Semaglutide Near Me: Find Providers & Telehealth Options
Complete guide to finding semaglutide providers locally and online, including telehealth options, costs, eligibility requirements, and how to get started.
The Easiest Way to Get Semaglutide: Telehealth
If you're looking for the fastest, most convenient way to get semaglutide, telehealth platforms have revolutionized access. Instead of searching for "semaglutide near me," you can get a prescription entirely online from your home within 1–3 weeks. This approach eliminates the need for in-person office visits, long wait times, or traveling to appointments.
Most telehealth platforms operate the same way:
- Complete an online questionnaire: Answer questions about your medical history, current medications, weight loss goals, and health conditions (10 minutes)
- Consult with a provider: Have a brief video call with a licensed doctor or physician assistant (10–20 minutes)
- Get approved and receive prescription: If eligible, your prescription is sent to a pharmacy or shipped directly to you within 1–5 business days
- Schedule follow-up visits: Most platforms require check-ins every 4–8 weeks to monitor progress and adjust your dose
The beauty of telehealth is that you don't need to live in a major city with specialized weight loss clinics. As long as you have internet and the telehealth company is licensed in your state, you can get semaglutide prescribed and shipped to your door.
Popular Telehealth Platforms for Semaglutide
Several reputable telehealth companies specialize in semaglutide prescriptions. Here's what to know about each:
Ro (Roman)
Ro is one of the largest telemedicine companies in the U.S. and offers both Wegovy (for weight loss) and Ozempic (for diabetes, prescribed off-label for weight loss).
- Cost: $99/month membership plus medication costs ($300–$700 depending on dose)
- Timeline: Prescription approval within 24 hours; medication ships within 1–3 days
- Support: Includes optional coaching and text-based customer support
- Insurance: Can bill insurance if in-network
Felix
Felix focuses specifically on weight loss medications and offers both semaglutide and tirzepatide.
- Cost: $99/month membership plus medication costs; some plans bundled
- Timeline: Prescription within 24–48 hours; shipping 1–3 days
- Support: Monthly check-ins with providers; access to nutrition and fitness guides
- Insurance: Limited insurance integration but offers cash pricing options
Calibrate
Calibrate is a specialized telehealth weight loss program offering semaglutide and other weight loss medications with ongoing coaching.
- Cost: $320–$1,200 per month depending on medication and membership tier
- Timeline: 1–2 weeks for initial consultation and prescription
- Support: Includes behavioral coaching, meal plans, and regular provider check-ins
- Insurance: Some plans accepted; ask about coverage
PlushCare
PlushCare is a general telemedicine service that includes weight loss medication prescriptions.
- Cost: $99 per consultation plus medication costs
- Timeline: Next-day appointments available; medication ships within 3–5 days
- Support: On-demand consultations; some ongoing support available
- Insurance: Can bill insurance if in-network
GoodRx Telehealth
GoodRx, the popular prescription discount platform, now offers telehealth consultations for weight loss medications.
- Cost: $99 initial consultation plus medication costs (may be cheaper using GoodRx coupons)
- Timeline: Quick consultations; medication pricing varies by pharmacy
- Support: Limited ongoing support; primarily transactional
- Insurance: Works with insurance if billed directly
Finding In-Person Providers for Semaglutide
If you prefer in-person consultations and ongoing care, several types of local providers can prescribe semaglutide. Here\'s how to find them:
Type 1: Endocrinologists
Endocrinologists are specialists in hormones and metabolism, including diabetes management. Many endocrinologists now prescribe semaglutide for weight loss because they\'re familiar with GLP-1 medications.
- Finding them: Ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or use Healthgrades.com to search "endocrinologist near me"
- Pros: Highly knowledgeable about medication and metabolic health, often covered by insurance
- Cons: Often have long wait times (weeks to months), may focus primarily on diabetes rather than weight loss
Type 2: Weight Loss Medicine Specialists
An emerging specialty of physicians specifically trained in weight loss medicine. These providers often have the most experience with semaglutide and can customize treatment plans.
- Finding them: Search "obesity medicine specialist" or "weight loss medicine doctor near me" on your insurance provider\'s website or Healthgrades.com
- Pros: Highly specialized, experience with multiple medications, understand nuances of weight loss treatment
- Cons: Often don\'t accept insurance, can be expensive ($200–$500 per visit), still limited availability in some areas
Type 3: Primary Care Physicians
Your regular family medicine or internal medicine doctor can prescribe semaglutide if they\'re experienced with weight loss medications.
