How to Get a GLP-1 Prescription:
What the Process Actually Looks Like
Who qualifies, what the appointment involves, how telehealth has changed access, and what to expect from intake through first dose.
Getting a GLP-1 prescription is significantly more accessible today than it was just a few years ago. The rise of telehealth platforms means that for many people, the entire process — from intake questionnaire to medication at your door — can happen within a week, without leaving home.
This guide walks you through exactly what the process looks like, what you'll need, and what to watch out for along the way.
Who Qualifies for a GLP-1 Prescription
GLP-1 medications for weight management are FDA-approved under specific criteria. These aren't universal — and prescribers are legally required to assess them before prescribing.
✓ You likely qualify if:
- BMI ≥ 30 (obesity)
- BMI ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related health condition (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea)
- Type 2 diabetes (regardless of BMI, for Ozempic/Mounjaro as diabetes drugs)
- Established cardiovascular disease with obesity risk (Wegovy specifically has FDA approval here)
- Prior unsuccessful attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise
✗ You typically won't qualify if:
- BMI < 27 (off-label use; some providers may still prescribe)
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)
- Personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2)
- History of pancreatitis
- Currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- Severe gastrointestinal disease (gastroparesis)
📌 BMI is imperfect. Many providers also consider waist circumference, body composition, metabolic health markers, and weight history. If you're close to the threshold, a conversation with a provider is still worthwhile — they have clinical discretion.
Telehealth vs. In-Person: Which Path Is Right for You
Both routes lead to the same medication. The differences are in convenience, comprehensiveness of care, and cost structure.
| Factor | Telehealth Programs | In-Person (PCP or Obesity Medicine) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed to first prescription | 1–7 days typically | 1–4 weeks (appointment wait times) |
| Convenience | Done from home, fully online | Office visits required |
| Insurance coverage | Often out-of-pocket; some accept insurance | Usually billable to insurance |
| Ongoing monitoring | Varies widely by program (check-ins via app/message) | Lab work, in-person follow-ups standard |
| Medication options | Brand name or compounded semaglutide/tirzepatide | Brand name only (Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound) |
| Best for | Those with straightforward eligibility, no complex conditions | Complex medical history, insurance coverage, prefer in-person care |
The telehealth boom matters: Before 2020–2022, GLP-1 prescriptions required in-person visits. Telehealth platforms now handle the majority of new GLP-1 prescriptions in the US — dramatically expanding access beyond major metro areas.
The Prescription Process, Step by Step
Whether you go telehealth or in-person, the core steps are the same. Here's what to expect:
Complete an intake questionnaire
For telehealth programs, this is an online form covering your medical history, current medications, height/weight, health conditions, and goals. For in-person, this happens at your appointment. Expect questions about your weight history, previous weight loss attempts, and any relevant family medical history.
Medical review / provider consultation
A licensed provider (MD, NP, or PA) reviews your intake and either approves a prescription or schedules a video/phone consultation. Most straightforward cases are approved asynchronously within 24–48 hours. More complex medical situations require a live consultation.
Lab work (sometimes required)
Some providers require recent bloodwork before prescribing — especially blood glucose (HbA1c), thyroid function, kidney function, and lipid panel. Some telehealth programs accept recent labs from your PCP. Others can order labs through Quest or LabCorp you can do locally before starting.
Insurance pre-authorization (if applicable)
If you're using insurance, the biggest friction point is prior authorization. Your provider submits documentation showing medical necessity. This can take days to weeks and is often denied on the first attempt. Appeal rates are significant — don't give up after an initial denial.
Prescription sent to pharmacy
For brand-name medications, prescriptions go to standard retail pharmacies or specialty pharmacies. For compounded versions through telehealth programs, they're sent to the program's compounding pharmacy partner and shipped directly to you.
First dose and titration begins
You'll start at the lowest dose (e.g., 0.25mg weekly semaglutide) and follow a titration schedule that gradually increases over months. Your program should provide clear instructions on injection technique, timing, and what to do if you miss a dose.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Whether it's a video call or in-person visit, your first clinical encounter will cover similar territory. Being prepared makes it more efficient and gives you a better outcome.
📋 What to bring / have ready:
- Current weight and height (or recent measurement)
- List of all current medications and supplements
- Recent lab results if available (HbA1c, lipids, kidney function)
- History of weight-related health conditions
- Previous weight loss attempts and outcomes
- Family history of thyroid cancer or MEN 2
- Insurance card and ID (in-person)
💬 Questions worth asking:
- Which medication do you recommend and why?
- What's the titration schedule?
- What side effects should I expect and how do you handle them?
- How often will we check in?
- What labs will you monitor and how often?
- What happens if the medication doesn't work or I can't tolerate it?
- What's the plan for long-term maintenance?
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all GLP-1 programs are created equal. Watch for these warning signs when evaluating telehealth providers:
⚠️ Be cautious if a program: doesn't ask about contraindications or family history, never involves a licensed provider in the prescribing decision, offers to prescribe without any medical intake, provides no mechanism for follow-up or side effect management, or makes it difficult to reach a human provider when you have questions. Quality programs take medical oversight seriously — not just as compliance theater, but as actual care.
Cost and Insurance: What to Know Going In
Cost is one of the most common barriers to GLP-1 access. Here's an honest breakdown of what you're likely looking at across different scenarios.
| Scenario | Typical Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy / Zepbound — with insurance coverage | $0–$50/mo copay | Requires prior auth; many plans cover it with qualifying diagnosis |
| Wegovy / Zepbound — without insurance | $1,100–$1,400/mo | List price; manufacturer savings cards may reduce to ~$500–$650/mo if income-eligible |
| Compounded semaglutide (telehealth) | $150–$400/mo | Cost includes subscription/program fee; not FDA-approved brand drug |
| Ozempic (off-label for weight loss) — with insurance | $25–$50/mo copay | Technically approved for T2D; sometimes prescribed off-label for obesity |
| Generic semaglutide (future) | TBD | Patent protection runs through ~2031–2032; no generics yet |
The Insurance Navigation Reality
If you have commercial insurance, it's worth a direct call to member services to ask specifically about GLP-1 coverage for obesity. Ask for the formulary status of Wegovy and Zepbound, the prior authorization requirements, and whether there are step therapy requirements (trying other medications first).
Many employers have begun excluding GLP-1 coverage due to cost, so even "good" insurance doesn't guarantee coverage. The landscape is shifting — check with your specific plan rather than assuming coverage based on general information.
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly savings programs: Both manufacturers offer savings cards for commercially insured patients (not Medicare/Medicaid). Eligible patients may pay as little as $25/month. Income-based patient assistance programs exist for uninsured patients below certain income thresholds.
Common Questions
Ready to Compare Programs?
See side-by-side comparisons of the leading GLP-1 telehealth programs — including what they prescribe, what they cost, and what to expect from the care team.