What to Expect from a Telehealth GLP-1 Visit: Complete Guide to Remote Consultations
Telehealth GLP-1 consultations have become the dominant pathway to accessing Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other weight loss medications. Understanding what happens at first vs. follow-up visits, how providers evaluate your eligibility, what information you\'ll need, and how to identify legitimate providers helps you navigate telehealth confidently.
First Telehealth GLP-1 Visit: What to Expect and How It Works
Your initial telehealth GLP-1 consultation typically takes 30-60 minutes and establishes the foundation for treatment. Here's what happens:
Pre-visit setup: You sign up through the telehealth platform\'s website or app, create account, provide contact information and initial basic health questions. Some platforms request preliminary information (weight, height, medical conditions) before the visit to streamline the appointment. Around 24 hours before scheduled visit, you\'ll receive link to video consultation (usually via secure platform like Zoom, Google Meet, or proprietary platform). Platform requires photo ID verification and sometimes background check (fraud prevention). Ensure you have stable internet, camera/microphone working, and private space for the visit.
Medical history assessment (10-20 minutes): The provider starts by taking comprehensive medical history. They'll ask about: current and past medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, pancreatitis, gallstones, kidney disease, liver disease, eating disorders, depression/anxiety), all medications you take (including over-the-counter, supplements, herbal products), drug allergies, weight history (current weight, weight progression over time, highest adult weight, lowest adult weight), prior weight loss attempts (diets tried, medications used, duration, results, why stopped), family history of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, current eating patterns (rough estimate of meals/snacks, problematic foods, dining-out frequency), exercise routine (type, frequency, duration), sleep patterns (hours nightly, sleep quality, hot flashes if relevant), stress level and major life stressors, barriers to weight loss you've experienced (time, cost, motivation, past disappointments), why interested in GLP-1 medication specifically.
Taking time with history matters because inadequate history means provider might miss contraindications or important context. A legitimate provider spends 10-20 minutes on history; rapid 2-minute history suggests corner-cutting.
Education phase (10-15 minutes): Provider explains GLP-1 mechanism of action in understandable terms: GLP-1 agonists mimic natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar; activating GLP-1 receptors reduces hunger, increases satiety, slows gastric emptying (makes you feel full longer), and improves blood sugar control. Weight loss results from reduced appetite and calorie intake, not metabolism boost or fat-burning acceleration. Expected weight loss: 15-22% of body weight over 68 weeks in clinical trials (so ~30-50 pounds for average patient, though individual variation substantial). Time frame for results: appetite suppression begins 24-48 hours after first injection; noticeable weight loss starts week 2-4; significant weight loss becomes apparent by 2-3 months; maximum weight loss usually achieved by 12-18 months on medication. Common side effects: nausea (25-30%), vomiting (5-10%), constipation/diarrhea (30-40%), headache, fatigue, typically resolve 2-4 weeks after starting or escalating dose. Rare serious complications: pancreatitis, gallstone disease, thyroid concerns. Medication requires ongoing use for sustained weight loss; stopping results in weight regain over 3-6 months typically.
Quality providers address this information clearly, invite questions, and adjust explanation based on your understanding level. Red flag: provider glosses over side effects or complications; minimizes realistic expectations.
Eligibility and contraindication assessment (5-10 minutes): Provider determines whether GLP-1 is appropriate for you. Standard criteria: BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with weight-related comorbidity (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea); or A1C ≥5.7% (prediabetes/diabetes). Absolute contraindications (GLP-1 not safe): personal history medullary thyroid cancer, MEN2 syndrome, severe kidney disease (eGFR <30 in some assessments), uncontrolled diabetes, severe eating disorder. Relative contraindications (use caution, may require modifications): prior pancreatitis, gallstone history, moderate kidney disease, pregnancy (use with caution, though evidence reassuring), moderate liver disease. If you have contraindications, provider should discuss why GLP-1 might not be appropriate and suggest alternatives. If you're eligible, provider moves to next step.