- Finding them: Simply call your PCP\'s office and ask if they prescribe semaglutide
- Pros: Convenient, likely covered by insurance, already know your medical history
- Cons: May not be experienced with semaglutide, less specialized weight loss support, might be reluctant to prescribe
Type 4: Weight Loss Clinics
Specialized weight loss clinics (whether traditional or franchise-based) often focus on injectable weight loss medications.
- Finding them: Search "weight loss clinic near me" or "medical weight loss near me"
- Pros: Specialized support, often have physician assistants or nurses trained in injections, comprehensive programs
- Cons: Often expensive, may push expensive programs beyond medication, quality varies significantly
What to Expect at Your First In-Person Semaglutide Appointment
Medical History Review
Your provider will ask detailed questions about:
- Your current weight and weight loss goals
- Previous weight loss attempts and what happened
- Medical conditions (especially diabetes, heart disease, thyroid issues)
- Current medications and supplements
- Family history of weight-related conditions
- Lifestyle, diet, and exercise habits
- Mental health history
Physical Examination
Your provider will likely measure your:
- Weight and height (to calculate BMI)
- Blood pressure
- Possibly other vital signs
Lab Work (Usually Ordered)
Most providers order baseline blood work to establish your health status before starting semaglutide:
- Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c (blood sugar control)
- Lipid panel (cholesterol and triglycerides)
- Liver and kidney function tests
- Thyroid function (TSH)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
Eligibility Assessment
Your provider will determine if you\'re a good candidate for semaglutide. Typical eligibility criteria include:
- BMI requirements: Usually BMI ≥27–30 (though this varies by provider and insurance)
- OR weight-related health conditions: Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other conditions worsened by weight
- No contraindications: Personal or family history of thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN2) disqualifies you
- Stable mental health: Active eating disorders or uncontrolled psychiatric conditions might delay treatment
Prescription & Injection Training
If approved, your provider will:
- Write a prescription for semaglutide (usually starting at 0.25 mg)
- Provide instructions for self-injections (usually weekly on the same day)
- Demonstrate injection technique or show instructional videos
- Discuss expected side effects and how to manage them
- Explain the titration schedule (dose increases every 4 weeks)
- Schedule follow-up appointments (usually in 4–6 weeks)
Semaglutide Brand Options: Wegovy vs. Ozempic
Wegovy (Semaglutide for Weight Loss)
Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions.
- Cost: Usually $800–$1,350 per month without insurance (significantly cheaper with manufacturer coupon or insurance)
- Coverage: Increasingly covered by insurance plans, especially with prior authorization
- Indication: Weight loss is the primary indication
- Where to get: Traditional pharmacies, telehealth platforms, specialty pharmacies
Ozempic (Semaglutide for Diabetes)
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management but is frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss by many providers.
- Cost: Often cheaper through insurance if you have diabetes; sometimes comparable cash pricing to Wegovy
- Coverage: Typically covered by insurance for diabetes patients
- Indication: Diabetes management, though weight loss is a secondary benefit
- Where to get: Any pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor
Compounded Semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide is prepared by specialty pharmacies and offers the most cost-effective option for uninsured patients.
- Cost: $150–$300 per month depending on dose and pharmacy
- Coverage: Not covered by insurance (out-of-pocket only)
- Approval status: Not FDA-approved; quality varies by compounding pharmacy
- Where to get: Specialized compounding pharmacies, often through telehealth weight loss companies
Cost Overview: What to Expect
| Option | Typical Monthly Cost | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (with insurance) | $25–$150 | Often covered with prior auth |
| Wegovy (without insurance + coupon) | $250–$400 | N/A |
| Ozempic (diabetes, with insurance) | $25–$200 | Usually covered |
| Compounded semaglutide | $150–$300 | Not covered |
| Telehealth subscription + med | $300–$800 | Varies by platform |
Questions to Ask Your Semaglutide Provider
- Do you have experience prescribing semaglutide? How many patients have you treated?
- What\'s your expected weight loss goal for me?
- What dose will I start on, and what\'s your plan for increasing doses?
- How often will we meet or check in? Can I reach you between appointments?
- What side effects should I monitor, and when should I contact you?
- What\'s the total cost? Is there a payment plan or medication assistance program?
- Do you offer diet or fitness coaching? Should I see a nutritionist?
- What happens if I don\'t lose weight or experience intolerable side effects?
- How long do you anticipate I\'ll need to take semaglutide?
- Do you have experience with people like me (age, medical conditions, etc.)?
