Q: Is this obesity epidemic REALLY a problem?
A: Statistics show that close to 30% of the population under age 18 is overweight or obese … and this number is growing exponentially. Even more alarming is the fact that if both parents are overweight or obese themselves, that child has close to an 80% chance of becoming an obese adult.
Q: What is a Bariatric physician?
A: Bariatrics is a subspecialty of medicine that deals with weight management and the treatment and prevention of obesity and its complications. Bariatricians specialize in weight loss and do not perform surgery. See American Society of Bariatric Physicians for more information (www.asbp.org).
Q: Can mtz guarantee a certain amount of weight loss?
A: e-mtz and phone-mtz are designed to answer any questions that you may have with reliable information regarding weight management and childhood obesity. They are not weight loss programs. It has been shown, however, that once a healthful lifestyle is adopted, weight loss does occur. mtz online, our 12-week online program geared toward infants, children and teens along with their parents will soon be available to help families with weight loss and maintenance.
Q: Do healthcare plans pay for online patient consultations?
A: Many health plans are starting to see the value in online consultations and will reimburse you for this service. Upon request, we would be glad to provide you with a receipt for our services to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Q: Do I still need my primary doctor?
A: Absolutely! mtz online does not at any moment replace you or your child's primary care physician. The medical advice offered here only supplements their care and services. We do not provide emergency services. In the case of an emergency, please contact your physician and appropriate healthcare professionals (call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room).
Q: I have a teenage son or daughter who would like to ask their own question. Can they contact you directly for questions?
A: We value, respect, and encourage and truly enjoy children and teens' inquisitiveness as they navigate through the different phases of their lives. If your question is one that they themselves have asked you, please indicate this as it is important that we provide them with the best answer possible in terms that they will be able to best understand. We must, in this day and age, however, take all precautions and we ask that any underage questions come through you, their parent or legal guardian, and your e-mail address. Take this opportunity to communicate with your child or teen and give them reliable medical information.
Q: Can I ask more than one question?
A: Yes. We would be very happy to answer any questions at any time; however, we do answer one question at a time per e-mail. If you have completed the medical forms already, you need to do this only once. Upon returning to ask more questions, just check the appropriate box labeled "medical form already completed" and continue to be charged at the reduced rate of an e-visit. There will be a designated box for you to place any updated medical information.
Q: Dr. Fals is also a Board Certified pediatrician. Will she answer any question that I may have in general pediatrics?
A: Absolutely. She has more than 10 years of experience in this area and would be more than happy to clarify questions for you, put your mind at ease about something troubling you, or ease any doubts that you may have.
Q: How do you maintain privacy?
A: This is very important. Regular e-mail is unsecure and not recommended for exchange of private and highly sensitive medical information. mtz uses an e-mail system that is secure and safe. All of the online communication you have with us is encrypted and uses the latest security system -- registration and medical forms, e-mails received from us, and storage of this valuable information. Using this system allows us also to be HIPAA compliant which also increases your chances of getting reimbursed for these services. In addition, we request that you not use your work e-mail account but do use your personal e-mail account. For phone communication, it is more secure to use a landline (home line) instead of a cellular phone. It is impossible to be 100% secure; however, know, with confidence, that all precautions are taken to ensure your privacy.
Q: Didn’t see your question?
