Your devices are a powerful program tool that help you track your progress toward achieving your health goals. We’re here to help you activate them and ensure you’re getting the most accurate readings.
Once you receive your weight scale, blood pressure monitor or blood glucose meter in the mail, it takes just a few minutes to set them up and complete your first check.
How to activate your devices:
- Download the Teladoc Health app or go to TeladocHealth.com. Sign in to your account.
- Follow the instructions included with your device(s). These will guide you through any assembly or configuration.
- Take your first reading.
- You’re all set! Your device is activated, and your data will automatically sync to your Teladoc Health account.
Note: The blood pressure monitor used for primary care visits does not automatically sync to your Teladoc Health account. If you are eligible for this device, you will need to manually add readings through the Primary Care vitals page under Health Info.
How to troubleshoot your devices
If you run into any issues with your devices, here are some ways to troubleshoot the problems.
Connectivity
All the devices use cellular connectivity to upload readings to your account. They do not have Wi-Fi capabilities. If you are setting up a device for the first time in a new location, it can take a few minutes to connect.
Occasionally, cellular service may be disrupted or weakened, which can cause connectivity issues with your devices. This can result in error messages, including the following:
- Error 4
- Error 5
- Error 6
- Error 21 (blood glucose meter only)
- Error 20 (blood glucose meter only)
- Error 9 (blood glucose meter only)
- Error 18 (blood glucose meter only)
If you receive any of these error messages, just move your device to another area and try again. Near a window or a location with a strong cellular signal is best. If this does not resolve the issue, there’s nothing else you need to do. All your readings and data will be saved locally on your devices. Only removing the batteries from your blood pressure monitor or weight scale will erase all stored readings. Once cellular service is restored, your readings will be uploaded to your account.
Accuracy
If you feel that your readings are incorrect, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot your devices.
Blood glucose meter
- Make sure your meter is charged. Then, wait 30 minutes before doing a blood sugar check.
- Check that your test strips have not expired and keep them in their original container. Avoid storing the test strips in extreme temperatures. If they are exposed to extreme heat or cold, throw them away and order new test strips.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before taking a finger prick and reading.
- Apply blood to the test strip by filling the strip completely with your blood sample.
- Recheck or do a control solution test if you suspect the reading is wrong.
Blood pressure monitor
Before a reading:
- Avoid caffeine and exercise for at least 30 minutes.
- Rest for 5 minutes.
- Empty your bladder.
- Make sure the cuff fits properly. You should be able to fit two fingers under the bottom edge of the cuff.
- Adjust clothing or jewelry so that it is away from your upper left arm. A rolled-up sleeve should not constrict your blood flow.
When taking a reading:
- Lay your arm out on a table or hard surface with your palm facing up. The cuff should be at the same height as your heart.
- Sit up straight with your feet flat on the ground.
- Make sure the tubing is not kinked or knotted.
You can also check the accuracy of your blood pressure monitor once a year at your doctor’s office. Bring your monitor with you and ask for a nursing blood pressure check. This most often does not require a copay.
Weight scale
- Keep your scale in a location with a strong cellular signal and away from moisture, like in your living room or a bedroom.
- Place your scale on a hard, flat surface. Soft or uneven flooring can result in inaccurate readings.
- Weigh yourself at the same time each day.
- Go barefoot and wear as little as possible for consistent readings.
- Stand straight and still during the reading.
- If you move the scale, tap your foot on the glass and wait to see 0.0 displayed. This recalibrates the scale for the best accuracy.
For a full set of error codes and troubleshooting tips, check out the user guide for each device. If you need additional help, call Member Support at 800-945-4355.