Integrative Primary Care & Acupuncture

Personalized care. Longer visits. Fewer assumptions. More thinking.
Dr. Elias Lu, DTCM, AP, APRN
111 2nd Ave NE, Suite 520
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Remedicus

Care Designed Around You

Looking for a Doctor in St. Petersburg?
Getting medical care shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden illness, managing a chronic condition, need a prescription refill, or looking for support with a behavioral health concern, Remedicus makes it easier to get the care you need.

Straightforward Personalized Medical Care
Choose the option that works best for you: receive immediate virtual online care or visit my St. Petersburg clinic. I will discuss your treatment options, arrange for tests or referrals, and prescribe medications when medically indicated.

A Different Kind of Health Caring
My practice is intentionally small and personal. You won't be treated like a number or rushed through an appointment. I'll take the time to listen, understand what's going on, and work with you on a plan that makes sense.

My goal is simple: to provide the kind of care I would want for myself and my family – thoughtful, respectful, personal, and unhurried.

Full Transparency and Predictability
You'll know what your visit will cost upfront. There are no memberships, no hidden fees, and no surprise bills in mail to worry about.

Start With a Conversation
Before scheduling a paid visit, you're encouraged to talk with me by phone at no charge. We can briefly discuss what's going on, what you're looking for, and whether I may be the right person to help.

And if I'm not, I'll tell you honestly. No pressure, no sales pitch, and no charge for the conversation.

Call 727-252-6060 or click Get Started.

I look forward to working with you.

- Dr. Lu (the Remedicus)

Reliable care for chronic medical & behavioral conditions
Convenient hours including evenings & weekends
Instant virtual care for over seventy non-emergency illnesses
Available daily 8am - 8pm, no appointment needed
VIP care in convenience of your home, office, or hotel room
Serving St. Petersburg & surrounding communities
Gentle treatments for pain, stress and other life challenges
Experience the power of touch: by appointment
Support for clients working toward mental well-being
Unhurried intentional care for the mind
Concierge-level support for clients recovering from surgery
Heal with confidence & catch any complications early

No-Nonsense Medical Care
in St. Petersburg, Florida

Combining the best of evidence-based medicine and carefully selected complementary therapies to help patients navigate illness, pain, aging, and the complexities of modern health care.
an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background
Whether you need treatment for a common illness, a medication refill, help managing a chronic condition, or a work note - I'm here when you need me, right in the neighborhood and, when necessary, online.

Care That Fits Your Needs

Modern healthcare in the heart of St. Pete
Acute problems

Cold, flu, earache, sore throat, sinusitis, cough, allergy, bladder infection, etc.

Chronic conditions

Diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, coronary heart disease, COPD, cholesterol, etc.

Arthritis, back pain, gout, headache, migraine, neuropathy, knee pain, etc.

Pain
Men's health

STI, PrEP/PEP, ED, low T, performance anxiety, BPH, prostatitis, etc.

Substance use

Confidential in-person treatment for opioid use disorder with Suboxone (MOUD)

Mental health

Anxiety, depression, insomnia, PTSD, stress, substance use, bipolar, ADHD, etc.

Weight loss

Oral & injectable medications, supplements, hypnosis, acupuncture, etc.

Diagnostic imaging

X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT, PET, ECG, echocardiograms, bone density scan, etc.

Laboratory tests

Blood, urine, stool, saliva, hormones, functional tests, microelements, vitamines, etc.

Medical forms

Doctors' note, work & school excuse, employer disability paperwork, FMLA, etc.

Referrals to specialists, second opinion, medical record request & review, etc.

Medical advocacy
Physicals

School, pre-employment, disability, Florida G license, immigration physical, etc.

Seamless Access. Clear Pricing.