Cost and insurance discussion (5 minutes): Provider or support staff discusses cost options: if you have insurance that covers GLP-1, provider explains coverage, copays, need for prior authorization (PA), timeline for insurance approval (typically 3-10 days). If you're uninsured or insurance won't cover, provider discusses out-of-pocket options: Novo Nordisk copay card (reduces out-of-pocket to $0-250 monthly), patient assistance programs (free if income-qualified), compounded semaglutide ($200-400 monthly), telehealth platform pricing. Some platforms bundle visit + labs + follow-ups into package pricing ($300-600 per month). Ask upfront what costs to expect; legitimate providers are transparent.
Prescription and logistics (5 minutes): If approved, provider discusses prescription details: medication name and dose (usually starting 0.25 mg weekly for Ozempic, may differ for other GLP-1s), injection technique (subcutaneous weekly into abdomen, thigh, or arm), where prescription will be sent (ask which pharmacy you prefer; legitimate providers send to your choice). Provider arranges baseline labs if not already done (blood work usually ordered through LabCorp or Quest, results needed before medication pickup or shortly after). Prescription sent electronically to pharmacy; you pick up medication within 1-3 days typically. Cold chain maintenance: store in refrigerator at 36-46°F. Schedule first injection for day that works for your schedule (many people inject Monday mornings).
Follow-up scheduling (2 minutes): Provider schedules follow-up appointment, typically 2-4 weeks after starting medication to assess initial tolerance, side effect severity, confirm injection technique. Subsequent follow-ups every 4 weeks during escalation phase (dose increasing), then every 3 months once stable. Emergency contact info provided if you have urgent questions/concerns.
Baseline Lab Requirements: What Tests You Need Before Starting
Most responsible telehealth providers require or strongly recommend baseline labs before prescribing. Standard baseline panel includes: hemoglobin A1C (measures average blood glucose), fasting glucose, lipid panel (cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin), kidney function (creatinine, BUN, eGFR), thyroid TSH, and sometimes comprehensive metabolic panel (electrolytes, kidney function). See the lab guide for detailed information on each test.
Labs required before prescribing or shortly after: most providers require labs before sending first prescription to rule out contraindications and establish baseline. Some telehealth platforms offer bundled lab services: you order through their partner LabCorp or Quest, results returned within 2-5 days, shared with provider automatically. Cost: often included in visit package ($99-300 total), or $50-150 if ordered separately. If you need to obtain labs independently, use self-order LabCorp/Quest options ($100-200 for comprehensive panel) rather than hospital labs (more expensive).
Follow-Up Telehealth Visits: Monitoring Your Progress
After your initial consultation, regular follow-ups ensure medication safety and efficacy. Follow-up visits are typically 15-30 minutes and focused on progress monitoring rather than diagnostic assessment.
2-4 weeks: first follow-up call: Brief check-in (often 10-15 minutes) to assess tolerance to initial dose. Provider asks: How are you feeling on the medication? Any side effects (nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, fatigue)? How severe (1-10 scale)? How is it affecting your daily life? Are you eating, sleeping normally? Any difficulty with injections? Are you ready to escalate dose next week as planned, or should we wait longer? This early check-in helps catch severe side effects early and reassures you that support is available.
4-8 weeks: dose escalation visits: Scheduled when moving from one dose level to next (e.g., 0.25 to 0.5 mg). Provider assesses tolerance, confirms readiness for dose increase, reviews injection technique, adjusts timing/location if needed. Most conversations done by phone or brief video. Dose escalations continue at provider\'s schedule (typically every 4 weeks) until reaching maintenance dose (usually 1.0 mg weekly for weight loss).
12-16 weeks: comprehensive follow-up after reaching maintenance dose: Longer visit (20-30 minutes) after you\'ve been on full maintenance dose for 4+ weeks. Provider assesses: overall weight loss and body measurements (provider may ask you to self-measure waist, hips), side effect evolution (often improve after few weeks), eating pattern changes (appetite suppression success, food preferences, portion sizes), physical activity changes (exercise ability, energy), weight loss expectations and realistic goals, repeat labs (A1C, lipids, kidney function, liver function) if available. Based on findings, provider may: continue current dose (most common if weight loss proceeding well and side effects tolerable), increase dose further if weight loss inadequate, add behavioral support or additional medications, discuss long-term plan.
