Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of care do you offer?

Tessera offers personalized, integrative, systems-based medical care focused on whole-person health. We work with patients across a wide range of needs from optimizing long-term health to navigating complex or chronic conditions. Our care is collaborative, unhurried, and designed to help you feel more like yourself on your best days, more often.

Do you take insurance?

We do not bill insurance directly. Tessera is a cash-pay practice, and payment is due at the time of service. However, we provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. We are happy to assist you with using these superbills and understanding the process for your specific plan.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, HSA, and FSA.

Do you offer sliding scale or financial assistance?

Yes. We are committed to making high-quality care more accessible. A limited number of sliding scale appointments are available based on financial need. Please email for information and availability.

Do I still need health insurance?

Absolutely. This practice does not replace health insurance. Visits are paid directly, but you still may be able to use your insurance for many aspects of your care. Laboratory testing, imaging, prescriptions, specialist referrals, hospitalizations, emergency care, and other medical services can still be billed through insurance whenever appropriate.

What is the process for new patients?

Patients begin with a complimentary 20-min Introductory Visit to discuss their goals and determine whether Tessera is the right fit.

From there, you can choose either the Tessera Pathway for ongoing care or the Tessera Insight Consult for focused, one-time guidance.​

What is the difference between the Tessera Pathway and the Tessera Insight Consult?

Tessera Pathway

• A comprehensive starting point for patients seeking ongoing, whole-person care. This begins with a 60-minute Tessera Foundation intake. We then meet for a dedicated follow-up to review findings, discuss recommendations, and design a personalized care plan.​

• Follow-up visits are available as needed and are designed to evolve with your goals and health over time.

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Tessera Insight Consult

• A one-time 60-minute focused consultation designed for specific questions, lab reviews, second opinions, or targeted guidance. 

• If you begin with an Insight Consult and later decide to continue into the Tessera Pathway, your Insight Consult fee will be credited toward the Tessera Foundation intake fee.

How long are appointments?

• Introductory consult (free): 20 minutes

• New patient intake: 60 minutes whether you choose a comprehensive Tessera Foundation intake or a one-time, focused Tessera Insight Consult.

• Follow-up options: 

  • Tessera Expand (45 minutes) — extended sessions for more in-depth review or new concerns

  • Tessera Refine (30 minutes) — standard visits for stable patients to refine wellness plans

  • Tessera Check-In (20 minutes) — quick check-ins (med refills, simple follow-up questions, accountability)

Can I just book one visit?

Yes. You are never locked into ongoing care. You’re welcome to schedule a single session for a second opinion, health review, or a focused concern. If you choose to continue care, we’ll build the right structure together.

What if I have questions between appointments?

You have direct access to your physician — not a call center, a nurse, or a rotating team. If something comes up (a question, a shift in symptoms, or a decision you’re trying to make), you can reach out anytime through the patient portal or by email at clarity@tessera.clinic. We typically respond within the same or next business day, allowing us to stay engaged and adjust your care as it evolves.

For urgent medical concerns, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Is this telehealth only? Do I need to be in Texas?

Yes, Tessera currently operates as a telehealth-only practice. We can only see patients who are physically located in Texas at the time of their visit. We will update this policy as services are expanded to other states.

Can you prescribe medications or order labs and imaging?

Yes. We can prescribe medications, order lab work or imaging, and coordinate with your other healthcare providers.

Do you work with children or teens?

We work exclusively with adults (18 and older). 

Are there any services you don't provide?

Yes. Tessera provides telehealth medical care and is not equipped to provide certain types of in-person care. We do not provide:

• Emergency or urgent care services

• In-person procedures or physical exams (e.g., Pap smears, sutures, vaccines)

• Routine screening exams that require in-person visits (e.g., DOT physicals, sports physicals)

• Care that requires in-network providers for insurance coverage

 
Depending on your needs, you may occasionally need to access local in-person services for exams, procedures, imaging, vaccinations, or urgent concerns. We can help coordinate that care when appropriate.

What if I’m not sure if Tessera is right for me?

You’re welcome to schedule a free 20-minute Introductory Visit. We’ll talk about your goals and challenges and figure out what care track or service might be the best fit.