Losing weight can be a difficult journey, and finding the right support system is essential. MDLive offers a convenient telehealth option that connects you with board-certified physicians for virtual consultations and possible medication management. This article provides a detailed review of the MDLive weight loss program, weighing its benefits against potential drawbacks to help you decide if it's the right fit for you.
Understanding MDLive's Weight Loss Program
MDLive's program offers virtual consultations with board-certified physicians via video chat. These consultations allow you to discuss your weight loss goals, receive personalized advice, and potentially obtain prescriptions for weight-loss medication (if deemed appropriate by your physician and permitted by law). The convenience factor is a significant advantage, offering 24/7 access to healthcare professionals from the comfort of your own home. It's just like a video chat with your doctor.
How to Get Started with MDLive
Virtual visits are likely part of your health plan’s covered benefits through the Hally® member account and MyChart mobile app*. If you’ve never used your virtual visits benefit before, first be sure you’ve created a Hally member account (for your health plan). If you haven’t already created a Hally member account, visit here to learn how to create your account and how to download the MyChart app. Then, you’ll need to register your free virtual visits account. You can register for this account and begin your first virtual visit in one of three ways:
- Visit hally.com/care, scroll down to Virtual Visits and click Get Started. Then sign in with your Hally member account username and password and follow the steps.
- Open the MyChart app on your mobile device and log into your Hally account.
- Once you’ve registered, you and your covered family members are all set.
When you’re ready to schedule your first appointment, simply visit hally.com/care or open your MyChart app and follow the same steps as above. If you have any questions, simply call the number on your health plan ID card.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
MDLive's telehealth approach offers several advantages, but it's essential to acknowledge limitations:
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Pros:
- 24/7 convenient access: Consultations can be scheduled anytime, anywhere, offering flexibility for busy schedules. MDLive’s urgent care program is run by a team of board-certified doctors who can respond to more than 100 ailments (non-emergency). They are available on-demand, by phone or video, at all hours of the day.
- Consultations with board-certified physicians: You'll receive guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.
- Potential for weight-loss medication prescriptions (where appropriate): If deemed necessary and permitted by law, your physician may prescribe weight-loss medications. Because MDLive treats chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity, those who qualify may get GLP-1 prescriptions. Anti-obesity medications (e.g., Zepbound, Wegovy, Saxenda, Contrave) are available at the doctor’s discretion, except in the following states - Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Jersey.
- HIPAA-compliant and prioritizes patient privacy: Your personal information is protected in accordance with privacy regulations. The South Florida brand is LegitScript-certified, which means it was deemed safe and trustworthy by healthcare experts.
- Many insurance plans cover the first six visits: This can significantly reduce the initial cost of the program. MDLive does take insurance, and it takes most insurance plans. If your plan is accepted, the fee for your visit will most likely be covered. Any out-of-pocket costs will be revealed to you ahead of time. Many plans also cover diagnostic tests and prescriptions, however you may want to call your insurance company beforehand. Insurance also isn’t required, and the cost will be revealed to you before the visit.
Cons:
- Limited publicly available data on long-term effectiveness: It's challenging to assess the program's success rate due to a lack of comprehensive studies.
- Cost uncertainty after the initial six visits covered by many insurance plans: Be sure to understand the potential out-of-pocket expenses for ongoing consultations.
- Availability varies by state; not available in all locations: MDLive's services may not be accessible depending on your location.
- Relatively short consultation times (approximately 10 minutes) may be insufficient for some individuals: Some individuals may need more time to discuss their concerns thoroughly.
- Not a substitute for regular primary care physician visits: MDLive is designed to supplement, not replace, your primary care.
Cost of MDLive
The cost of your treatment will completely depend on what service you use, and if you’re using insurance. Out-of-pocket, a medical visit costs $89 per appointment; therapy is $179 for the first and $140 for follow-ups; psychiatry is $299 for the first and $159 for follow-ups; and dermatology is $95 per appointment. The cost of prescriptions will depend on your local pharmacy, and if you have insurance.
