There are a number of reputable health care providers in San Diego that offer weight care. It can be hard to compare them side-by-side, so here’s a simple chart.
You should begin by putting your priorities into place.
Prior to reading the program descriptions, make a decision about what is most important. Is it time to access? In-person visits? Insurance coverage? Medication options? A few answers will quickly eliminate the choices.
The major names
Patients often conduct their own research about the UCSD weight management clinic, along with other local weight management clinics like Scripps medical weight loss and Sharp obesity medicine. These organizations have built up their reputation, multidisciplinary teams and resources supported by hospital. For a certain group of patients, particularly those suffering from complicated illnesses, that’s an actual benefit.
The task needs to be the same but there are some differences in practice.
- Access: What is the time of the first visit? Would a referral be necessary?
- Formats: In-person, virtual or hybrid?
- Coverage: What is covered by insurance and what are your own costs?
- Reliability: Is there a consistency of provider?
- Treatment range: Medication, nutrition counselling, behavioural support?
Please check with each program or with their website for the most up-to-date information as policies do change.
Independent telehealth in the market for example.
An independent online practice might be worth considering, if access and convenience are a top priority. DrBrainRx provides physician-led care with physician-led San Diego obesity medicine telehealth, which is conducted online. Dr. Sara Siavoshi is board certified in Obesity Medicine and when appropriate, prescriptions are given to a licensed U.S. pharmacy and sent to your home.
DrBrainRx is independent, and not affiliated with UC San Diego Health, Scripps Health or Sharp HealthCare.
Avoid common mistakes
Be careful not to pick a company based on advertisements, and don’t think that the older the name, the better they will be. Similarly, beware of any service that guarantees results. Responsible care establishes reasonable expectations.
Making the decision
Make a short list of two or three, make an initial appointment and compare the answers of the teams. A good program will leave you with a sense of information and respect and prepared to start. The most effective and successful plan is one that’s readily available and easy to follow.