What is a health coach?
A health coach is a professional who has special training to help patients to learn more about their health problems and improve their health status. Common topics discussed with a health coach include: exercise, weight management, high cholesterol, stress management, high blood pressure and quitting smoking. The health coach strives to help patients set goals as part of a care plan that will improve their ability to manage their chronic condition. The coaches will provide guidance to patients who are referred to them by learning more about their chronic disease and working together to address challenges of living a healthy lifestyle.
How to Engage a Health Coach?
The health coach may see patients in the actual clinic or they perform the visit using telehealth resources provided by FirstHealth of the Carolinas. Health coaches are available to teach interested patients about their conditions using a computer (at the coach’s location) and an electronic device (where the patient is located). The visits occur in the comfort of a private office in your medical clinic or at a nearby site. The service is available during business hours on a scheduled basis but other times may also be available with special requests.
How do I schedule a visit?
Your provider will send a referral to the health coach. A health coach will call to schedule an appointment with you. If you have to change the time of the visit or if you are not able to attend, please contact your health coach or call (910) 715-6271.
How does the process work?
Your physician or nurse will refer you to health coaching if they think it is beneficial to your care. If you would like to refer yourself, you can call (910) 715-6271. The health coach will conduct a health risk assessment. Based on your results, the health coach will create a personalized action plan and may provide resources to help you meet your health goals. The health coach will follow-up with you frequently to discuss your goals and progress. We will attempt to arrange the visits either before or after your scheduled appointments when possible. Office staff will inform you about the equipment and where to sit; you will also be asked to sign an informed consent form. You will sit in front of a screen. The coach will appear on the screen at the scheduled time. Try to keep distractions and background noise to a minimum and to inform the health coach if there are problems with the sound. You can exit the room and inform staff that the session is over. You do not need to touch the equipment or turn it off as it will turn off upon leaving the room.
Can family member or friend be with me?
Yes, you may have others with you if you desire. We want to protect your privacy so we will ask you in advance if having someone present is acceptable to you. If a family member or friend stays, it is important that they stay quiet and avoid becoming a distraction.
Who will let my physician know about my progress in the health coaching program?
The health coach can access your medical record and health history. The health coach will record information about your health goals in the health record which will allow all health care providers within FirstHealth to view the information and make sure that your services are well coordinated