Is MDLive Right for You? An Eligibility Checklist
Before proceeding, consider these key factors:
- Location: Does MDLive operate in your state? Availability varies by state; not available in all locations.
- Health Status: Are you a suitable candidate for telehealth weight management? Speak with your primary care physician if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.
- Cost: Review your policy details carefully to understand potential costs. Does your doctor have to approve of MDLive? Write down questions you want to ask.
Have Your Consultation
Discuss your health history, goals, and any concerns with your physician during your virtual consultation. You can schedule appointments with licensed therapists and psychiatrists whenever works for you. MDLive’s Board-certified dermatologists can diagnose and provide various skin treatments for a wide range of ailments.
Follow Your Physician's Recommendations
Adhere to your physician's personalized plan, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.
Maximizing Your MDLive Weight Loss Experience
MDLive provides a valuable tool, but its success relies on your active participation. Remember, "What's the key to successful weight loss using MDLive?" It involves more than just these virtual meetings.
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- Honest Communication: Be open and transparent with your physician about your goals, challenges, and concerns.
- Integrate with Existing Care: Keep your primary care physician informed about your progress and any medications prescribed through MDLive.
- Holistic Approach: Combine MDLive consultations with healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and a long-term commitment to healthy lifestyle changes.
- Realistic Expectations: Sustainable weight loss is a gradual process. Set achievable goals, celebrate milestones, and don't be discouraged by temporary setbacks.
What to Eat
Like any diet, it’s important to consider balancing calories with activity levels, portion control and choosing a diet that supports your individual health needs while making it a part of your lifestyle. Department of Agriculture’s model for a healthy eating pattern; it replaced the food pyramid in 2011. MyPlate emphasizes portion control and balanced food groups by making half your plate fruits and vegetables. It further encourages lean proteins, whole grains and limiting added sugar and salt. The Flexitarian diet, as the name suggests, is a flexible alternative to being a vegetarian. It’s a plant-based diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts, but still allows meat - it’s just consumed less often and in smaller portions. A Flexitarian diet can aid weight management while reducing risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The Mediterranean diet can also support weight loss with its emphasis on whole foods, healthy fats, limited processed foods and added sugar, reduced calorie intake, and long-term stability. You’ll focus on eating fruits, vegetables, lentils, nuts, whole grains, extra-virgin olive oil, fish, and moderate cheese and yogurt.
MDLive Services
MDLive was founded in 2009. It offers primary and urgent care, mental health, and dermatology services, from the comfort of your home. Its founder, healthcare and technology entrepreneur Randy Parker, wanted to find a way to connect patients with board-certified providers, pediatricians and licensed therapists online.
- Urgent Care: MDLive’s urgent care program is run by a team of board-certified doctors who can respond to more than 100 ailments (non-emergency). They are available on-demand, by phone or video, at all hours of the day.
- Primary Care: If you opt into MDLive’s primary care services, you can get annual checkups, as well as preventive and ongoing care for chronic conditions (i.e. type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.). You can opt into digital health coaching, to ensure you’re treating said chronic conditions properly. And you can easily get referrals for lab work or testing, if need be. Eligible members can also get preventative screenings, for any predisposed conditions.
- Mental Health: You can schedule appointments with licensed therapists and psychiatrists whenever works for you. MDLive therapists are board-certified.
- Dermatology: MDLive’s Board-certified dermatologists can diagnose and provide various skin treatments for a wide range of ailments.
Other Services
MDLive also offers:
- Wellness screenings
- Routine care for conditions like asthma, diabetes (Type 2), hair loss, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, prediabetes, STIs, and thyroid issues.
- Digital health coaching
- Easy, fast appointments, referrals, prescriptions, preventive screenings for women and men, lab work, and diagnostic tests
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