Ixir Health is a concierge primary care practice located in Pasadena, California, founded by Dr. Christopher Dagher, MD — a physician triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. Our care team also includes Dr. Sahar Dagher, PharmD, a clinical advanced practice pharmacist and integrative nutritionist. We offer proactive, personalized care built around a genuine long-term relationship with our patients — not a rushed 10-minute visit.

What is concierge medicine and how does it work at Ixir Health?

Concierge medicine is a model in which patients pay a membership or program fee in exchange for a higher level of access, time, and personalized care from their physician. At Ixir Health, this means unhurried appointments, same-day or next-day access, direct communication with Dr. Dagher, and a proactive focus on prevention and long-term health. Your insurance continues to be billed separately for covered medical services — the program fee covers enhanced services that go above and beyond what insurance typically reimburses.

Where is Ixir Health located and who do you serve?

Ixir Health is located at 301 S Fair Oaks Ave, Suite 208, Pasadena, CA 91105. We serve adults throughout the San Gabriel Valley including Pasadena, Arcadia, San Marino, Monrovia, Altadena, La Canada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, and surrounding communities. Telehealth visits are also available for established patients for appropriate clinical situations.

Who is Dr. Christopher Dagher?

Dr. Christopher Dagher, MD, FACP, DABOM, DipABLM is the founder and lead physician of Ixir Health. He is triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine — a combination held by very few physicians in the San Gabriel Valley or anywhere in Southern California. Dr. Dagher completed his medical training at New York Medical College and his residency at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena. His clinical philosophy centers on identifying the root causes of health problems, prioritizing lifestyle, and using medication thoughtfully and only when appropriate.

Who is Dr. Sahar Dagher and what is her role?

Dr. Sahar Dagher, PharmD, is Ixir Health's clinical advanced practice pharmacist and integrative nutritionist. Her dual background in pharmacy and nutrition allows Ixir Health to offer a uniquely integrated approach to weight management, metabolic health, and chronic disease prevention — addressing both the pharmaceutical and nutritional dimensions of care within a single coordinated team.

What makes Ixir Health different from other concierge practices in Pasadena?

Ixir Health is one of the only practices in the San Gabriel Valley where a physician triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine works side by side with a clinical pharmacist and integrative nutritionist as a unified care team. Weight management, medication optimization, nutrition science, and preventive medicine are all addressed together — not referred out to separate providers.

How does insurance work at Ixir Health?

Ixir Health bills your insurance for covered medical services — such as office visits for illness, acute care, chronic disease management, and other standard primary care services. Any applicable copays, coinsurance, or deductibles required by your insurance plan will continue to apply for those services. The annual Guardian Angel Wellness Program fee is separate from insurance billing. The services included in the Guardian Angel Program are not billed to Medicare or any other insurance carrier — they are provided exclusively through your annual program fee, as clearly defined in your membership agreement.

Does Ixir Health accept Medicare?

Yes, Dr. Dagher accepts Medicare. Medicare will be billed for covered medical services as appropriate. The Guardian Angel Wellness Program services, however, are explicitly not billed to Medicare — they are provided entirely outside of Medicare coverage and are paid for directly by the patient through the annual program fee. This structure is clearly disclosed in the Ixir Health Membership Agreement prior to enrollment.

Can I use my HSA or FSA toward the Guardian Angel Wellness Program fee?

Potentially, for eligible components. HSA and FSA eligibility rules vary by account type and plan administrator. We encourage you to check with your HSA or FSA administrator to determine what applies to your specific account before assuming eligibility.

What is the Guardian Angel Wellness Program?

The Guardian Angel Wellness Program is Ixir Health's annual comprehensive preventive health program. For an annual fee of $2,500, patients receive a defined set of advanced wellness services that go well beyond what a standard insurance-covered annual physical provides. These services are not billed to Medicare or any other insurance carrier. The program includes body composition analysis, resting EKG, ankle brachial index, spirometry, audiometric screening, grip strength assessment, depression and anxiety screening, sleep health evaluation, comprehensive nutrition assessment, cognitive screening for patients 65 and older, Guardian Angel Nutrition Counseling with Dr. Sahar Dagher PharmD, a customized laboratory panel, and a personal health record. Guardian Angel members also receive Body Balance services including four nutrition coaching visits per year and ongoing weight loss medication management where clinically appropriate.

