Q. Why can I receive a non-face-to-face diet prescription from a Seoul Korean medicine clinic even if I live in northern Gyeonggi Province?

Non-face-to-face care is possible because the temporary telemedicine pilot program introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended. In Korean medicine clinics, first-time patients must generally have an in-person visit, but subsequent consultations or chronic conditions (including obesity) can be managed via phone or video for prescriptions. Under medical law, a Korean medicine doctor cannot prescribe without direct patient contact, but exceptions apply during infectious disease crises or for follow-up patients. From a Western medical perspective, obesity involves energy imbalance, hormonal issues, and insulin resistance. In Traditional Korean Medicine, it is viewed as Spleen deficiency (biheo) impairing fluid and nutrient transport, leading to Phlegm-fluid (dameum) accumulation and weight gain. Remote consultations rely on questionnaires, patient-provided photos (tongue, face, full body), and symptom records, as pulse and abdominal palpation are not possible. Thus, an initial in-person visit is essential for accurate constitution differentiation and diagnosis. Advantages include convenience for busy workers—no commute, consultations from home or office, and direct medicine delivery. Disadvantages include reduced diagnostic precision due to the inability to fully assess body shape, skin condition, and pulse. Additionally, inaccurate symptom reporting by the patient may lead to misdiagnosis. Therefore, our clinic, Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, recommends an initial in-person month, followed by biweekly or monthly remote sessions for safe and convenient weight management.