Get ready for online weight-management care

Check whether an online appointment fits

A remote consultation lets you talk with a clinician without travelling to that appointment. It does not make every part of care remote. Health New Zealand says that examination or tests can require an in-person visit and recommends asking the clinician whether telehealth is suitable. See sources.

• Can you talk privately about your health?
• Can you use a device with a working camera and microphone if video is required?
• Can you access local tests or an examination if the clinician requests them?
• Have you told the clinic about communication or accessibility needs?

Stela is not an emergency service. If there is an emergency, call 111. An online weight-management booking is not a substitute for urgent assessment.

Set up your space and device

Use the clinic’s confirmation instructions to check the appointment time, joining link and any required software. Health New Zealand’s general telehealth guidance recommends a quiet space, your medication list, questions and something to write on.

1. Charge your device or connect it to power.
2. Test the camera, microphone and speakers before the appointment.
3. Choose a place with enough light for the clinician to see you.
4. Close unnecessary apps and pause large downloads.
5. Keep the joining instructions and clinic contact details easy to find.

Do not assume that Stela uses the same platform or callback procedure as another service. Confirm the specific instructions with the clinic.

Make a connection backup plan

These are general setup checks, not a promise of a particular technical support service.

Keep the conversation private and useful

If you want a support person with you, ask the clinic how to include them and introduce them at the start. Ask everyone’s permission before recording an appointment. Read Stela’s privacy policy for its information-handling terms.

Keep personal notes somewhere private. If you need to share results or documents, confirm the clinic’s preferred route first. Avoid using a public space where other people can hear or see your health information.

For what to discuss once connected, read the first consultation guide. At the end, repeat back the next step so you and the clinician can check you have understood it the same way.