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Updated on August 20, 2024
If you are looking for a healthcare provider or medical center for weight loss treatment, telehealth may be a treatment option worth exploring.
Telehealth or telemedicine is a healthcare option where appointments are conducted remotely using video calls or other forms of electronic communication. Telehealth has become increasingly popular in recent years, helping people and providers keep up with appointments for minor illnesses, test results, physical and occupational therapy, and mental health services.
Telehealth is also helping many people access healthcare services for weight loss, with online health clinics specializing in treatment for overweight and obesity.
If you are seeking treatment to help with weight loss and are interested in telehealth, here are a few steps that can help you find a provider and prepare for your appointment.
Choosing a telehealth provider
There are a number of healthcare centers that offer services related to weight loss. Some are clinics that specialize in telehealth. Some are operated by retail companies. Others are affiliated with major hospital networks.
Your choice can depend on several factors—if you are being referred by another healthcare provider, if you are paying out-of-pocket or through your insurance company, and what you feel most comfortable with.
Take some time to research any healthcare service you are interested in. Have you heard of this company? Are there user reviews? Do the user reviews look legitimate? Has the company been included on a list of “best telehealth companies” by a major news publication?
Read up on a company’s policies, including policies about privacy and protection of health information and language around the services offered.
Preparing for your appointment
In many ways, preparing for a telehealth appointment is like preparing for any healthcare appointment. Find out what your telehealth provider needs from you prior to your conversation, such as:
- Do you need to complete and submit any forms?
- Do you need to provide any medical records or other documents?
- Do you need to have bloodwork or other tests before the appointment?
It’s also helpful to put together a list of any medications you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
Additionally, you’ll want to prepare notes and talking points:
- Questions you want to ask your provider
- Your goal for the appointment
- Why you are seeking treatment for weight loss
- Notes on your medical history, including any health conditions and weight loss interventions you’ve tried in the past
- Anything you feel is important to discuss
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with any technology that you will be using during the appointment. Some providers may have their own app that you will need to download. Others may require you to log in using an internet browser. Others may conduct appointments over video conferencing apps.
Setting up your space
Your time with your provider is important. You will want to set up a quiet environment where there will be minimal distractions and interruptions, preferably not in a public place (to ensure privacy), and definitely not while driving. Good lighting can be helpful, and it’s also important to have a reliable internet connection.
Tips for setting up your space:
- Test your camera and microphone before the appointment.
- Make sure your device is fully charged and have a charging cable plugged in or nearby
- Have your list of topics and questions you want to discuss
- Have a way to take notes
- Have water ready to sip (especially if you are talking a lot)
- Headphones are usually a good idea
As with any healthcare appointment, it helps to arrive a few minutes early. You can use the time to go over what you want to talk about and write down any last-minute notes or questions.
