Teledoc Health Expands Weight, Prediabetes Provider-Based Care

Teladoc Health announced its new effort to expand provider-based care through the addition of tools for weight management and diabetes prevention, encompassing medication optimization, activity tracking, and mental health management.

The whole-person virtual care companyaims to transform the healthcare experience while encouraging people to engage in a healthy lifestyle.

Provider-based care offerings from Teladoc Health initially consisted of tools to assist with diabetes and hypertension. However, the organization is expanding its capabilities to assist with weight management and diabetes prevention. According to a press release, 42 percent of US adults are currently living with obesity and 1 in 3 US adults are battling prediabetes. 

The provider-based care offerings from Teladoc Health include providing access to physicians for personalized care plans, as well as daily guidance with digital tools.

Through the expanded provider-based care capabilities, Teladoc Health aims to assist patients with losing weight while optimizing medications. Certain drugs are critical in treating cardiometabolic disease. Teladoc Health said its programs leverage evidence-based guidelines to determine when their applications are necessary. This occurs alongside nutrition and activity tracking, sleep management, and mental health assistance, as the program intends to consider key factors of cardiometabolic health.

“With the expansion of our Provider-Based Care services, we are bringing together the latest innovations with evidence-based guidelines and the highest standards of care to help people live their healthiest lives,” Jason Tibbels, MD, Teladoc Health’s chief quality officer, said in a press release.

“There are exciting new options for those living with obesity and at higher risk of developing diabetes, but it is critical we support these individuals in a comprehensive manner and with a highly personalized and clinically appropriate treatment plan. The combination of medication management and guidance with a personalized, goal-driven care plan ensures members receive the right care at the right time, getting them back on track,” continued Tibbels.

Teladoc services for diabetes and hypertension became accessible earlier in 2023. The company intends to release services for weight management and prediabetes later in the year.

Although there are various existing efforts to improve the health of patients, they often range in terms of capabilities and strategies.

In March, for example, ChristinaCare launched a virtual primary care practice to allow patients to build relationships with a primary care team through different communication channels.

After signing up for the ChristinaCare Center for Virtual Health, patients select a care team to assist them in navigating the service and technology. They also receive a personalized kit with tools such as blood pressure, weight, and temperature monitoring devices.

ChristinaCare noted that other benefits of the program included scheduling and communication through text and video, the ability to engage in same-day appointments, referral efficiency, and access to custom plans.