My insurance already covers an annual physical. Why do I need the Guardian Angel Wellness Program?

A standard insurance-covered annual physical typically includes a basic metabolic panel, a cholesterol check, and a brief review of current symptoms. The Ixir Health Guardian Angel Wellness Program goes substantially further — including advanced diagnostics, body composition analysis, cardiovascular screening, pulmonary function testing, cognitive and mental health assessments, audiometric screening, comprehensive nutrition evaluation, and a customized laboratory panel selected specifically for you. All results are reviewed in dedicated one-on-one time with Dr. Dagher, and used to build a fully personalized prevention plan.

Does my insurance cover the Guardian Angel Wellness Program fee?

No. The annual Guardian Angel Wellness Program fee is not covered or reimbursed by Medicare or any other insurance carrier. It covers a defined set of enhanced wellness services that fall outside of what traditional insurance plans reimburse. This is clearly disclosed in the Ixir Health Membership Agreement prior to enrollment.

How much does the Guardian Angel Wellness Program cost?

The annual program fee is $2,500. Payments can be made annually, semi-annually, or quarterly as elected by the patient. The fee is subject to change with no fewer than 30 days notice before the end of your current term.

What happens if I want to cancel the Guardian Angel Wellness Program?

Either party may terminate the agreement with 30 days written notice. If you cancel prior to receiving any services, you are entitled to a prorated refund of the annual fee. If you have already received your program services, you will not be eligible for a refund and will be responsible for the balance of the annual fee.

Does the Guardian Angel Wellness Program renew automatically?

Yes. The agreement renews automatically for an additional one-year term upon expiration, unless terminated by either party in accordance with the agreement terms.

What is the Body Balance Plan?

The Body Balance Plan is Ixir Health's standalone medical weight loss and metabolic health program. It is a cash-pay membership available to patients who want a clinically supervised, personalized approach to weight management without enrolling in the full Guardian Angel Wellness Program. The plan includes four nutrition guidance and coaching visits per year with Dr. Sahar Dagher PharmD, ongoing weight loss medication management including GLP-1 therapy where clinically appropriate, personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance, and ongoing clinical monitoring with Dr. Dagher.

What is the difference between the Body Balance Plan and the Guardian Angel Wellness Program?

The Body Balance Plan is a standalone weight loss and metabolic health program — it does not include the full annual wellness assessment, advanced diagnostics, customized lab panel, cardiac screenings, cognitive assessments, or personal health record that are part of the Guardian Angel Wellness Program. Guardian Angel members receive Body Balance services included within their membership. Body Balance members do not receive Guardian Angel Wellness Program services. For patients who want the most comprehensive level of preventive care alongside weight management, the Guardian Angel Wellness Program is the recommended option.

Does Ixir Health offer GLP-1 medications for weight loss?

Yes. Ixir Health offers GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy — including semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) — as part of the Body Balance Plan for appropriate candidates. Dr. Dagher, board-certified in Obesity Medicine, evaluates each patient individually to determine whether GLP-1 therapy is appropriate based on their medical history, BMI, metabolic profile, and health goals. GLP-1 medications are always managed as part of a comprehensive plan that includes nutrition guidance, lifestyle support, and ongoing clinical monitoring.

Am I a candidate for GLP-1 weight loss therapy?

GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. Candidacy also depends on your personal and family medical history, including contraindications such as a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Dr. Dagher performs a thorough clinical evaluation before recommending any medication.

What if I want to lose weight without GLP-1 medication?

The Body Balance Plan is not exclusively a GLP-1 program. Many patients achieve meaningful, sustainable weight loss through a personalized combination of nutritional therapy, lifestyle medicine, metabolic optimization, and behavioral support — without medication. Dr. Sahar Dagher works with each patient to develop a realistic, evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle plan tailored to their individual body, goals, and daily life.

Is insurance coverage available for GLP-1 medications prescribed through the Body Balance Plan?

The Body Balance Plan itself is a cash-pay program. However, GLP-1 prescription medications may be eligible for coverage under your individual insurance plan — particularly if you have a qualifying diagnosis such as obesity or type 2 diabetes. Many PPO and employer-sponsored plans now cover FDA-approved GLP-1 medications with appropriate documentation. Our team can help you understand your options, including prior authorization pathways where applicable.

Can I do the Body Balance Plan if I am already on other medications?