6 months: mid-year comprehensive visit: Some providers schedule this; others skip to annual. If offered, this visit tracks progress mid-treatment with repeat labs, motivation check-in, barrier assessment, and long-term sustainability planning.
12 months: annual comprehensive review: Full annual assessment with repeat comprehensive labs, total weight loss documentation, cardiovascular risk improvement (blood pressure, cholesterol improvement), quality of life assessment, long-term continuation planning. Many providers discuss indefinite treatment (GLP-1s work best long-term; weight regains when stopped) versus potential breaks or transitions.
Ongoing annual visits: Once treatment stabilizes, annual check-ins become standard. These are typically comprehensive (30-45 minutes) with full metabolic assessment, labs, and treatment continuation discussion.
Legitimacy Markers: How to Identify a Reputable Telehealth GLP-1 Provider
Given proliferation of telehealth weight loss services, distinguishing legitimate providers from problematic ones is critical. Key legitimacy indicators:
Verifiable medical credentials: Provider clearly identifies as MD (medical doctor), DO (doctor of osteopathy), NP (nurse practitioner), or PA-C (physician assistant). Many telehealth platforms allow credential verification through state medical boards, DEA registration verification, or NABP PharmChecker for prescriber verification. Legitimate providers are transparent about credentials and allow verification. Red flag: credentials unclear or non-verifiable.
Comprehensive medical history assessment: Initial consultation includes detailed medical, medication, weight, diet, exercise, and barrier history (as described above). Legitimate providers take 10-20 minutes on history; sketchy providers rush through in 2-5 minutes and jump to prescription. Time spent on history correlates with quality of care.
Baseline lab requirement: Responsible providers require baseline labs before prescribing or strongly recommend obtaining them. Skipping baseline labs (or dismissing their importance) is red flag. Labs provide essential safety information about contraindications, baseline disease severity, and reference points for monitoring.
Clear risk/benefit discussion: Providers explain common side effects, rare serious complications, realistic weight loss expectations, and important considerations (ongoing medication need, weight regain if stopped). Providers who minimize side effects or make unrealistic promises ("never regain weight," "cure for obesity") are problematic.
Medication choice autonomy: Providers send prescriptions to pharmacy of your choice (Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, independent pharmacy, mail-order). Legitimate providers don\'t force use of specific pharmacies or compounding services. If provider insists "you must use compounded semaglutide" or won\'t send prescriptions to your chosen pharmacy, it\'s questionable.
Multiple GLP-1 options: If you have contraindication to semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), legitimate providers can discuss alternative GLP-1s (liraglutide/Saxenda, tirzepatide/Mounjaro/Zepbound, dulaglutide/Trulicity). Providers aware of medication options and can tailor to individual needs are higher quality.
Transparent upfront pricing: Legitimate providers disclose visit costs, lab costs, follow-up costs, and medication costs upfront before you commit. Sketchy providers hide costs until after consultation or surprise you with charges. Ask "How much will this cost?" at signup; legitimate providers have clear answer.
Structured follow-up plan: Responsible providers schedule follow-ups at appropriate intervals (2-4 weeks, 4-8 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, annually). They explain what will happen at each visit. Providers who don't mention follow-up or suggest "contact us whenever you feel like it" lack appropriate structure.
Insurance integration: Quality providers work with your insurance to maximize coverage, submit prior authorization when needed, explain copay options, and discuss alternatives if insurance denies. Providers who refuse to work with insurance or make it difficult create access barriers unnecessarily.
Positive online reputation: Check reviews on Trustpilot, Google Reviews, BBB (Better Business Bureau), or platform-specific reviews. Multiple positive reviews (regarding provider quality, ease of process, good outcomes) indicate legitimacy. Multiple negative reviews (regarding credentials, rushing, pushy sales tactics, poor outcomes) signal problems.
Red Flags: Warning Signs of Problematic Telehealth Providers
Beware of these warning signs indicating sketchy or unethical providers:
Credentials unavailable or non-verifiable: Provider identity unclear, can't verify medical license or credentials through state boards, credentials vague ("health coach," "weight loss specialist" without MD/DO/NP/PA designation). Legitimate providers have verifiable medical credentials.
