How to prepare for a video visit about Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Audience: adult

Vitamin B12 deficiency happens when your body does not have enough vitamin B12, which is important for making red blood cells and keeping your nerves healthy. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you learn more about your symptoms, possible causes, and next steps. During the visit, you can discuss your symptoms, medical history, diet, and any medications you take. Your provider may recommend blood tests to check your vitamin B12 levels and other related health factors. Preparing for your video visit can help you get the most out of the time and guide your care. Remember, telemedicine can provide education and advice but cannot replace in-person exams or urgent care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness or numbness in arms or legs — seek emergency care immediately.
• Difficulty walking, balance problems, or confusion — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to vitamin B12 deficiency
• Providing education about vitamin B12, causes, and treatment options
• Guiding on when to get blood tests and how to interpret results
• Monitoring mild symptoms and follow-up care

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or neurological tests
• Diagnosing severe or acute complications needing urgent care
• Administering injections or treatments
• Managing emergencies such as severe anemia or neurological problems

What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when your body lacks enough vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential for making red blood cells and keeping your nervous system working well. Symptoms may include tiredness, weakness, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, and difficulty thinking clearly. Causes can include poor diet, problems absorbing vitamin B12, or certain medical conditions.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows you to talk with a healthcare provider from home. They can review your symptoms, medical history, and diet. They may suggest tests to confirm if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency and discuss treatment options. Telemedicine is useful for education, follow-up, and managing mild symptoms.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

Your provider will ask about your symptoms, diet, and any medications or supplements you take. They may guide you on how to get blood tests for vitamin B12 levels and related checks. You can ask questions about your condition, treatment options, and lifestyle changes.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you have severe symptoms like sudden weakness, difficulty walking, confusion, or signs of severe anemia (such as chest pain or fainting), you should seek urgent in-person medical care. Telemedicine cannot replace physical exams or emergency treatment.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Gather a list of your symptoms, medications, and supplements. Have your medical history ready, including any previous blood tests. Find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection for the video call. Prepare questions you want to ask your provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms and when they started.
• List all medications and supplements you are taking.
• Have your medical history available, including previous vitamin B12 tests if any.
• Prepare questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.
• Ensure you have a quiet and private space with a reliable internet connection for the video call.
• Test your device's camera and microphone before the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider about tests or treatments.
• Schedule any recommended blood tests and share results with your provider.
• Take prescribed supplements or medications as directed.
• Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening or new symptoms promptly.
• Plan follow-up visits as advised to track your progress.

FAQs

What causes vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by poor dietary intake (common in strict vegans), problems absorbing the vitamin due to conditions like pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal disorders, certain medications, or surgery affecting the stomach or intestines.

How is vitamin B12 deficiency diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure vitamin B12 levels and sometimes additional tests to check for anemia or nerve damage. Your healthcare provider may also ask about your diet and medical history.

Can vitamin B12 deficiency be treated with diet alone?

In some cases, increasing vitamin B12 intake through diet or supplements may help. However, if absorption is impaired, injections or high-dose supplements may be necessary. Your provider will recommend the best treatment based on your situation.

What are the risks of untreated vitamin B12 deficiency?

If left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, nerve damage, memory problems, and other serious health issues. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.

Can I have a video visit if I need vitamin B12 injections?

A video visit can help discuss your symptoms and treatment options, but injections usually require in-person visits with a healthcare provider or nurse.

Sources

1. Vitamin B12 Deficiency — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Causes and Diagnosis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Vitamin B12 Deficiency — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Vitamin B12 Deficiency — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience emergency symptoms or worsening health, seek immediate in-person medical attention.