Telehealth for Weight Management: Is It Right for You?

The Rise of Telehealth in Weight Management

Telehealth — consultations conducted via video or phone — has significantly expanded access to medical care across Australia. For weight management, telehealth can be a convenient option for many patients, particularly those with busy schedules, limited mobility, or who live further from clinics.

When Telehealth Works Well for Weight Management

Telehealth is well-suited for:

• Follow-up consultations — reviewing progress, adjusting medications, discussing results
• Prescription renewals — ongoing pharmacotherapy like GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide)
• Dietary and lifestyle review — discussing challenges and strategies
• Results review — going through blood tests, body composition results
• Mental health support — discussing emotional aspects of weight management

When an In-Person Visit Is Recommended

Some situations require a face-to-face consultation:

• First consultation — An initial assessment is best conducted in person so your doctor can take a thorough history, perform an examination, and order appropriate investigations
• Gastric band adjustments — These require a physical procedure that cannot be done remotely
• New symptoms — Unexplained symptoms, pain, or concerning changes require examination
• Body composition scan — This technology is only available at the clinic

Dr Chong's Approach to Telehealth

Dr Chun Guan Chong offers telehealth consultations for appropriate follow-up appointments for weight management patients. This allows patients from across Melbourne's eastern suburbs — and beyond — to maintain continuity of care without always needing to travel.

How to Book a Telehealth Appointment

To enquire about telehealth availability, call Medi Weight Loss on (03) 9967 1996 or Knox General Practice on (03) 9100 3130. You can also book online via HotDoc and select the telehealth option where available.