Rapid assessment and immediate prescribing: Provider sees you for 5-10 minutes, asks minimal history questions, immediately prescribes without baseline assessment. Quality providers spend adequate time (30+ minutes initial) on comprehensive assessment.
No baseline labs required: Provider dismisses labs as unnecessary or prescribes without them. Responsible providers require or strongly recommend baseline labs to rule out contraindications and establish monitoring reference points.
Pushes specific medication or pharmacy: Insists you use compounded semaglutide instead of brand-name Ozempic/Wegovy; will only send prescriptions to specific pharmacies; won't honor your pharmacy choice. This limits your options and suggests provider has financial incentive (compounding pharmacies pay kickbacks to some providers). Legitimate providers respect your autonomy on medication and pharmacy choice.
Only offers very cheap pricing: "Visit + medication + labs for $99 total" seems too good to be true (because it is). Unsustainably cheap pricing suggests corners being cut—possibly inadequate assessment, unreliable follow-up, quality concerns.
Sells unnecessary add-ons: Pressures you to buy expensive supplements, meal plans, fitness programs, or other products as "required" for weight loss success. Legitimate weight loss doesn't require these; aggressive upselling suggests profit motive over patient care.
No follow-up structure: Doesn't mention or schedule follow-up after initial consultation; implies you only need one visit. Quality providers build in regular follow-ups for safety and efficacy monitoring.
Minimal side effect discussion: Downplays common side effects ("nausea only in 1-2% of patients" when actual rate is 25-30%); promises "no side effects"; minimizes serious complications. Transparent providers acknowledge realistic side effect rates and management strategies.
Unrealistic promises: Claims of "permanent weight loss," "never regain weight," "cure for obesity," or "lose 100 pounds in 6 months." Realistic weight loss is 15-22% of body weight; weight typically regains if medication stopped; permanent results require continued treatment. Impossible promises indicate deceptive provider.
Pressure and high-pressure tactics: "Only offer good today," "limited spots available," or other artificial urgency. Legitimate providers don't pressure rapid decisions. Take time to evaluate options.
Negative online reviews: Multiple complaints about quality, adverse effects, billing disputes, or credential issues. Read reviews carefully; occasional complaints are normal, but patterns of serious issues warrant caution.
Unwilling to work with insurance: Refuses to submit prior authorization, makes insurance work difficult, or insists you pay out-of-pocket despite insurance potentially covering. This limits access unnecessarily.
If you notice red flags: Trust your instinct. There are many legitimate telehealth GLP-1 providers; no need to compromise with questionable ones. Switch providers if something feels off.
Telehealth vs. In-Person GLP-1 Providers: Comparing Approaches
Both telehealth and in-person weight loss providers offer GLP-1 prescribing. Comparing approaches helps you decide which fits your situation:
Telehealth advantages: Convenience (no travel, visit from home), often lower cost ($100-300 per visit vs. $200-500 in-person), faster scheduling (often available within days vs. weeks for specialists), access to quality providers regardless of location (don't need to find specialist in your area). Flexibility: can schedule around work/family commitments. Technology comfort: if you're comfortable with video calls, easy transition.
Telehealth limitations: No physical exam (blood pressure, weight measured by provider, abdominal palpation if concerned about complications). Injection technique review must be done via video (sometimes less hands-on than in-person). Technology barriers: requires stable internet, camera, phone, comfort with video conferencing. Limited ability to address complex medical situations requiring hands-on evaluation. Privacy concerns: need private space for video visit.
In-person provider advantages: Physical exam possible (blood pressure, weight, abdominal exam if indicated), injection technique review hands-on, better for complex medical histories requiring thorough in-person assessment, some people prefer in-person interaction.
In-person limitations: Usually higher cost (office overhead passed to patients), longer wait times for appointments (specialists often booked weeks out), limited geographic availability (specialists concentrated in urban areas), travel time and inconvenience, less flexibility in scheduling.
Which to choose: For straightforward weight loss in otherwise healthy individuals, telehealth quality is comparable to in-person at lower cost and greater convenience. If you have complex medical history (multiple chronic conditions, prior abdominal surgeries, complicated medication interactions), in-person evaluation might offer more comprehensive assessment. Consider hybrid approach: initial in-person evaluation with complex medical evaluation, then telehealth follow-ups for convenience. Many people successfully use telehealth exclusively; others prefer in-person. Choose based on personal preference, medical complexity, and practical convenience.
