How to prepare for a video visit about Celiac Disease (Education)

Audience: adult

Celiac disease is a condition where eating gluten causes damage to the small intestine. Preparing for a video visit about celiac disease can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, your healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms, medical history, and diet. They might discuss testing options or how to manage the condition. Having your questions ready and any recent test results available can improve communication. Remember, telemedicine can provide education and guidance but cannot replace in-person exams or urgent care. This guide helps you prepare for a video visit focused on celiac disease, so you feel informed and ready to participate in your care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe abdominal pain that does not improve – seek urgent medical care immediately.
• Signs of dehydration such as dizziness, very dry mouth, or reduced urination – get prompt evaluation.
• Unexplained weight loss or persistent vomiting – contact your healthcare provider right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to celiac disease.
• Providing education about celiac disease and gluten-free diet.
• Reviewing test results and explaining next steps.
• Guiding when to seek in-person evaluation or urgent care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or procedures like intestinal biopsy.
• Diagnosing celiac disease definitively without appropriate tests.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms requiring immediate care.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, it can damage the lining of the small intestine. This damage can cause symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. Understanding this helps you discuss your symptoms and concerns during the visit.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, gather any medical records or test results related to your digestive health. Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any foods that seem to cause problems. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask, such as about testing, diet changes, or managing symptoms. Make sure your device is charged and your internet connection is stable for the video call.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, family history, and diet. They may discuss blood tests or recommend a biopsy to confirm diagnosis. They can provide education about a gluten-free diet and managing symptoms. You can also talk about how to monitor your health and when to seek further care.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Celiac Disease

While telemedicine is useful for education and follow-up, it cannot perform physical exams or procedures like biopsies. If your symptoms are severe or if testing is needed, you may be referred for in-person care. Telemedicine cannot replace emergency care if you have serious complications.

Managing Celiac Disease After Your Visit

Following your appointment, you may need to schedule tests or see a dietitian. Adopting a gluten-free diet is usually recommended to manage symptoms and promote healing. Regular follow-up helps track your progress and adjust care as needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your current symptoms and when they began.
• Gather any recent medical records or test results related to digestive health.
• Prepare questions about celiac disease, testing, and diet.
• Ensure your device is charged and internet connection is stable.
• Find a quiet, private space for the video visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any recommended testing or referrals given during the visit.
• Begin or continue a gluten-free diet if advised.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended.
• Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening or new concerns.
• Seek in-person care if you experience red flag symptoms.

FAQs

What tests are used to diagnose celiac disease?

Blood tests that look for specific antibodies are often the first step. If blood tests suggest celiac disease, a biopsy of the small intestine may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Can I start a gluten-free diet before testing?

It's best to wait to start a gluten-free diet until after testing is complete. Starting the diet early can affect test results and make diagnosis harder.

Is celiac disease the same as gluten intolerance?

No. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition causing intestinal damage, while gluten intolerance or sensitivity causes symptoms without intestinal damage.

How strict do I need to be with a gluten-free diet?

Most people with celiac disease need to avoid gluten completely to allow the intestine to heal and prevent symptoms and complications.

Can telemedicine replace all care for celiac disease?

Telemedicine is helpful for education and follow-up but cannot replace in-person exams or procedures needed for diagnosis and management.

Sources

1. Celiac Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Celiac Disease: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Celiac Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Celiac Disease — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.