Yes, in most cases. GLP-1 medications and other weight loss therapies can interact with certain medications, particularly insulin and other diabetes drugs. Because Dr. Sahar Dagher, PharmD, is embedded directly in the Body Balance care team, medication review and interaction management are built into your care — an important clinical safeguard that most weight loss programs do not offer.

How do I know whether the Body Balance Plan or the Guardian Angel Wellness Program is right for me?

If your primary goal is medically supervised weight loss and metabolic health, the Body Balance Plan is a focused starting point. If you want comprehensive annual preventive care — including advanced cardiovascular, metabolic, cognitive, and nutritional assessments — alongside weight management, the Guardian Angel Wellness Program is the better fit, as it includes Body Balance services within the membership. Book a complimentary Meet and Greet with Dr. Dagher at ixirhealth.com to discuss which program fits your goals.

How do I reach Dr. Dagher between visits?

Ixir Health patients have direct access to Dr. Dagher via phone, text, and secure messaging — without going through a call center or waiting days for a callback. Direct physician access is one of the most valued aspects of the Ixir Health model.

How quickly can I get an appointment at Ixir Health?

Ixir Health maintains a limited patient panel specifically so that scheduling is responsive to your needs. Same-day or next-day appointments are typically available.

Does Ixir Health offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Telehealth and virtual visits are available for established Ixir Health patients for appropriate clinical situations. In-person visits remain the standard for comprehensive evaluations, physical examinations, and Guardian Angel Wellness Program services.

How do I enroll in the Guardian Angel Wellness Program or Body Balance Plan?

The first step is a complimentary Meet and Greet visit with Dr. Dagher at ixirhealth.com. This no-obligation conversation allows you to learn about each program, ask questions, and determine which option best fits your health goals. You can also call our Pasadena office at (626) 986-6874.

What Does "Ixir Health" Mean?

Apr 28

Written By Christopher Dagher

When people first hear the name Ixir Health, they usually ask: "How do you say that and where does it come from?" The answer tells you everything about how this practice was built.

The Word Behind the Name

Ixir is derived from elixir. Historically, an elixir was a medicinal liquid believed to cure illness and prolong life the ancient world's shorthand for the deepest human aspiration: to stay healthy, live long, and avoid suffering.

Dr. Christopher Dagher kept that spirit and grounded it in modern medicine. At Ixir Health, the elixir isn't a potion. It's a personalized, evidence-based approach built around one goal: prevent disease before it starts and help you live a longer, healthier life.

The Four Pillars of the Ixir Philosophy

Lifestyle as Medicine

Your daily habits: how you sleep, move, eat, and manage stress — shape your long-term health more than almost any prescription. Dr. Dagher works with you to identify which lifestyle factors matter most for your specific body and risk profile, with guidance that fits your real life, not a generic template.

Prevention First

Traditional primary care is reactive: you show up when something is wrong, and the goal is to fix it. Ixir Health inverts that model. By catching risk factors early, before they become diagnoses, the goal is to keep you out of the hospital entirely. That means knowing your numbers, understanding your family history, and acting on both.

Routine and Consistency

Staying healthy isn't one dramatic intervention. It's consistent, smart choices over time, backed by consistent medical oversight. At Ixir Health, Dr. Dagher limits his patient panel deliberately so every person gets unhurried appointments, direct access to their doctor, and follow-through that doesn't slip between visits.

Advanced Screenings

Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions are often detectable years before symptoms appear. Dr. Dagher takes a precision medicine approach, going beyond standard bloodwork to include advanced cardiovascular panels, metabolic markers, hormone assessments, and imaging studies tailored to your individual risk. The right screening, for the right person, at the right time.

Why It Matters

The name Ixir Health is a commitment: that primary care in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley can be more than rushed appointments and reactive fixes. It can be the kind of care that actually changes your health trajectory, personalized, proactive, and built for the long game.

Ready to Take Your Health Seriously?

If you're looking for a concierge primary care doctor who takes prevention seriously and treats you as a whole person, Dr. Dagher and the team at Ixir Health are ready to meet you.

Book a complimentary consultation at ixirhealth.com

Ixir Health is a concierge primary care practice in Pasadena, CA serving the San Gabriel Valley, including South Pasadena, Arcadia, San Marino, Glendale, and La Cañada. Dr. Christopher Dagher, MD, specializes in preventive medicine, metabolic health, and personalized long-term care.

Christopher Dagher