Key Takeaway:
Quality telehealth GLP-1 consultations involve comprehensive medical assessment, clear education about medication and realistic expectations, appropriate baseline labs, transparent cost discussion, and structured follow-up care. Legitimate providers are transparent about credentials, respect your autonomy in medication and pharmacy choices, and provide ongoing support. Trust your instinct if something feels off, and choose providers with positive track records and clear legitimacy markers.
Frequently Asked Questions
First visits typically 30-60 minutes; follow-ups 15-30 minutes. Initial consultation involves: 10-15 minutes gathering medical history (weight history, prior weight loss attempts, comorbidities, medications), 10-15 minutes discussing GLP-1 mechanism, risks, benefits, and addressing questions, 5-10 minutes discussing cost/insurance/logistics, 5 minutes arranging labs or prescriptions. Quality telehealth providers spend adequate time; rushed visits (5-10 minutes) suggest cookie-cutter approach and potential quality concerns. Follow-up visits (3-12 weeks into treatment) are shorter because history is established; focus is on side effect assessment, weight loss tracking, dose adjustment if needed, and refill authorization. Efficient 20-30 minute follow-up is appropriate. Some providers offer quick check-ins (10-15 minutes) at reduced cost between fuller assessments; appropriate for established patients with stable treatment. If provider schedules only 10-minute initial consultation, it's a red flag for inadequate assessment.
Prepare the following information to facilitate efficient visit: Complete medical history: all medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, pancreatitis history, gallstone history, kidney disease, liver disease, eating disorders, depression/anxiety history). All medications and supplements you take (including over-the-counter, herbal products). Allergies to medications. Prior weight loss attempts (past diets, medications tried, results, what worked/didn't work, why you stopped). Weight history: current weight, weight 5 years ago, highest adult weight, lowest adult weight in adulthood, pattern (gradual gain vs. sudden). Family history: obesity, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, cancer in close relatives. Lifestyle: typical daily eating pattern (rough estimate of meals/snacks, high-risk foods, dining out frequency), exercise routine (type, frequency, duration), sleep patterns (hours per night, sleep quality), stress level. Current barriers to weight loss: time constraints, cost, food access, motivation, prior disappointments. Insurance information: plan name, policy number, group number if employer-sponsored. List of questions/concerns about GLP-1 treatment. Having this information ready (written out or organized in your mind) speeds visit and ensures comprehensive assessment.
Yes, licensed telehealth providers (MDs, DOs, nurse practitioners, physician assistants with appropriate state licensing) can prescribe GLP-1 medications legally. Requirements: provider must have valid state medical license in your state of residence, prescribe within scope of practice (weight loss specialists have specific training), maintain medical-legal responsibility for prescription. Telehealth prescribing is federally legal and state-legal in all 50 US states (though regulations vary slightly by state). Major reputable telehealth platforms (Amazon Clinic, Sesame, specialized weight loss apps) employ licensed providers who verify their credentials and maintain licensing compliance. Prescription written by telehealth provider is sent electronically to pharmacy of your choice (most often), and medication dispensed like any standard pharmacy prescription. Insurance covers telehealth GLP-1 prescriptions identically to in-person provider prescriptions. Red flags for illegitimate prescribing: provider not clearly identifying themselves as MD/DO/NP/PA or not clearly stating their credentials; no mechanism to verify credentials; prescriptions issued without medical history assessment; no follow-up care structure offered; provider recommends only specific pharmacies (forcing you to compounded options when brand available). Legitimate telehealth providers have transparent credentials, appropriate assessment, and offer multiple pharmacy options.