Red Flags: Avoid These Providers
- Pushing expensive programs: Be wary of providers who pressure you into expensive nutrition programs or coaching that isn\'t clearly necessary
- No follow-up plans: Good providers schedule regular check-ins; if they don\'t, that\'s a red flag
- Unclear pricing: Providers should clearly explain all costs upfront with no hidden fees
- No lab work: Legitimate providers order baseline and periodic labs to monitor your health
- Ignoring contraindications: If you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer and they don\'t seem concerned, find another provider
- No side effect discussion: Quality providers educate you about realistic side effects and how to manage them
- Overly aggressive dosing: Legitimate providers follow FDA-approved titration schedules, not rapid dose increases
Next Steps After Getting Your Prescription
- Fill your prescription immediately: Once you have your prescription, fill it at a pharmacy (or telehealth provider will ship it)
- Watch injection technique videos: Most providers provide videos; watch them before your first injection
- Set weekly reminders: Use a calendar or phone reminder to inject on the same day and time each week
- Track side effects: Write down how you feel after each injection to discuss at follow-ups
- Schedule your follow-up: Book your 4–6 week follow-up appointment when you fill your prescription
- Start making lifestyle changes: Begin with small dietary and exercise improvements now; they amplify semaglutide\'s effects
Related Guides & Resources
For more information about semaglutide and related treatments, explore these guides:
- Semaglutide: Complete Overview
- Compounded Semaglutide: Guide & Safety
- Peptide Therapy: A Beginner\'s Guide
- Semaglutide Before and After
Frequently Asked Questions
Telehealth platforms are the fastest and easiest option. Companies like Ro, Felix, Calibrate, and PlushCare offer virtual consultations with doctors who can prescribe semaglutide online. The entire process—from application to receiving your first dose—takes 1–3 weeks. No in-person visit is required, and you can do everything from your home.
Yes, most modern telehealth platforms can prescribe semaglutide entirely online without requiring an in-person visit. You'll complete a medical questionnaire, have a brief video consultation with a provider (10–15 minutes), and if approved, your prescription is sent to your pharmacy or the company ships it directly. Some states have minor restrictions, but these are uncommon.
Multiple provider types can prescribe semaglutide: endocrinologists (diabetes specialists), weight loss medicine specialists, primary care doctors, cardiologists, telehealth providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered dietitian nutritionists in some states. Telehealth weight loss clinics have exploded in popularity and are often the most accessible option.
Telehealth costs vary widely: some platforms charge $200–$400 per month for medication only, others charge $99–$300 monthly subscriptions plus medication costs, and some bundle everything into one price ($300–$600/month total). Compare several platforms before choosing. If you have insurance, some telehealth providers can bill directly, reducing your out-of-pocket cost significantly.
Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss and is marketed for this indication. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Both contain semaglutide at the same doses, so medically they're identical. The main differences are marketing, brand, cost (Ozempic may be cheaper through insurance if prescribed for diabetes), and whether weight loss is the primary indication versus a secondary benefit.
Yes, if your doctor is experienced and willing. Call your provider's office and ask if they prescribe weight loss medications. Some primary care doctors are knowledgeable and comfortable prescribing semaglutide; others aren't. If your doctor isn't familiar with it, ask for a referral to an endocrinologist or weight loss specialist, or consider telehealth as an alternative.
Ask: (1) Do you have experience prescribing semaglutide? (2) What's your weight loss goal for me? (3) What dose will I start on and when will it increase? (4) What side effects should I monitor? (5) How will you assess my progress? (6) What's the cost with/without insurance? (7) Can I reach you between appointments with questions? (8) What's your approach if I plateau? (9) How long do you anticipate I'll need this? (10) Do you offer alternative options if semaglutide isn't working?
Yes, compounded semaglutide typically costs $150–$300 per month, compared to $800–$1,350 for brand-name Wegovy without insurance. However, compounded versions aren't FDA-approved, quality varies between compounding pharmacies, and insurance won't cover them. Many providers offer both options, and you can choose based on cost, insurance coverage, and quality concerns.
Look for: (1) Licensed medical doctors (MDs or DOs) rather than physician assistants only, (2) Experience with semaglutide prescribing, (3) Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, (4) Easy-to-reach customer support, (5) Regular check-ins (monthly or every 4–6 weeks), (6) Insurance billing options, (7) Positive reviews from actual patients, (8) Flexibility with dose adjustments, (9) Nutritional guidance or dietitian access, and (10) Mental health support if needed.
The typical process: (1) Complete a medical questionnaire online, (2) Have a video consultation with a provider (10–20 minutes), (3) Provider reviews your medical history and weight loss goals, (4) Provider assesses if you're a good candidate (usually requiring BMI ≥27–30 or ≥25 with weight-related health conditions), (5) If approved, prescription is sent to your pharmacy or directly to you, (6) You'll schedule follow-up visits at 4–8 week intervals to monitor progress and adjust dose.