POLICIES & TERMS

Empowered Menopause Care PLLC

Last Updated: 1/15/26

ABOUT THE PRACTICE

Empowered Menopause Care is led by Lavonne Searle, ARNP, a licensed Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Menopause Specialist, and certified Menopause Coach. We provide evidence-based menopause care, including medical consultations, hormone therapy management to women in Washington State, and coaching services to women in the United States.

TELEHEALTH SERVICES
Service Area

Our services are provided via secure telehealth (video appointments) to residents of Washington State. You must be physically located in Washington at the time of your appointment.

Technology Requirements
  • Reliable internet connection
  • Device with camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
  • Private, quiet space for your appointment
  • Access to email for appointment confirmations and communications
Platform

We use Healthie, a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. You will receive login instructions prior to your first appointment.

SCHEDULING & APPOINTMENTS
Booking

Appointments can be scheduled through our online booking system.

Confirmation

You will receive email confirmation and reminders for all scheduled appointments. Please add our email to your safe sender list.

First-Time Patients

All new patients must complete an initial consultation before ongoing care can be established. Initial consultations are 90 minutes and include comprehensive health history review and treatment planning.

Appointment Duration
  • Initial medical consultation: 90 minutes
  • Follow-up medical visits: 30-45 minutes
  • Initial coaching consultation: 60 minutes
  • Coaching sessions: 60 minutes
  • Group coaching calls: 90 minutes
CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULING POLICY
Notice Required

We require at least 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule appointments.

Cancellation Fees
  • Less than 48 hours notice: 50% of appointment fee
  • Less than 24 hours notice or no-show: 100% of appointment fee
Exceptions

We understand emergencies happen. In cases of illness, family emergency, or unforeseen circumstances, please contact us as soon as possible and we will work with you.

How to Cancel or Reschedule

Contact us via email at admin@empoweredmenopausecare.com or through your patient portal. Phone cancellations should be confirmed via email.

Late Arrivals

If you are more than 15 minutes late to an appointment, it may need to be rescheduled and standard cancellation fees may apply. We will do our best to accommodate you if time allows, but cannot guarantee a full appointment.

PAYMENT POLICIES
Payment Methods

We accept credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. Payment is due at the time of service unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance.

Pricing

Current pricing is available on our Services page. Prices are subject to change with 30 days notice to existing clients.

Packages

Coaching packages and medical quarterly packages must be paid in full before services begin, or according to the payment plan selected at enrollment. Payment plans require automatic payment authorization.

Insurance

Our services are private pay and not covered by insurance. However:

  • We can provide a superbill (detailed receipt) that you may submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement
  • We accept HSA and FSA cards
  • Some services may be partially reimbursable depending on your insurance plan

It is your responsibility to verify coverage with your insurance company. We cannot guarantee reimbursement.

Refund Policy

Medical Consultations: No refunds once the appointment has occurred.

Coaching Packages & Programs: No refunds once the program has started and you have attended the first session or accessed program materials.

Before Services Begin: If you cancel before your first appointment or before accessing any program materials, you will receive a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee.

Extenuating Circumstances: In cases of serious illness, death in the family, or other extraordinary circumstances, please contact us to discuss options.

MEDICAL CARE POLICIES
Scope of Practice

As an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner licensed in Washington State, I am qualified to:

  • Conduct comprehensive health assessments
  • Order and interpret laboratory tests
  • Diagnose and treat conditions within my scope of practice
  • Prescribe medications, including hormone therapy and controlled substances
  • Provide medical consultations and ongoing care management
Prescribing Policy
  • Prescriptions are written only for established patients with whom I have an ongoing care relationship
  • Initial consultation is required before any prescriptions can be issued
  • Controlled substances require appropriate documentation, monitoring, and regular follow-up
  • All prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy
  • Prescription refills require an active care relationship and may require a follow-up appointment
Laboratory Testing
  • Lab orders will be sent to your preferred laboratory
  • Most insurance plans cover standard hormone panels and routine labs
  • You are responsible for any lab costs not covered by your insurance
  • Results will be reviewed with you during a scheduled appointment
Emergency Care

This practice does not provide emergency care.

For medical emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

For urgent concerns outside of business hours, contact your primary care provider’s after-hours line or visit an urgent care clinic.

Coordination of Care

We encourage coordination with your primary care provider and other specialists. With your permission, we will communicate with your other healthcare providers regarding your care.

Medical Records

You have the right to access your medical records. Requests should be made in writing to admin@empoweredmenopause.com. There may be a fee for copying records as permitted by Washington State law.

