Question 1

Should I book a 30 minute or 45 minute First Consultation?

Accepted Answer

For clients who are totally new to GLP-1 medications 45 minute consults are recommended. However, you are welcome to book 30 minutes if this is your preference. This consult will be more streamlined and time limited. 30 minute consults are ideal for those who are established on a medication that is working for them and are looking to change provider or have a more individualised approach or titration.

Question 2

Who can and cannot use the clinic?

Accepted Answer

The clinic is only for those aged 18 years and older in the UK.

Prescriptions of GLP1 medications will not be issued to anyone with a BMI under 27, or under 30 without health issues from their weight. In order for prescriptions or medication to be issued patients will need to provide their registered GP details in the pre-consultation questionnaire.

Whilst those who are taking insulin, gliclazide (or any agent that causes their blood sugar to drop- also known as hypoglycaemic agents) are welcome to consult we will not provide any GLP1 medications to people on these agents. In many cases it may be appropriate for patients in this group to use these medications, however, given the set up of the clinic we are not best placed to support this group of patients at the present time.

Question 3

Do I have to supply my NHS GP details?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Prior to attending your consultation all patients must provide their NHS GP details and consent to information sharing with them. If a medication is prescribed during the consultation the GP will be informed. No other information will routinely be shared with the NHS GP. If a patient does not provide their NHS GP details or does not consent to information sharing then the consultation will not proceed.

Question 4

Why do I need to supply a copy of my ID?

Accepted Answer

As an online and private healthcare provider verifying a patient's ID is important. Prior to the consultation all patients will be asked to upload a copy of their photo ID (either passport or driving licence) which will be used at the start of the consultation to verify ID. Should ID not be supplied, or there be any doubt as to the validity of the ID the consultation will be terminated.

Question 5

How do you check BMI?

Accepted Answer

We ask patients to supply their height and weight prior to the consultation.
During the consultation a patient may be asked to stand back from their camera so the clinician can observe their body habitus and in some cases be asked to weigh themselves on camera.

Question 6

If I book a consultation am I guaranteed a prescription?

Accepted Answer

Prescribing will only be undertaken where the doctor feels this is appropriate. Booking a consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
For patients on hypoglycaemic agents (medications that lower blood sugar such as insulin or gliclazide) we do not prescribe GLP-1s at this clinic. This is not because you are unable to have them, but because of the limitations of the clinic at present. Whilst you are welcome to book a consultation to discuss obesity and general weight management, no GLP-1 prescribing will take place for patients on these medications for safety reasons.
There are specific contraindications (meaning reasons you should not have) to having these medications which include-
History of thyroid cancer, MEN, pancreatitis, gall stones.

Question 7

I'm in maintenance on a GLP-1. Do I still need a 45 minute consultation?

Accepted Answer

We welcome patients coming to the clinic to continue their maintenance dosing. All new patients must undertake the First Consultation so that we can get to know you as an individual and can support your needs. For those in maintenance a 30 minute First Consultation is appropriate (though patients are always welcome to book longer if they prefer).

Question 8

Can I take a GLP-1 if I'm on insulin or gliclazide?

Accepted Answer

There is a risk of further lowering blood sugar on these medications.
Because of the safety risks and the limitations of the clinic we are not the ideal provider at this time of GLP-1 medications for these clients and they may be better served by an alternative service. You are more than welcome to contact the clinic for redirection and we apologise that we cannot provide this service at this current time.

Question 9

What does the First Consultation cost include?

Accepted Answer

It includes the allocated clinical time,  prescriptions and documents generated during the consultation.
It does NOT include the cost of the medication. This is paid to the pharmacy from whom you obtain the medication and will vary depending on provider and dose.

FAQs

Dr Emma