Mark E. Richards, MD Bio-Identical Pellet Therapy

At Mark E. Richards, MD Bio-Identical Pellet Therapy, each insertion costs $550 for women and $1,100 for men. Women typically receive four insertions per year, roughly every three months. Men typically receive three insertions per year, roughly every four months. The practice requires payment at the time of insertion. On request, Dr. Richards provides an insurance form with the proper codes so patients can submit for reimbursement directly to their insurance company or HSA plan.

The practice does not bill insurance directly. Patients pay at the time of each insertion. On request, the practice provides an insurance form with the correct procedure codes. Patients submit that form themselves, and any reimbursement goes directly to them. Coverage varies widely depending on the insurance plan.

Dr. Richards numbs a small area in the love handle or upper buttocks with a local anesthetic. He then makes a 2-3mm incision and inserts the testosterone pellet into the deep fat layer using a thin metal tube. The opening closes with a small adhesive strip. The procedure is quick and virtually painless. The pellet dissolves gradually over several months, delivering a steady hormone release throughout.

Before the first insertion, Dr. Richards reviews comprehensive blood work to establish a baseline. For men, that includes PSA, free and total testosterone, estradiol, a complete blood count, fasting blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. For women, the panel includes FSH, estradiol, free and total testosterone, CBC, and thyroid function. The practice monitors these same markers between insertions to guide dosing.

The practice focuses on adults over 35 who experience symptoms of hormone decline, including low energy, weight gain, low libido, brain fog, mood changes, and loss of muscle mass. Both men and women experiencing andropause or menopause symptoms may qualify. Dr. Richards evaluates each patient individually through a consultation and lab review before recommending treatment.

The pellets consist of yam-derived testosterone compounded by a commercially licensed compounding pharmacy and delivered in sterile packaging. Bio-identical hormone pellets have been available in the United States since 1939. Dr. Richards reports that roughly 99 percent of female patients and 95 percent of male patients describe their results as excellent.

Yes. , Maryland, Northern Virginia, and nationally. The office is located at 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 912, in N. Bethesda, Maryland.

Dr. Richards runs a bi-monthly physician training course at his N. Bethesda office building. The course covers the science and clinical practice of bio-identical testosterone pellet therapy for both men and women. The fee is $3,500 per healthcare provider. m. into the evening.