COACHING SERVICES POLICIES
Nature of Coaching

Health and wellness coaching is not psychotherapy and is not a substitute for medical care. Coaching focuses on:

  • Goal setting and accountability
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Stress management techniques
  • Navigating life transitions
  • Building sustainable habits
Coaching Relationship

The coaching relationship is a partnership. Your success depends on your active participation, honesty, and commitment to the process.

Group Coaching
  • Group coaching sessions are held via video conference
  • All sessions are recorded for participants who cannot attend live
  • Recordings are available for the duration of the program plus 30 days
  • Group size is limited to ensure personalized attention
  • Confidentiality within the group is expected and required
Between Session Support

Depending on your package, between-session support via email or messaging may be included. Response time is typically 24-48 hours during business days.

PRIVACY & CONFIDENTIALITY
HIPAA Compliance

For medical services, we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your protected health information will be kept confidential as required by law.

Coaching Confidentiality

Coaching sessions are confidential with the following exceptions:

  • You provide written consent to share information
  • There is risk of imminent harm to yourself or others
  • We are required by law to report (such as child or elder abuse)
  • We receive a valid court order
Electronic Communications

We use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms for telehealth and electronic communications. However, no electronic communication is 100% secure. By using our services, you acknowledge and accept this risk.

Marketing & Testimonials

We may request permission to use anonymized testimonials or success stories for marketing purposes. Your name and identifying information will never be used without your explicit written consent.

PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES
Communication
  • Professional communication should occur through official channels (patient portal, email, scheduled appointments)
  • We do not provide medical advice via social media, text message, or personal email
  • Emergency situations should be directed to appropriate emergency services
Social Media

We maintain professional boundaries on social media. We will not accept friend or connection requests from current or former clients on personal social media accounts.

Dual Relationships

To maintain professional boundaries, we cannot provide services to close personal friends, family members, or individuals with whom we have other significant relationships.

INFORMED CONSENT
Medical Services

By scheduling medical services, you consent to:

  • Telehealth delivery of care
  • Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment as appropriate
  • Prescription of medications when clinically indicated
  • Communication with other healthcare providers when appropriate
  • Electronic storage of your medical records
Coaching Services

By enrolling in coaching services, you acknowledge that:

  • Coaching is not therapy or medical treatment
  • You are responsible for your own choices and actions
  • Results may vary and are not guaranteed
  • You are encouraged to consult with medical and mental health professionals as needed
Risks & Benefits

All medical treatments carry potential risks and benefits. These will be discussed with you before any treatment is initiated. You have the right to ask questions and decline any recommended treatment.

TERMINATION OF SERVICES
Client-Initiated

You may discontinue services at any time. Please provide written notice. Prepaid packages are subject to the refund policy outlined above.

Provider-Initiated

We reserve the right to terminate the professional relationship if:

  • You do not comply with treatment recommendations without valid reason
  • You are disrespectful or abusive to staff
  • You fail to pay for services rendered
  • There is a conflict of interest or boundary violation
  • I determine I cannot adequately meet your needs and appropriate referrals are provided

In cases of termination, we will provide appropriate referrals and a summary of your care.

LIMITS OF SERVICES
What We Provide
  • Menopause-focused medical care and hormone therapy management
  • Health and wellness coaching for menopause-related concerns
  • Educational resources and support
What We Do Not Provide
  • Emergency medical care
  • Mental health treatment for psychiatric conditions (appropriate referrals will be provided)
  • Treatment for acute illnesses unrelated to menopause
  • Surgical procedures
  • 24/7 on-call availability

If your needs fall outside our scope, we will provide appropriate referrals.

COMPLAINTS & GRIEVANCES
Internal Process

If you have concerns about your care or services, please contact us directly at admin@empoweredmenopausecare.com so we can address the issue promptly.

Licensing Board

If you believe there has been a violation of professional standards, you may file a complaint with:

Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
Department of Health
PO Box 47864
Olympia, WA 98504-7864
Phone: (360) 236-4700
Website: doh.wa.gov/nursing

MODIFICATIONS TO POLICIES

We reserve the right to modify these policies at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated “Last Updated” date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policies.

For significant changes that affect existing clients, we will provide notice via email at least 30 days in advance.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By scheduling services with Empowered Menopause Care, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these policies and terms.

If you have questions about any of these policies, please contact us at info@empoweredmenopausecare.com before scheduling your first appointment.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Empowered Menopause Care

Lavonne Searle, ARNP
Washington State License #: AP60799708

Email: info@empoweredmenopausecare.com
Phone: 425-448-2659
Website: EmpoweredMenopauseCare.com

Business Hours: TBD

These policies are effective as of January 15, 2026 and supersede any previous policies.

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