Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about Better Self MD telehealth care, treatments, labs, privacy, memberships, and online medical visits.
General Questions
What is betterselfMD, and how does telehealth work? ›
betterselfMD is a telehealth wellness platform that connects patients with licensed healthcare providers for personalized care. Through secure virtual consultations, patients can discuss their health goals, review symptoms, and receive individualized treatment recommendations from the comfort of home.
What health services does betterselfMD offer? ›
betterselfMD offers a variety of wellness and preventative health services, including weight management, hormone optimization, men's and women's health, sexual wellness, skin and hair health, mood and focus support, longevity strategies, and comprehensive lab testing.
How do I get started as a new patient? ›
Getting started is simple. Choose the service that best fits your goals, complete a brief intake questionnaire, and schedule your consultation. Your provider will review your health history and create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs.
Do I need lab work before receiving treatment? ›
Some treatment plans may require laboratory testing to help your provider better understand your health status and determine the safest, most effective recommendations. If labs are needed, your provider will explain the process and review your results with you.
Can I receive treatment without visiting a clinic? ›
Many services offered through betterselfMD can be managed entirely through telehealth. Depending on your treatment plan and state regulations, consultations, follow-ups, prescriptions, and ongoing care may be completed remotely.
Are your healthcare providers licensed? ›
Yes. betterselfMD works with licensed healthcare professionals who are experienced in preventive wellness, hormone health, weight management, and other specialized areas of care. Providers evaluate each patient individually to determine appropriate treatment options.
What conditions can telehealth help address? ›
Telehealth can support a wide range of wellness concerns, including weight loss goals, hormone imbalances, low energy, sexual health concerns, skin and hair health, stress management, healthy aging, and preventative care. Your provider will determine whether telehealth is appropriate for your specific needs.
How are prescriptions handled? ›
If a provider determines that treatment is appropriate, prescriptions may be sent to a licensed pharmacy in accordance with state and federal regulations. Eligibility for treatment is based on your medical history, consultation, and any required lab results.
Is my personal health information secure? ›
Yes. betterselfMD uses secure technology and follows HIPAA privacy standards to help protect your personal and medical information. All patient communications, records, and consultations are handled confidentially.
How much do telehealth consultations cost? ›
Pricing varies depending on the service selected and the level of care required. Any applicable consultation fees, treatment costs, or program details will be provided before you move forward with care.
Do you accept insurance? ›
betterselfMD operates primarily on a self-pay model, allowing for transparent pricing and personalized care. Depending on your plan, you may be able to use HSA or FSA funds for eligible healthcare expenses.
How often will I meet with my provider? ›
Follow-up schedules vary based on your treatment plan and health goals. Many patients have regular virtual check-ins to review progress, discuss lab results, adjust treatment recommendations, and ensure they are achieving the best possible outcomes.
What makes betterselfMD different from traditional healthcare? ›
betterselfMD focuses on personalized, proactive care designed to help patients optimize their health, energy, and quality of life. Through telehealth, patients gain convenient access to providers who take the time to understand their goals and develop individualized treatment strategies.
What can I expect during my first consultation? ›
During your first visit, your provider will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and goals, answer questions, and determine the most appropriate next steps. Depending on your needs, this may include lab testing, lifestyle recommendations, or treatment options.
Can I access my care plan and follow-up information online? ›
Yes. Patients have access to a secure portal where they can review appointment information, communicate with their care team, access important documents, and manage aspects of their ongoing care.
GLP-1 Weight Loss
How does Tirzepatide help with weight loss? ›
Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 and GIP medication designed to support medical weight loss by helping regulate appetite, reduce cravings, slow digestion, and improve blood sugar balance. Many patients using Tirzepatide through a telehealth weight loss program experience better portion control, reduced hunger, and sustainable fat loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes and ongoing medical supervision.
Am I eligible for Tirzepatide treatment? ›
Eligibility for Tirzepatide treatment is determined through a virtual medical consultation with a licensed telehealth provider. Patients who struggle with obesity, excess body weight, weight-related health concerns, or difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone may qualify for a personalized GLP-1 weight loss treatment plan based on their health history and goals.
Are there any side effects? ›
Like many GLP-1 weight loss medications, Tirzepatide may cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or reduced appetite, especially during the early stages of treatment. Most side effects are mild and improve over time, and telehealth providers carefully monitor dosage adjustments to help patients stay comfortable and achieve safe, effective weight loss results.
How quickly can I see results? ›
Most patients begin to notice appetite suppression within the first 1–2 weeks. Meaningful weight loss typically begins in weeks 2–4. Clinical trial averages show 5–10% body weight loss by month 3 on full doses; 13.7% average loss at 68 weeks for semaglutide (STEP-1, NEJM 2021); and 20.2% average loss at 72 weeks for tirzepatide (SURMOUNT-5, NEJM 2025). Individual results depend on starting weight, dose, adherence, and lifestyle factors.
