Center for Obesity and its Consequences in Health Clinic  (C.O.A.C.H.)

We look forward to helping you and your child achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. To be sure you and your family get the most benefit from your visit, we recommend:

• Scheduling an appointment that is convenient for you and your child. If unable to attend the appointment, please call and reschedule.
• Allowing plenty of time for your appointment. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. We have a strict late policy in our clinic. New appointments take approximately 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
• Writing down any questions or concerns you may have for the Physician or APRN. We will be happy to address them during your visit.

The first appointment consists of the new patient and caregiver being triaged and meeting with our doctor/advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Your child will also see a Registered Dietitian, Physical Therapist, and/or Psychologist.

The doctor/APRN will perform the following:

• Review all referral materials, including lab results
• History and Physical exam
• Prescribe the best treatment plan for new patient and parent/caregiver (this may include blood work)
• Make referrals to other subspecialties (as needed)

After the initial visit with the COACH physician or APRN, your child will be seen monthly for a recommended length of time.

• The Registered Dietitian will review what the patient and family/caregiver eats and drinks and help identify new ways to make small changes to become healthier.
• The Physical Therapist will review physical activity and help identify ideas for exercise that will be fun for the patient and caregiver.
• The Psychologist will review behaviors and help establish healthy lifestyle goals. They will help you understand factors that get in the way of being healthy.

Q: Will I be on a diet?

A: Our program will not place a patient on a specific diet. Our program is customized to individual needs. We will NOT use meal substitutes, drinks, or diet pills. We work with the individual and family to improve food and drink choices, exercises, and behaviors by educating on preferences and setting short-term goals.

Q: What is the mandatory orientation class?

A: The orientation class is designed to introduce you to our clinic team members as well as describe the importance of healthy lifestyles in weight management, outline the structure of the program and what to expect. We also ask that you set a goal before your first clinic appointment from a list of ideas provided at the orientation.

Q: How long should I expect a clinic visit to be?

A: Clinic visits may range anywhere from 1-3 hours.

Visits may include the following caregivers:

• Nurse
• Registered dietitian
• Physical therapist
• Medical provider
• Psychologist
• Other subspecialists (e.g., gastroenterologists)

A school note and/or work excuse letter is provided if needed.

Q: Do you offer virtual clinic appointments?

A: Our visits are best done in person given that we monitor several health indicators, including weight, skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage, total body water content (from our InBody machine) as well, blood pressure and possible lab tests. We can consider adding the virtual orientation class and psychology telehealth option but not sure how long we’ll be able to continue those