Florida Telehealth

Downtown St. Pete Clinic

Virtual urgent care available in Florida from 8 am to 8 pm seven days a week - no appointment necessary

In-person primary care, mental health treatments, and acupuncture at my studio in downtown St. Petersburg

Get Seen Now

TERMS & CONDITIONS

NO EMERGENCY SERVICES. I do not provide emergency medical services. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, please contact your nearest emergency medical services (911) immediately.

NO MEDICAL ADVICE. This communication is solely to inform you of my currently available services, does not constitute medical advice, does not create a duty of care or a doctor-patient relationship, and is not a guarantee of medical care.

TELEHEALTH. You must be physically located in Arizona, Florida, or New York to receive telehealth services. Telemedicine puts certain limitations on medical complexity of the cases I can take and may be not appropriate for patients with multiple and / or complex health problems.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION. By submitting this request, you are agreeing to communicate with me electronically through unencrypted (unsecure) means (web, email, and text) thus waiving the HIPAA obligation with respect to secure communication. If privacy is a concern, do not continue – call instead.

Start below, and I'll personally review your information and get back to you within 15 to 30 minutes.

Prefer a HIPAA-compliant way to reach me? Feel free to use my secure form instead. It takes just a moment to verify your email address, and then you're all set.

Need help sooner - or just don't feel like filling out a form? Call or text me directly at 727-252-6060. We can always take care of the details, like the correct spelling of your name, your date of birth, email address, and mailing address after we talk.

Talk to you soon!

Frequently asked questions

What is Remedicus?

Remedicus is a patient-centered medical practice built around convenient, personalized care – for acute illnesses, chronic conditions, medication management, and behavioral health concerns. Depending on what you need, I can see you virtually anywhere in Florida or in person at my downtown St. Petersburg office.

Do you take insurance?

No. Remedicus runs entirely on a fee-for-service, self-pay model. I don't accept any insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. This sounds like a strange business decision until you realize it's exactly what keeps my prices low. No coding departments, no prior authorizations, no forty-five-minute holds with an insurance company. Just less overhead, and more time for you.

Any medications, labs, or diagnostic studies I order should still be covered under your health plan.

Will my insurance reimburse me for your services?

Probably. Most plans treat it as an out-of-network visit. There's never a guarantee – but my fees tend to be low enough that most patients never bother filing for reimbursement in the first place.

If you'd like a superbill to submit to your insurer, just ask and I'll email you one within 72 hours of your visit.

Do I have to buy a membership?

Never. Remedicus is use-as-you-need. No subscriptions, no monthly dues, no "loyalty tiers." Come and go as you need.

How much do you charge?

My consultation fee ranges from $54 to $180, depending on the service, urgency, and complexity of the visit. Anything beyond that, such as testing, therapies, injections, procedures, gets discussed with you upfront, never sprung on you afterward. For the full breakdown, refer to my Fee Schedule.

Is payment required before my appointment?

Yes. After a free 15-minute screening phone call, you will register and pay for the visit. Please review my practice policy when you schedule.

Are you a concierge practice?

If "concierge" means catering to the wealthy, then no. I built Remedicus for the whole of St. Pete – people who want a workable alternative to overpriced, impersonal, big-box healthcare.

After years in the corporate medical grind, I decided: see fewer patients, at a slower pace, and actually get to know them as people rather than diagnoses on a chart.

Are you an "alternative" medical practice?

I'd describe my model as an alternative to assembly-line medicine – not to good, old-fashioned medical care. I do offer complementary modalities like acupuncture and herbal medicine, but most patients come to me for thoroughly conventional reasons: prescriptions, minor procedures, or diagnostic workups. Think less "crystals and incense," more "an actual doctor who has time for you."

What makes Remedicus different from a walk-in clinic?

For one, you can't just walk in. You'll need an appointment, in person or virtual.

This matters more than it sounds. I've had patients find me online, skip the step of calling, and drive straight to my downtown office … only to end up staring at a locked door. Please don't do that. I might be seeing a patient online, or making a house call, when you arrive.

