How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Unexplained Weight Loss - Triage

Audience: adult

Unexplained weight loss means losing weight without trying, which can signal an underlying health issue. Preparing for a telemedicine visit can help you share important information with your healthcare provider to find out possible causes. During the visit, you will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to start evaluating unexplained weight loss, but some cases require in-person exams or tests. Knowing when to seek urgent care is important for your safety. This guide helps you get ready for your telemedicine appointment, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and what steps to take after your visit. Always follow up with your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapid weight loss of more than 5% of body weight within 1 month — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe abdominal pain — go to emergency care immediately.
• Persistent vomiting, inability to eat or drink, or signs of dehydration — seek urgent in-person care.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial discussion of symptoms and medical history related to unexplained weight loss.
• Providing guidance on lifestyle, diet, and symptom monitoring.
• Ordering preliminary laboratory tests or imaging referrals.
• Follow-up visits to review test results and adjust care plans.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring palpation or detailed inspection.
• Emergency evaluation for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
• Procedures such as biopsies or imaging performed on-site.
• Immediate interventions for life-threatening conditions.

What Is Unexplained Weight Loss?

Unexplained weight loss is when you lose weight without trying through diet or exercise. It may happen gradually or quickly. This can be a sign of various health problems, including infections, chronic diseases, mental health conditions, or cancers. Tracking how much weight you lose and over what time can help your healthcare provider understand the situation better.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to talk with a healthcare provider using video or phone from your home. For unexplained weight loss, a telemedicine visit can help your provider learn about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. They can decide if you need further tests or in-person care. Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation and follow-up but may not replace physical exams or lab tests.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, gather information about your weight changes, diet, exercise, and any other symptoms like fatigue or fever. Write down your medical history, current medications, and any recent stress or changes in life. Find a quiet, private place with good internet or phone connection. Have a scale handy if possible to report your current weight. Prepare questions you want to ask your provider.

What to Expect During the Visit

During the telemedicine visit, your provider will ask about your weight loss, other symptoms, and medical background. They may guide you through a self-exam or ask you to describe any physical changes. Based on this, they might recommend blood tests, imaging, or an in-person visit for further evaluation. They will also discuss possible causes and next steps.

When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

If you experience severe symptoms like sudden weight loss over a short time, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, uncontrolled vomiting, or signs of dehydration, seek emergency care immediately. Also, if your provider recommends in-person tests or exams, follow their advice promptly to avoid delays in diagnosis.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Weigh yourself before the appointment and note the amount and timeline of weight loss.
• List all current medications, supplements, and recent changes.
• Write down any other symptoms you have noticed, even if they seem unrelated.
• Prepare a summary of your medical history, including chronic illnesses and recent hospital visits.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet or phone connection for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss with your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider, including scheduling lab tests or imaging.
• Monitor your symptoms and weight regularly, noting any changes.
• Keep a record of any new symptoms or worsening conditions to report in follow-up visits.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if symptoms worsen.
• Maintain communication with your healthcare provider for ongoing support and advice.

FAQs

What causes unexplained weight loss?

Unexplained weight loss can be caused by many conditions such as infections, chronic diseases like diabetes or thyroid problems, mental health issues like depression, or cancers. Sometimes lifestyle changes or stress can also contribute.

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my weight loss?

Telemedicine can help your provider understand your symptoms and medical history, but often physical exams and tests are needed to diagnose the cause. Telemedicine is a good starting point for evaluation.

When should I seek emergency care for weight loss?

Seek emergency care if you have rapid weight loss over a short time, severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, uncontrolled vomiting, or signs of dehydration.

Do I need to have tests done before or after the telemedicine visit?

Your provider may order blood tests, imaging, or other diagnostics based on your telemedicine visit. These are usually done after the appointment at a local lab or clinic.

How can I track my weight loss effectively?

Use a reliable scale to weigh yourself regularly, ideally at the same time of day and under similar conditions. Keep a written or digital log of your weight and any related symptoms to share with your provider.

Sources

1. Unexplained Weight Loss — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Weight Loss: Causes and Concerns — Mayo Clinic.
3. Rapid Weight Loss — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, seek immediate medical attention.