New York weight loss clinic uses smart scales to create long-lasting health habits
When Dr Tro Kalayjian, board-certified Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine Physician, identified five years ago that traditional weighing scales were not providing him and his patients enough data for their weight loss program, he searched for an alternative solution:
Qardio’s smart scale, QardioBase 2.
Selecting QardioBase 2
As a weight loss practice, selecting a bioimpedance scale with water, weight and fat mass was critical for Dr Tro and his patients. QardioBase 2 met these criteria and more. For cardiac patients for example, it was not sufficient to just know their overall weight. In order to help his patients make long-term lifestyle changes, they needed to know how much of that weight is water or lean mass for example, in order to help patients feel encouraged and motivated.
“QardioBase 2 can really help be a motivating factor for somebody on a weight loss journey who otherwise would have been discouraged. For us, it’s an accurate tool to guide our patients to meet their health goals.”
– Dr. Tro Kalayjian
Creating long-lasting healthy habits
Dr Tro’s practice is predominantly telemedicine based, with currently over 300 patients under remote management. Unlike a traditional practice, Dr Tro’s practice runs a concrete weight loss program for six months, using QardioBase 2 and sometimes Qardio’s wireless blood pressure monitor, QardioArm, depending on the needs of the patient. Their patient population is highly motivated and engaged with Qardio’s devices and remote monitoring.
To help guide patients to their health goals beyond the weight loss program, Dr Tro tracks their data for two years afterwards, to ensure patients continue to keep the healthy habits they developed on the program. He has found that when patients use QardioBase 2 consistently during their weight loss program, they are more likely to continue using it and create long-lasting healthy habits afterwards.
Insights for adopting remote patient monitoring
Looking for guidance on how to start adopting remote patient monitoring in your practice? Dr Tro has some tips:
Break down patient barriers
For most patients, this may be their first time using a remote monitoring device. Dr Tro recommends dedicating at least fifteen minutes with each patient at the beginning to take them through how to download the QardioDirect app and log in to the app and setting up their devices.
“Take that first time to break those barriers down and go through the set-up with your patients. This will make it a lot easier and result in higher patient compliance after that.”
Keep patients accountable
Dr Tro has found that when patients know that their health data is being monitored by their provider, they are more likely to remain accountable and make positive changes to their lifestyle. It’s important to spend time with each patient in person, to provide that human connection, as opposed to solely being an insurance billable visit.
Want to Kickstart Your Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring Program with Qardio?
Acknowledgment: Special thanks to Dr Tro Kalayjian, board-certified Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine
Physician of Dr Tro’s Medical Weight Loss and Direct Primary Care.