Why was this Teladoc Health care team offered to me?
Your data shows you recently had an A1c greater than 8% or blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg. The care team can help you reach a healthy range. Your employer or health insurance sponsors this service.
What can the care team help me with?
If you have type 2 diabetes or hypertension, the care team can:
- Review your current care plan and provide new perspectives
- Give you personalized guidance to change your lifestyle, diet or activity
- Help you understand how your lifestyle and medication relate
- Answer questions about medication
- Make sure medications you’re taking are safe and essential
- Address medication side effects and interactions
- Prescribe new medications or change your existing dose and schedule
- Keep you on track with day-to-day support
It’s important that you keep seeing your other providers. They care for health needs beyond type 2 diabetes and hypertension. The care team will defer to your providers’ instructions for managing other conditions.
Who will be on my care team?
Your care team will include a Teladoc Health care provider, a registered nurse and clinical support staff. You will also continue to have the option to work with a health coach. Our expert coaches include registered dietitians, licensed social workers, exercise physiologists, chronic care professionals and certified diabetes care and education specialists. You may already be working with one now!
How is this care different from the care I get from my other doctors?
The care team can provide supplemental care and support for type 2 diabetes and hypertension between routine visits with your other doctors. During your first visit, you’ll have an hour to talk about your goals. You’ll be able to adjust your care plan every two to four weeks. No need to wait months! You will also continue to have access to an expert coach. They can guide you day to day as you turn new practices into habits.
Will you keep my doctor informed?
When you schedule your first visit, you can tell us who to keep informed. The care team will send your doctor notes after every visit. Your doctor can contact the care team anytime they have questions or concerns.
What if my doctor disagrees with the care team?
Your care team will follow national guidelines. They should be consistent with how your doctor provides care. We also asked independent primary care physicians for their opinions on this service. Their responses were favorable. While we don’t anticipate your doctor will have concerns with our care, they are welcome to reach out anytime. Your care team’s contact information will be on every visit note they send your doctor.
How long will I work with the care team?
You’ll meet with the care provider every two to four weeks. On average, it takes two to three months to get blood sugar or blood pressure into a healthy range. You may work with your health coach for ongoing support as long as you are a member.
How will I meet with the care team?
You can meet with a care provider by video or phone. It’s your choice. You can also message your care team through your account anytime.
To work with an expert coach, you can either schedule a one-on-one phone session or you can message a coach through your account anytime.
What will it be like to work with the care team?
You and your care provider will create a personalized care plan together during your first visit. It will be based on your medical history and goals. The care provider may change your medication and order lab tests. If you have type 2 diabetes, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) may be prescribed at no extra cost. In each follow-up visit, the care provider will review any lab results and your data, like blood sugar or blood pressure readings. They will talk with you about your progress and adjust the care plan as needed.
Clinical support staff and an expert coach will support you between visits. They will answer questions and provide day-to-day guidance for lifestyle changes. If you use a CGM, they can help make sense of your data. Our clinical staff also handle pharmacy coordination and prior authorizations.
When will the care team be available?
You can send non-urgent messages to your care team anytime. They will respond by the end of the next business day. When you schedule a visit with your care provider, you can select any available time. This may include evening hours and one Saturday a month. Your expert coach should be available for daytime, evening and weekend phone sessions.
How will you know which medications I’m already taking?
A nurse will call you before your first virtual visit with the care provider. They’ll review your medical history and medications. They will do this every time you have a visit.
What if I don’t want to take a prescription?
The care team will talk with you about your preferences and options. If you don’t want to take medication, the care team will respect your decision. You can talk with them about other ways to manage your condition, like diet and exercise. They may suggest you schedule coaching sessions for lifestyle guidance, instead of provider visits.
How will you know where to send my prescription or lab orders?
The care team will help you choose a covered pharmacy and lab.
Is there a cost to participate?
The cost depends on your coverage. For many members, there will be no cost. If you have a high-deductible health plan, you may have to pay a low-cost visit fee.
Who is eligible to work with the Teladoc Health care team?
You can work with a Teladoc Health care team if:
- Your employer or health insurance sponsors this service
- You’re 18 to 75 years old
- You have type 2 diabetes or hypertension
- You recently had an A1c greater than 8%, have consistently high blood sugar or have blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg.
- You use a smartphone. This service is only available through our mobile app.
At this time, the care team can’t treat people who:
- Have type 1 diabetes
- Have stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease
- Have cancer or had chemotherapy in the past 12 months
- Have heart or liver failure
- Are using mealtime insulin
- Are in hospice or palliative care
- Have a history of organ transplant
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding or actively pursuing pregnancy
How is this care different from other Teladoc Health services?
The Teladoc Health 24/7 (General Medical) care is better for conditions that need quick attention, like a lingering cold.
Condition care visits are unique from Teladoc Health Primary Care (Primary360) because your visit focuses solely on your condition and ways to improve your health. Members with type 2 diabetes will also receive a continuous glucose monitor in the first month to help them better manage their blood sugar.
Can I schedule visits with the same Teladoc Health provider I already work with?
If you have a relationship with a Teladoc Health Primary Care (Primary360) provider, you will see their availability when you schedule a visit. You will also have the option to select a new provider. If you schedule a visit with a new provider, they will replace your Teladoc Health Primary Care (Primary360) provider.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
You can contact Member Support at 800-945-4355. After you start working with the care team, you can message them through the app.