 81.4 - meaning she'll spend nearly as many years post-menopause as she did menstruating. So why are we still treating estrogen like it's only about symptom relief?

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we break down what estrogen is actually protecting -your brain, your heart, your bones, your joints, your skin, and yes, your bladder - and why getting the dose right matters just as much as starting it in the first place.

We also talk about why Dr. Andrea lives by "Start Low, Go Slow" and what happens when you don't.

Part 2 drops next week!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - [email protected]

www.rmhealthpartners.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ashley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- [email protected]

www.karvefitness.co

The Primer on Primary Care-Part 1

The Primer of Primary Care- Part 2

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Aaron Kearsley, PT, DPT, CFMT, to unpack a smarter, more effective approach to pain, movement, and long-term performance.

Dr. Kearsley specializes in orthopedic and manual therapy, with advanced training in Functional Manual Therapy—a hands-on, movement-focused approach that goes beyond simply treating symptoms. Instead of chasing pain, he helps patients identify and address the root cause of dysfunction so they can move better, feel stronger, and stay active for the long haul.

We dive into why so many people stay stuck in cycles of pain, what most traditional rehab is missing, and how individualized treatment can make all the difference—whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic discomfort, or trying to continue strength training without setbacks.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by recurring pain or wondered if you should be “pushing through” workouts, this episode will give you clarity and a new perspective on how your body actually heals and performs.

This conversation is all about building strength without breaking your body—and understanding that better movement is the foundation for everything.

https://www.manualsolutionsphysicaltherapy.com/about

https://instituteofphysicalart.com/

Copper peptides are suddenly in everything—and the claims are big. In Part 3 of our series, we shift to topical GHK-Cu and break down what it can realistically do for skin, hair, and barrier health.

We cover the core benefits: stimulation of collagen, elastin, and GAG production; improved firmness and elasticity; anti-inflammatory signaling (including TNF and IL-6 downregulation); antioxidant protection against photoaging; and support for hydration and lipid barrier repair.

You’ll learn how to actually use topical GHK-Cu—from serums (typically 1–5%) to creams (1–3%)—including practical DIY guidance for small-batch formulations, storage, and application. We also discuss delivery realities: intact skin absorbs only a small fraction, while microneedling can increase penetration 5–10x and may transiently raise serum copper without evidence of long-term accumulation.

We finish with smart pairing strategies (HA, glycerin, ceramides, niacinamide), what not to mix in the same step (low-pH acids, L-ascorbic acid vitamin C), and key safety notes for at-home microneedling.

Disclaimer: This episode is for general education purposes only and is not medical advice.

Want our recommended products and a simple starter recipe? Email us at [email protected] and we’ll send them your way.

GHK-Cu is everywhere right now—especially in injectable peptide protocols promising faster recovery, better skin, thicker hair, and even cognitive benefits. But what is this copper-binding peptide, and what actually happens when you inject it?

In Part 2 of our copper series, we break down what GHK-Cu is: a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied in tissue repair, gene signaling, and regenerative biology. We focus specifically on injectable use (topical applications come in Part 3).

We cover what it’s being used for today—collagen synthesis, post-procedure healing, immune modulation (including TNF and IL-6 downregulation), joint recovery, neuroprotection via BDNF signaling, and even hair regrowth and repigmentation. We also examine the biohacker trend of “stacking” GHK-Cu with other peptides in aesthetic and recovery protocols.

Then we address the critical safety considerations: injection-site reactions, hypersensitivity risk, and the metabolic reality that injecting copper bypasses normal gut regulation and can transiently raise serum copper levels. We discuss who should avoid it (history suggestive of copper-handling disorders, liver disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding) and the often-overlooked risks of product quality, sterility, and dosing errors.

Disclaimer: This episode is for general education purposes only and is not medical advice.

Contact us:

Grab Andrea's Skincare Recipe at [email protected]

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - [email protected]

www.rmhealthpartners.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ashley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- [email protected]

www.karvefitness.co

Copper is essential for energy production, iron metabolism, connective tissue, and nervous system function—but it’s also hiding in our water, supplements, cookware, and even birth control.

In Part 1 of this three-part series, we break down how much copper we actually need (RDA ~900 mcg/day; UL 10 mg/day), where we get it (food, multis, standalone supplements), and what typical intake looks like. We also discuss how copper imbalance can present—deficiency patterns like anemia, fatigue, and neurologic issues, versus excess patterns like GI distress, oxidative stress, and in rare overload states, liver and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Copper can function as a vital mineral or behave more like a heavy metal depending on dose, metabolism, and individual context.

Disclaimer: This episode is for general education only. Copper status is nuanced and individualized.

Contact us:

Get Andrea's Copper Skincare Recipe at [email protected]

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - [email protected]

www.rmhealthpartners.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ashley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- [email protected]

www.karvefitness.co