Dr. Kara Jean Nance, MD

Kara Nance and her office staff were very nice to me during the visit. The office is nice, and I didn’t have to wait long. There is a convenient optional online patient portal, where you can obtain test results, and even ask the doctor questions, and she is nice enough to answer them herself. In order for you to get the most out of having Dr. Nance as a doctor, it is important first that you understand what kind of doctor office this is so you can use her services to your advantage. This is a doctor who specializes in (1) calorie counseling, when being overweight is due to calorie over-consumption only, but not from hormone problems or other medical problems, and (2) diabetes management or specialized insulin level problems. They do run standard CBC & Chemistry labs and quick pap smears. However, this is not a primary care doctor, and this is not a gynecology doctor. If you ask non-calorie related primary care or gynecology/women’s health questions, they will not try to answer or address those questions, and instead they will advise you to see another doctor in that area like she did to me.

I normally do not write reviews like this, but I thought it worthwhile for those interested in working with Dr. Nance and her team. I wanted to write this because I know it can be scary committing and taking the steps to get started, but I can tell you that I do not have one single regret in making the choice to get help. I have never felt judged or chastised by anyone at the office and have appreciated the entire staffs positive attitude and encouragement for me on my journey. I have been in the program for 10 weeks now and I am down 42 pounds. What I like about the team is that through the use of their products, scheduled check-ins, and meetings they create a full support system not only meant to help you lose weight, but help make the actual lifestyle change to sustain it. For the first time in my life, I feel like I am dieting with purpose and intention and it feels really good. The meal program is convenient and a weeks worth of food costs me less than what I used to spend on the weekend eating at restaurants. I have never felt pressured to use or leverage any of their products or classes and was told I could move forward with what I was comfortable with. To get the results I have seen so far, I have taken advantage of their products to help meet my goals. Its important to note that insurance does not cover the food costs, so if you choose to move in that direction you will have to pay for the food, which is much less expensive than my old eating habits. If you are ready to make a change and really commit to a structured weight loss program I could not recommend this place more. It has changed my life and I am just getting started. I hope this review gives you some encouragement to take the first step on your own journey if you need it. I can tell you from experience it is well worth it!

I felt pushed to buy nearly $250 of products (BTW that is my grocery bill for a family of 4!). She continually pushed me to join weight loss groups for $50 a session. I thought I was going to an MD and ended up getting a "buy this and you will lose weight" approach. I did the prescribed diet for 2 weeks and nearly fainted b.c I wasn't taking in the correct amount of protein. I also got billed for tests that were not needed according to my insurance and PCP. I am not a money making venture. I am a patient truly seeking help and a one size fits all approach is just not ethical.

Dr. Nance has been understanding and knowledgeable with all my concerns. She offered advise and directions but also was compassionately direct when it came to my lack of following instructions and thus failing to meet my own goals.

Dr Nance and her team at Wellessence MD are the most caring and compassionate people I've ever met in the medical field. Over the past year, Dr. Nance has made a tremendous difference in my life both physically and emotionally. Thank you Dr. Nance for guiding me to a healthier and better life....and for motivating me to continue on with my journey to total wellness.

I saw Dr Nance for a pre surgery physical. She came in exam room late with her laptop in hand and was so busy typing she barely looked up at me, I was sure she was working on another patients info. I was talking to her for about 10 minutes when she looked up and confirmed my name. I went to her for 3 times and decided she was on her own agenda with her weight loss program. She spent more time sending her lengthy monthly email newsletters , then listening to her patients. I would not recommend her to anyone.

Dr. Nance is the most caring Physician, in my experience. I have been her patient for over four years and she has turned my life around. Her expertise and professionalism is second to none.I highly recommend her as a physician and weight lost coach

Very nice doctor and very thorough. She is very knowledgeable about my medical issues and always encourages me to continue with the appropriate care. If I am not satisfied with the treatment recommendations she will work with me until I am. I have been seeing her for over 5 years and would not change doctors.

good luck wherever you may paractice

I have been a patient of Dr. Nance since she joined Riverside Medical in Arlington Heights about 5 years ago. Even as a relatively new doctor she instilled confidence. I am a 50 year old woman and she is one of the best doctors I've ever had. She is thorough and reasonable. She explains illnesses in a way that is easy to understand. She has a pleasant and easy bedside manner.

An absolute 'nut case'!

Worked part-time when I saw her. Poor bedside manner and takes time to follow up with test results. Will not see her again.