Can I stop treatment anytime? ›
Yes, patients can stop Tirzepatide treatment at any time under the guidance of their licensed medical provider. However, maintaining healthy eating habits, exercise, and long-term lifestyle changes is important for preserving weight loss results after discontinuing GLP-1 therapy or telehealth weight management treatment.
What are GLP-1 medications? ›
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic the gut hormone GLP-1, which is released after eating. They reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and signal the brain to feel fuller sooner. Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications are now FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are the most widely used. Clinical trials show average body weight reductions of 15–22% — the highest ever seen in pharmaceutical weight management.
Am I a candidate for GLP-1 medications? ›
GLP-1 therapy is clinically indicated for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. You should also have tried diet and exercise without sustained results and be committed to regular medical monitoring. Certain conditions may affect candidacy — we will confirm eligibility at your free consultation.
TRT
Is TRT safe? ›
When prescribed and monitored by a licensed provider, TRT is generally safe. Regular lab work and check-ins help minimize risks. Your provider will review your medical history to ensure treatment is appropriate.
Is TRT the same as steroids? ›
No. TRT is a regulated medical therapy designed to restore testosterone to normal physiological levels—not to enhance performance beyond natural ranges. It's prescribed for men with clinically diagnosed deficiencies and monitored by healthcare providers.
How quickly will I see results? ›
Most men notice improvements in energy and mood within 3–6 weeks. Physical changes like increased muscle mass and fat loss typically become noticeable after 3–6 months of consistent treatment.
Do I need a prescription for TRT? ›
Yes. TRT is a prescription medication and requires evaluation by a licensed provider.
Can women benefit from TRT? ›
Yes. Some women with low testosterone levels benefit from hormone therapy, especially for symptoms like chronic fatigue, low libido, and muscle weakness. Treatment protocols differ from men's and require specialized monitoring.
Do I need labs before starting? ›
Yes. Your provider will order baseline testosterone labs and other relevant tests to confirm low levels and rule out contraindications. Some patients already have recent labs, which can be reviewed during the consultation.
How often do I need follow-up visits? ›
Most patients have a follow-up at 6–8 weeks, then every 3–6 months depending on progress. Lab work is typically reviewed every 3–6 months to monitor hormone levels and adjust dosing.
Weight Loss
What is medical weight loss? ›
Medical weight loss is a personalized, physician-guided approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Unlike traditional dieting, medical weight loss addresses the underlying factors that can contribute to weight gain, such as metabolism, hormones, appetite regulation, and certain medical conditions. Depending on your individual needs, your treatment plan may include lifestyle recommendations, nutrition guidance, prescription medications such as GLP-1 therapies when appropriate, and ongoing support from licensed healthcare providers to help you achieve safe, sustainable results.
How does telehealth weight loss work? ›
Telehealth weight loss allows you to receive personalized medical care from the comfort of your home. After completing a secure online health assessment, you'll meet virtually with a licensed healthcare provider to discuss your medical history, weight loss goals, and treatment options. If appropriate, your provider may recommend prescription medications, nutrition guidance, lifestyle changes, or additional lab work. Regular follow-up appointments help monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to support long-term success.
How much weight can I lose? ›
Weight loss results vary from person to person and depend on factors such as your starting weight, overall health, treatment plan, nutrition, physical activity, and consistency. Many patients begin noticing changes within the first few weeks, while meaningful long-term results develop over several months. Your provider will work with you to establish realistic goals focused on improving your overall health, not just the number on the scale.
Am I eligible? ›
Eligibility for medical weight loss is determined during your consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Many adults who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, have excess body weight, or are managing weight-related health conditions may qualify for treatment. Your provider will carefully review your medical history, current health, medications, and personal goals before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.
Are GLP-1 medications safe? ›
GLP-1 medications have been extensively studied and are FDA-approved for specific medical uses when prescribed appropriately. Like all prescription medications, they may not be suitable for everyone and can cause potential side effects. Your provider will review your medical history, discuss the benefits and risks, and monitor your progress throughout treatment to help ensure your care remains safe and effective.
What happens after I stop treatment? ›
Some patients are able to maintain their weight loss through healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and continued lifestyle changes after completing treatment. Others may require ongoing support depending on their health goals and individual circumstances. Your provider will help develop a long-term maintenance plan designed to support lasting success and reduce the likelihood of regaining weight.
Do I need lab work? ›
Lab work may be recommended depending on your medical history, current health, medications, and treatment goals. Laboratory testing can help identify underlying conditions that may affect weight management, such as hormone imbalances, thyroid disorders, insulin resistance, or nutritional deficiencies. If labs are appropriate, your provider will explain which tests are recommended and how the results will help personalize your treatment plan.