Let's be honest - meeting with a healthcare provider for the first time can feel awkward, especially when you're discussing things like low energy, sexual health, or weight struggles. And when it's via video instead of in person? Even weirder.
So let me remove the mystery. Here's exactly what happens when you book a free consultation with Zelura, step by step.
Before Your Appointment
When you book online, you'll pick a day and time that works for you. We're only open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10am-2pm and 4pm-7pm, plus Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10am-2pm. We're closed on weekends because, frankly, our providers need lives too.
You'll get a confirmation email with a link to our video platform. No special software needed - it works right in your web browser. You can join from your phone, tablet, or computer. Wherever you're comfortable.
About your privacy: You can be anywhere - your car, your bedroom, your home office. We just need somewhere you can talk privately for 20-30 minutes. And yes, you can absolutely keep your camera off if that makes you more comfortable, though it does help us connect better if we can see each other.
The Actual Conversation
Here's how it typically goes:
We'll introduce ourselves (2-3 minutes)
I'm Rob, the nurse practitioner who founded Zelura. I'll tell you a bit about my background (I'm on TRT myself, by the way), and I'll ask what brought you here today. No medical history questionnaire, no clipboard - just conversation.
You tell me what's going on (5-10 minutes)
This is your time to talk. What symptoms are you experiencing? How long has this been going on? What have you already tried? I'll listen, ask clarifying questions, and probably take some notes.
Common things people tell me: "I'm tired all the time," "I can't lose weight no matter what I do," "My brain feels foggy," "My sex drive is gone," "I just don't feel like myself anymore."
All of these are completely normal reasons to be here. You're not being dramatic. You're not wasting my time. This is literally what I do all day.
I'll explain what might be happening (5-7 minutes)
Based on what you've told me, I'll explain what could be causing your symptoms. If it sounds like low testosterone, I'll explain how that works. If it sounds like you might benefit from weight loss medication, I'll talk about how GLP-1s work. If it's hormone-related for women, we'll discuss HRT.
I'll be honest about what we can and can't help with. If I think you need to see a different type of specialist, I'll tell you that too.
We'll talk about next steps (5-7 minutes)
If it seems like treatment might help, here's what happens next:
- Lab work: We'll need to check your hormone levels, metabolic markers, and overall health. I'll explain exactly what we're testing for and why.
- Timeline: Labs take a few days to come back. Once I have results, we'll schedule a follow-up to review them together.
- Costs: I'll be transparent about what things cost - initial labs, treatment costs, follow-up labs. No surprise bills.
- Your questions: This is when you ask anything you're wondering about. Seriously, anything.
You decide what you want to do (No pressure)
Some people want to move forward right away. Others want to think about it. Some want to get labs done first and see what the numbers say. All of these are fine.
This is not a sales call. I'm not trying to convince you to do anything. My job is to give you accurate information so you can make an informed decision about your own health.
Questions People Usually Ask
"Do I need to have recent lab work?"
Nope. If you have recent labs (within the last 3 months), bring them and we can review them. If not, no worries - we'll order what we need.
"What if I'm not sure which service I need?"
That's totally fine. Most people aren't sure. That's why we have this conversation - to figure it out together.
"Can I ask about multiple things?"
Yes. A lot of people come in asking about TRT and weight loss, or HRT and peptides. We'll talk about whatever's on your mind.
"What if I get emotional?"
It happens. Talking about feeling like a shell of yourself, struggling with weight, or dealing with symptoms that affect your intimate life is emotional. I get it. Take your time.
"Will my insurance cover any of this?"
We don't take insurance directly, but we can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance if you want to try for reimbursement. That said, most insurance doesn't cover elective hormone optimization or weight loss medications, so don't count on it.
"What if I decide it's not for me?"
Then you learned something about your options and can make an informed choice. The consultation is free. You're not committed to anything.
After the Consultation
If you decide to move forward, here's what happens:
- We'll send you a lab order. You can go to any LabCorp or Quest location (there are hundreds across NC).
- Get your labs done whenever is convenient for you - no appointment needed at most locations.
- Results usually come back in 2-3 business days.
- I'll review your results and we'll schedule a follow-up call to go over them together.
- If everything looks good and you want to proceed, we'll get your treatment shipped directly to you.
If you decide not to move forward, that's fine too. You're not going to get pushy follow-up emails or sales calls. This isn't that kind of practice.
What Makes Zelura Different
Look, I'm not going to claim we're the only wellness clinic in North Carolina. We're not. But here's what we do differently:
- We actually respond to messages. Text our office at (910)777-5888 with a question. You'll hear back from us, not a call center.
- I'm on TRT myself. I'm not guessing about what low testosterone feels like. I know.
- No monthly membership fees. You pay monthly for your medication & visit, and labs when due. That's it.
- I don't push treatments you don't need. If your testosterone is actually normal, I'll tell you that - even if it means you don't become a patient.
- We're small. This isn't a massive corporate telehealth company. It's me and a small team serving North Carolina residents. That's both good and bad - we're limited in how many patients we can take, but everyone gets actual personal attention.
One More Thing
A lot of people tell me they waited months or even years before reaching out. They thought their symptoms were "just getting older" or "not that bad" or "probably in their head."
Here's what I want you to know: You don't have to wait until things are unbearable to ask for help. If you're not feeling like yourself, that's reason enough to have a conversation.
The consultation is free. The worst that happens is you learn something about your health. The best that happens is we figure out how to help you feel like yourself again.
"Your questions aren't stupid. Your concerns aren't trivial. And you're not the first person to feel exactly how you're feeling right now."