Should I book a pre-travel consult, and what do I ask?

Fast answer

Consult if your flare risk could change the trip: new meds, recent instability, long haul, altitude, controlled drugs.

Ask for these 5 things
  1. Fit-to-travel note + med letter.
  2. Time-zone dosing ladder.
  3. Rescue plan for flares.
  4. DVT prevention if you’re high risk.
  5. Destination-specific warnings.
PPRR fit
  • Pre-Trip Ramp-Up: This is your clinical safety net.

TBL tools

Explorer includes a 1-page Body Brief you can hand to your clinician.

FAQs

What if my doctor isn’t travel-savvy? Bring itinerary + targeted questions.

Can telehealth work? Yes for planning and letters.

Do I need vaccines? Destination-dependent; ask early.

Evidence & safety
  • CDC travel medicine guidance is built around individualized risk reduction before travel.
  • Consults are where altitude, infection, VTE, and controlled-med legality are tuned to your history.
  • Micro-anchor (migraine): If you need steroid/infusion rescue plans, consult before long hauls.
  • Micro-anchor (OA/back pain): If flares impair walking/sleep, consult to pre-authorize rescue strategies.