The whole point of Remedicus is unhurried, thoughtful care – the exact opposite of the "high-volume, hi-bye" pace you'll find at most urgent care clinics. I take the time to listen, understand the full picture, and build a treatment plan that works.

Can I be seen online?

Yes. Virtual visits work well for many common medical concerns, chronic conditions, medication management, and general healthcare needs – all from your couch, so to speak.

What conditions can you treat?

Mine is a general medical practice: acute illnesses, chronic conditions, mental health concerns, physical exams. If something is outside my scope, I'll tell you upfront and point you toward someone who can help.

Can you manage my chronic condition?

I regularly work with patients – in person and virtually – managing chronic health conditions, reviewing history, ordering and interpreting labs, adjusting medications, and coordinating with your other providers as needed.

So, yes, I can take care of many chronic medical conditions.

Is there anything you can't treat?

My practice model has natural limits. Patients with several complex, interlocking health problems are usually better served by a larger, full-service medical practice. If you're not sure where you fall, let's just talk about it.

Do you take care of children?

Remedicus is primarily an adult practice. If you're seeking care for a child, please contact me before scheduling. Historically, the pediatric visits I have taken have mostly been earaches, coughs, and school excuse notes.

Do you have a physical office?

Yes, a small studio in downtown St. Petersburg, where I handle hands-on work like injections, acupuncture, and minor surgical procedures.

Do you also offer house calls?

Absolutely. I make house calls within a 10-mile radius of downtown St. Petersburg. I have seen patients in condos, assisted living facilities, hotel rooms, even truck stops. Seeing patients at Starbucks is where I draw the line.

Can I get a prescription without seeing a doctor?

You'll need a consultation first … though that doesn't have to be an office visit. Video, phone, even text at times can work. Once we've talked, I'll send your prescription electronically to the pharmacy of your choice.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. Transparency is non-negotiable here. The consultation fee covers your visit and a prescription, if one is medically indicated. Anything beyond that – testing, injections, procedures – gets discussed with you before it happens, not buried in a bill afterward. You will not get a surprise invoice from me. Ever.

Can you refill my existing medications?

Medication refills are one of the most common reasons patients contact Remedicus. Before deciding whether a refill is appropriate, I’ll need your current medication, dosage, relevant medical history, and prior prescription details.

How fast can I get my prescription online?

Fast. Skip the lines and meet with me online. The average consultation lasts just 15 minutes. I see patients from all over Florida (and occasionally out of state) and can write new prescriptions and prescription refills for all noncontrolled substances. I can also provide you with a doctor’s note if necessary.

Can I obtain antibiotics without seeing a doctor?

No, and this isn't me being precious about protocol. Antibiotics aren't harmless; used incorrectly, they can genuinely hurt you. A consultation makes sure you're using them appropriately.

Do you prescribe hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, or other "alternative" COVID-19 treatments?

No. These medications are unlikely to hurt you, but the evidence for treating COVID with them is shaky at best. Plus, pharmacies tend to give both of us a hard time when they see a prescription like that. Not a hill worth dying on.

Are there medications you don't prescribe?

I'll always defer to my clinical judgment over a specific request – including one you saw on TikTok or got suggested by ChatGPT. If I decline to prescribe something you had in mind, you won't be charged for the visit.

If you want to know ahead of time whether I can help, just call or text 727-252-6060.

What about controlled substances?

Controlled substances carry real risks of complications and misuse, which is why they're tightly regulated. As a rule, I don't prescribe them via telehealth.

If you're not sure whether your medication qualifies, reach out. I'll assess it for free.

Do you prescribe pain medication?

I’m intentionally conservative when it comes to pain medication. Opioids are prescribed only in select situations, in limited amounts, and only during an in-person visit. When appropriate, treatment is generally short-term, typically no more than three days.

If you need ongoing or high-dose opioid pain management, I’m probably not the right fit for you.

