Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the questions we hear most from patients. If you don't see what you're looking for, reach out directly, we're happy to help.

• Insurance & Scheduling

Yes. We accept many major commercial insurance plans as well as Medicare. Coverage varies by plan, so we encourage patients to contact their insurance provider to verify their benefits before scheduling an appointment.
Dr. Shakeilla Smithbey is currently licensed to provide telemedicine services in California, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. As additional state licenses become available, our website will be updated accordingly.

• Telehealth Visits

Yes. Tree of Life Integrative Family Medicine is a 100% telemedicine practice. All appointments are conducted securely through a HIPAA-compliant virtual platform, allowing patients to receive quality healthcare from the comfort of home or another private location.
You'll need a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, a stable internet connection, and a working camera and microphone. A quiet, private location is also recommended. No special medical equipment is required.
Your insurance card, if applicable
- A list of your current medications and supplements
- Recent laboratory results or imaging reports, if available
- Home health readings such as blood pressure, weight, blood sugar, or temperature, if requested
- A list of questions or health concerns you'd like to discuss
Appointment length varies depending on the type of visit. New patient visits are approximately 60 minutes. Follow-up visits are typically 30 to 45 minutes. Your provider takes the time to understand your health concerns and develop a personalized care plan.
We currently provide care for adolescents age 12 and older, including adults and seniors.

• Prescriptions & Lab Work

Yes. When medically appropriate, prescriptions can be sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy. Prescription decisions are based on your medical history and evaluation during the visit, in accordance with applicable federal and state telemedicine regulations. Tree of Life Integrative Family Medicine does not prescribe controlled substances; patients who require these medications will be referred to an appropriate provider.
Yes. Prescription refill requests are reviewed individually. Depending on the medication and the length of time since your last appointment, a follow-up visit may be required to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.
Yes. If medically appropriate, laboratory tests can be ordered during your visit. Orders are sent electronically to a participating laboratory, and your provider will review the results with you during a follow-up appointment or through secure communication, depending on your care plan.

• Ongoing Care

Yes. If your condition requires additional evaluation or specialized care, we coordinate referrals to appropriate specialists. We work collaboratively to ensure continuity of care while remaining your primary healthcare provider whenever appropriate.

• Emergency Care

What if I need emergency care?

Tree of Life Integrative Family Medicine does not provide emergency medical services. If you are experiencing chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, or any other life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.