I am a board-certified Family Medicine physician with advanced training in Obesity Medicine and metabolic health. At SustainMD, I dedicate time to understanding the medical factors affecting your weight and developing care that fits your life.
I conduct your physician visits myself and remain directly involved as your treatment progresses. My goal is to build a working relationship in which your questions, concerns and experience inform the plan.
I grew up in rural Maine, where limited access to medical care shaped my decision to train for underserved communities. That experience continues to influence how I think about access and the physician-patient relationship.
In practice, weight and metabolic concerns need time for careful evaluation and ongoing attention. SustainMD creates that space while allowing patients to continue the primary and specialist care they need elsewhere.
Watch
A short introduction from Dr. Barbee to virtual weight and metabolic care, available in North Carolina, California, Florida and Maine.
My professional memberships include the Obesity Medicine Association, the Obesity Action Coalition and the North Carolina Obesity Society.
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I want to understand what you have already tried, how you responded and what you need help with now. I explain my assessment and the reasoning behind treatment recommendations so we can make informed decisions together.
Care continues to evolve. During follow-up, I review treatment response and make adjustments as needed. You can discuss recommendations that have become difficult to sustain without having to defend your experience.
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As part of ongoing care, I personally handle medication prior authorizations and insurance appeals when appropriate. I also explore self-pay options when coverage is unavailable and help patients understand laboratory payment options.
If a prescription needs to be changed or resent, or side effects need review, I handle those concerns directly within the ongoing care relationship.
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I focus on Obesity Medicine and metabolic health while considering the care you receive from other clinicians. I coordinate with your primary care clinician and specialists where appropriate and do not assume responsibility for every part of your treatment.
Learn more about the concerns I address and how care works.
I am licensed in North Carolina, California, Florida and Maine. Virtual care is available in those four states, with in-person appointments also available on Tuesdays.
See Where I Practice for appointment information.
I trained in Family Medicine and have been board certified in that specialty since 2006. My additional Obesity Medicine training includes more than 150 hours of continuing medical education.
Yes. I provide your physician visits and handle clinical communication directly.
It helps me consider your wider medical history and coordinate metabolic treatment with other care. SustainMD itself is focused on Obesity Medicine and metabolic health.
Medication is one possible part of an individualized treatment plan. Assessment, nutrition, physical activity and ongoing review are also important parts of care.
I pursue prior authorizations and appeals where appropriate within ongoing care. Your insurer determines coverage, and medication is purchased separately.
Yes. Virtual visits are available in North Carolina, California, Florida and Maine. See appointment availability.
Explore the initial consultation for a comprehensive assessment and written plan. After you book, I will contact you with the next steps.
