From Dr. K

At East County Internal Medicine, we know that managing weight is about more than just willpower—it’s about biology. For many of our patients in Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton, the high cost of effective treatments like Wegovy® has been a major hurdle.

That is why we are excited to announce a game-changer: Novo Nordisk’s new NovoCare® program. This initiative makes getting FDA-approved, branded Wegovy® faster, cheaper, and more direct than ever before.

What is the NovoCare® Program?

NovoCare® Pharmacy is a new direct-to-patient service from the makers of Wegovy®. It is specifically designed to help self-pay patients—those without insurance coverage for weight loss—access authentic medication at a fraction of the traditional retail price.

The “Big Three” Benefits: Faster, Cheaper, Branded

* CHEAPER: Drastic Price Reductions
Forget the $1,300+ retail list price. Through the NovoCare® cash-pay program, you can now access branded Wegovy® for significantly less:

* Wegovy® Injection (Weekly): $199/month for starter doses (through March 31, 2026) and $349/month for maintenance doses.

* Wegovy® Pill (Daily): As low as $149/month for starter doses (introductory pricing through April 15, 2026) and $299/month for higher doses.

* FASTER: Direct Home Delivery

The program removes the middleman. Once Dr. Shaan Kunwar sends your electronic prescription directly to NovoCare® Pharmacy, the medication is shipped straight to your door. No more waiting in long pharmacy lines or dealing with local stock shortages.

* BRANDED: Authentic, FDA-Approved Quality

With the rise of unregulated “compounded semaglutide,” safety is a top concern. This program provides authentic, branded Wegovy® in the high-quality, single-dose Novo Nordisk pen. You get the peace of mind that comes with a medication that has been rigorously tested and FDA-approved for safety and efficacy.

Why Choose East County Internal Medicine for Your Journey?

As an independent, physician-owned practice, Dr. Kunwar provides personalized, evidence-based care without the “corporate clinic” feel. We offer:

* Expert Medical Supervision: Dr. Kunwar will evaluate your health history to ensure Wegovy® is the right fit and manage your dosage safely.

* Transparent Pricing: We use a flat-rate fee structure for visits—$175 for new patients and $125 for follow-ups—so you always know your costs upfront.

* Flexible Access: We offer both in-person visits at our Gatewood Drive office and secure telehealth throughout Florida.

Ready to Start?

Don’t let high costs or confusing pharmacy hurdles stand in the way of your health goals. Contact East County Internal Medicine today at (941) 727-7771 to schedule your consultation and see if the new NovoCare® program is right for you.

“An informed patient is a healthier patient.”

Shaan Kunwar DO

941-727-7771

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If you live in Lakewood Ranch or Bradenton, you’ve noticed them: urgent care centers popping up on every corner like fast-food joints. They promise speed and convenience, but for many of our neighbors, the reality is a long wait in a crowded lobby, a stack of repetitive paperwork, and—worst of all—substandard care that doesn’t actually solve the problem.

At East County Internal Medicine, we see it all the time: a patient spends hours and a high copay at a local urgent care, only to end up in our office a few days later because the “quick fix” didn’t work. Here is why your PCP is actually the faster, smarter choice for your health.

The “Instant” Service You Didn’t Know Existed

Many patients are surprised to learn that Shaan Kunwar, D.O. offers nearly instant service through telehealth. If you’re feeling under the weather and need a consultation or an antibiotic, you don’t necessarily need to drive down State Road 70 or University Parkway.

With a simple telehealth visit, you can speak with Dr. Kunwar from your own couch. Because you are an established patient, we can often consult and send a prescription to your local pharmacy in a fraction of the time it takes to even get checked in at a walk-in clinic.

No More Redundant Paperwork

Every time you walk into an urgent care, you are a stranger. That means 15 minutes of “clipboard duty”—filling out your history, your allergies, and your insurance info over and over again. At East County Internal Medicine, we already know you. Your records, your medication history, and your preferences are at our fingertips. This doesn’t just save time; it ensures your safety by preventing dangerous drug interactions that a busy, high-volume urgent care provider might overlook.

The Problem with Substandard “Transactional” Care

Urgent cares are built for volume, not relationships. They often provide “band-aid” medicine—treating a single symptom without looking at the bigger picture of your health. We frequently see patients who were given the wrong dosage or an ineffective antibiotic at a clinic, only to have their symptoms return. When you see Dr. Kunwar, you’re seeing a board-certified Internist who understands your long-term health goals. We don’t just want to get you out the door; we want to get you well.

Skip the “Double Pay” and the Waiting Room

Don’t pay an expensive urgent care co-pay only to realize you still need to see your primary doctor to get the right treatment. By making East County Internal Medicine your first call, you ensure the job is done right the first time. The next time you’re feeling ill, don’t settle for the “convenience” of a neon sign.

Experience the efficiency and expertise of a doctor who actually knows your name.

Need to be seen? Skip the line and contact us today to schedule a telehealth or in-office appointment at our Gatewood Drive location in Lakewood Ranch.

“An informed patient is a healthier patient.”

Shaan Kunwar DO

941-727-7771

Spinal issues are among the most common reasons for doctor visits and lost work days worldwide. Whether it’s the cervical spine (neck) or the lumbar spine (lower back), these conditions don’t discriminate—they can affect anyone, at any time, significantly disrupting your daily life.

How Common Are Spine Issues?

Spine problems are remarkably prevalent. Research indicates that:

* Widespread Impact: Up to 80% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives.
* Primary Regions: The lumbar region (53.1%) and cervical region (27.1%) account for the vast majority of spinal disorders.
* Leading Disability: Chronic back and neck pain are leading causes of global disability, often forcing early retirement or significant lifestyle changes.

No Age, Male or Female

While some conditions like arthritis are more common in older adults, spine issues affect all demographics:

* Age Groups: Neck pain is increasingly common in patients under 30, often due to “text neck” and long hours at computers. Conversely, degenerative conditions like spinal stenosis peak in those aged 50–55.

* Gender Differences: Women are slightly more likely to report spinal pain and its consequences than men. Specific conditions like cervical spondylosis and lower back pain are often more prevalent in women.

Various Forms and Chronic Risks

Spinal issues come in many forms, from sudden strains to long-term wear and tear:

* Common Conditions: These include [herniated discs](https://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/spinal-pain/), [spinal stenosis](https://iuhealth.org/thrive/what-to-expect-from-cervical-spine-surgery), degenerative disc disease, and [spondylosis](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4454908/).

* The Chronic Cycle: What begins as a flare-up can easily become chronic (lasting over 6 months) if ignored. Approximately 10% of acute episodes transition into permanent, chronic problems.

Impact on Quality of Life

When your spine hurts, everything suffers. Chronic pain can lead to:

* Reduced Mobility: Difficulty with basic tasks like dressing, bathing, or walking.
* Lost Productivity: Millions of workdays are lost annually, with 1 in 4 workers reporting back pain.
* Emotional Toll: Persistent pain is frequently linked to sleep problems, low mood, and distress.

Take Control of Your Spine Health

Early intervention is the key to preventing acute pain from becoming a lifelong burden. You don’t have to “just live with it.”

Book Your Appointment Now with East County IM

Are you currently experiencing any numbness or tingling in your arms or legs along with your back pain?

“An informed patient is a healthier patient.”

Shaan Kunwar DO

941-727-7771