Harika Pal
Doctor • New York
Dr. Harika Pal MD is a board-certified Family Medicine physician. Harika enjoys hiking, traveling, painting, Pilates, meditation, and the occasional rom-com!
About Dr. Pal
Dr. Harika Pal MD is a board-certified Family Medicine physician. She received her medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, FL before moving to New York City to complete her family medicine residency training at the Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center. While at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, she first grew interested in integrative medicine as a path to wellness and completed the University of Arizona Integrative Medicine in Residency program, learning from some of the leading experts in the country. Prior to joining Parsley Health, she practiced full-spectrum family medicine (ranging from pediatric care, prenatal care, women’s health, and adult care) in the South Bronx with the Montefiore medical system and previously served as the Medical Director for the School Based Health Center Program under the Institute for Family Health with multiple locations throughout NYC. While caring for patients in under-served communities, she recognized the limitations of the traditional medical system in giving people the tools and education they need to be proactive about their health – not only to manage their chronic diseases, but to prevent them in the first place! She began to search for a more holistic way to practice medicine and found herself drawn to Functional Medicine. Harika is completing training through the Institute of Functional Medicine so that she can help her patients better understand the complex root causes of their symptoms and work on carefully individualized plans to best optimize their health. She is passionate that every person deserves a great primary care provider who will listen to their stories, take their concerns seriously, explain things thoroughly, and offer the guidance they need to achieve their health goals. Harika enjoys hiking, traveling, painting, Pilates, meditation, and the occasional rom-com!
Frequently asked questions
Can Parsley Health be my primary care physician?
We are considered a primary care practice, so we treat all conditions that a primary care doctor would. We are not specialists. However, if you need to see an OBGYN, cardiologist, or surgeon, for example, you will be referred appropriately. The costs associated with the services provided by specialists or any other healthcare provider outside of Parsley Health are not covered by your Parsley Health membership. Beyond visits, the primary mode of communication with our care team is messaging. We answer quickly during the week (within 24 - 48 hours) and always have a doctor on call to address urgent issues on weekends and holidays. We are often able to take care of acute issues without the need for a visit. A few points to remember about your Parsley Health membership: 1. We do not take insurance. However, we can provide paperwork for you to submit for out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance. You can also pay for your membership using FSA/HSA dollars. 2. We are not available for same-day emergency appointments. 3. If you have a medical emergency, we recommend that you visit urgent care or an ER.
Is Parsley Health covered by insurance?
We do not accept any form of insurance. Parsley Health is classified as a primary care practice, but insurance companies don’t recognize our membership model. After each medical visit, a lab manager can provide a superbill that you can submit to insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. Many members choose to pay for their plans using FSA/HSA dollars.
What is included with my plan?
What’s Included: Doctor’s visit(s) Health coaching visit(s) Online billing and scheduling Unlimited messaging with your care team through an online patient portal (Parsley Membership only) Prescriptions for medications and supplements (Parsley Membership only) In addition to our services, you’ll have access to: Our online supplement store at a discounted price Members-only events Exclusive access to and deals from our wellness partners - our favorite places to sweat, stretch, zen, and shop!
Do I need health insurance if I have a Parsley Health membership?
A Parsley Health membership does not replace health insurance. We advise all members to maintain a separate health insurance plan of their choosing. For blood work, insurance frequently offers full coverage. Please also note that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) includes a requirement that all U.S. citizens purchase health insurance. A Parsley Health membership does not meet this requirement.
Is testing included in my membership fee? What costs can I expect to see?
Your doctor will work with you to customize testing orders based on your health needs and personal preferences. Costs for blood work and specialty tests are not included in the membership price. Blood work is usually covered by insurance. Specialty tests range in cost from $100 - $350. These tests, however, are completely optional.
What types of diagnostic testing does Parsley Health perform?
We offer both standard blood work and in-depth specialty testing to help construct a comprehensive picture of your health and better inform treatment. A personalized testing plan will be recommended by your doctor. All tests, however, are optional. Some of our most frequently prescribed specialty tests assess allergies, cortisol, genetics, microbiome health, and toxic metal levels.