However, if you’re open to buprenorphine, there may be options worth discussing. Give me a call, and we can talk confidentially about whether it may be appropriate for you.

What about mental health: depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD?

I'm comfortable prescribing non-controlled medications for anxiety, depression, OCD, and similar concerns. For ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) or sedatives (Xanax, Ambien), I can offer a short-term bridge of up to seven days.

Acupuncture and acupuncture point injection are also part of my toolkit here. They tend to work surprisingly well for stress-related symptoms.

Will you refill my medications after the visit?

Most likely not, unless your are a family member. You should schedule another visit. However, if your treatment plan simply needs a minor adjustment related to the original visit, I’ll make that change at no additional charge.

If your request involves a new or unrelated issue, or if you contact me more than one week after your visit, a new appointment will be required.

Can you give me a shot?

Yes. I keep many injectable medications on hand for common acute issues, such as infections, allergic reactions, bronchitis, nausea, headaches, back pain, and more.

Can I use telehealth for an urgent medical problem?

For many acute issues – minor infections, respiratory symptoms, allergies, rashes, GI complaints – telehealth works well.

Some problems genuinely need an in-person exam, though. And if you're weighing "telehealth or the ER," that's usually your answer: go to the ER.

If you're not sure, call or text me. Quick triage is always free.

What if I have a medical emergency?

Here comes the disclaimer: Remedicus is not a substitute for emergency care. If you’re experiencing a potentially life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Don’t wait for a telehealth appointment.

Can you order diagnostic and laboratory tests?

Yes. I can order a wide range of diagnostic and laboratory tests through local facilities, often at affordable self-pay rates.

Do I need another paid visit to get my results?

No. Plenty of practices make you pay again just to hear your own results. I don't work that way. Your health information belongs to you. Once results come in (usually within a few days), I'll follow up, and a copy along with my recommendations goes straight to your email, free of charge. If the results warrant a deeper conversation, we'll schedule a tele-visit.

Do you provide mental or behavioral health care?

I'm not a psychiatrist, but I've pursued additional training in primary care psychiatry. I'm comfortable treating a range of behavioral health concerns, such as anxiety, stress, depression, OCD, and other routine mental health conditions.

I work closely with a board-certified psychiatrist for anything more complex.

I hear you offer acupuncture?

Yes. Acupuncture is an important part of my clinical toolkit. I commonly use it for pain, muscle tension, stress, anxiety, and other conditions where it may be helpful.

Acupuncture isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment, and I don't view it as a replacement for conventional medical care. Instead, I use it alongside evidence-based medicine when it makes sense for the individual patient.

Depending on your situation, treatment may include medication, hypnosis, acupuncture, or a combination of approaches.

Can you guarantee a prescription?

No. Medications get prescribed only when there's a clear medical indication, never for performance enhancement, recreational use, or any other non-therapeutic reason. During your free initial phone screening, I can usually give you a reasonable sense of whether I'll be able to help and what it will cost.

Can Remedicus replace my regular primary care doctor?

That depends on you. Some patients make Remedicus their main source of ongoing care. Others use it for specific concerns, or as a convenient complement to care they already receive elsewhere.

Will you work with my other doctors?

That depends on your other doctors. Some are perfectly happy to collaborate; others prefer their patients not seek care elsewhere without checking in first. I've even heard of patients being "fired" by a provider for doing exactly that.

On my end, when it's appropriate and with your permission, I'm glad to coordinate with your other providers and fold relevant information into your care.

Ultimately, whether you see me instead of, or alongside, your existing doctors is entirely up to you.

Is Remedicus right for me?

That's your call. If straightforward, personalized medical care without insurance hurdles or membership fees sounds appealing, Remedicus is likely a good fit.

Reach out through this website and I'll help you figure out the best way to get started.

What happens if you can't help me?

Then you won't be charged. Simple as that.

Ready to Book?

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Medical emergency? Call 911.
Mental health crisis? Call or text 988.