Telehealth GLP-1 visit costs range widely: Basic telehealth visit (no labs, no insurance): $150-300 per visit typically. Comprehensive package (visit + baseline labs + follow-ups): $300-600 per month. Platforms with insurance coverage: $0-50 copay if insurance approves (depends on plan and whether GLP-1 consultations covered). Direct-to-consumer budget platforms: $99-200 per visit (less comprehensive than premium options). Medication costs separate from visit fees: $0-250 monthly with copay card or insurance, $200-400 for compounded options, $1,200-1,500 for brand-name at retail. Red flags for cost: providers charging $500+ per visit (likely overpriced); "free" consultations that pressure high-cost medication purchases; no transparent upfront pricing (legitimate providers disclose costs before visit). Best value: many telehealth platforms offer bundled pricing (visit + basic labs + follow-up included) at $200-400 per month, which is economical compared to buying each component separately. Ask about bundled packages and upfront pricing transparency.
Legitimacy markers for telehealth GLP-1 providers: Credentials clearly displayed: MD, DO, NP, PA designation specified and verifiable (many platforms allow credential verification through state boards). Real business entity: established company with website, office address, customer service contact. Medical history assessment: comprehensive intake requiring medical/medication history, weight history, prior attempts, barriers; rush through without history is red flag. Insurance integration: provider works with insurance, can submit prior authorization, discusses coverage options; or clearly states upfront that they don't bill insurance and you pay out-of-pocket. Multiple pharmacy options: prescriptions sent to pharmacy of your choice (Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, etc.); if provider insists on specific pharmacy or compounding source, questionable. Clear cost disclosure: upfront pricing for visit, labs, follow-ups; no hidden fees. Safety protocols: require baseline labs before prescribing (or strongly recommend); don't prescribe without assessment. Follow-up structure: scheduled follow-ups at reasonable intervals (3-6 weeks, then 3 months, 6 months, annually); not just one-time prescription and abandonment. Red flags for sketchy providers: Credentials non-verifiable or not clearly stated. No medical history assessment (prescribes within minutes of signing up). Only offers compounded medications (avoiding brand-name options). Extremely cheap pricing (suspiciously low, suggesting corner-cutting). Prescribes without baseline labs. No follow-up care structure. Multiple complaints on review sites (check Trustpilot, Google reviews). Pressure to buy additional supplements or add-ons. If anything feels off or you can't verify credentials, it's probably safer to find different provider.
GLP-1 medications (semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide) are proteins requiring temperature control. Proper cold chain maintenance is critical to preserve medication efficacy. Pharmaceutical supply chain maintains cold chain during manufacturing and shipping to pharmacies, where medications are stored in refrigerated units at 36-46°F. When you pick up medication at pharmacy, you receive it in refrigerated bag and must store at home in refrigerator at 36-46°F. Telehealth prescription workflow: you pick up prescription at pharmacy of choice (Walgreens, CVS, Kroger pharmacy, independent pharmacy, mail-order pharmacy). Pharmacy maintains cold chain before dispensing to you. You're responsible for maintaining cold chain at home (store in refrigerator, not room temperature, not freezer). If using mail-order pharmacy: pharmacy ships medication in insulated box with temperature-control packs (ice packs or phase-change materials). Transit typically 1-2 days. Upon receipt, check package for signs of temperature exposure (ice packs melted, medication not cold). Reputable mail-order pharmacies use expedited shipping and robust temperature-control packs to minimize transit time and heat exposure. Most mail-order shipments arrive safely; cold chain rarely breaks in legitimate channels. Red flag: if medication arrives warm or at room temperature, don't use it—call pharmacy for replacement. Cost impact: brand-name Ozempic/Wegovy at retail costs $1,200-1,500 per month; mail-order and retail prices similar. Compounded semaglutide via compounding pharmacies costs $200-400 monthly, sometimes available only through telehealth partnerships (not standard retail). Temperature control for compounded medications less stringently monitored than brand-name, which is one quality concern with compounded options.
Quality telehealth providers schedule appropriate follow-up to ensure safety and efficacy. Standard follow-up schedule: Initial visit, then 2-4 weeks: first check-in call or brief visit to assess how tolerated initial dose, any side effects, confirm injection technique, answer questions. At 4-6 weeks: second dose escalation visit (if prescribed Ozempic, escalating from 0.25 to 0.5 mg), assess injection technique and side effects, adjust dose timing/technique if needed. At 8-12 weeks: comprehensive follow-up visit after reaching maintenance dose, assess weight loss, side effects, eating pattern changes, exercise adherence, repeat labs (A1C, lipids, kidney function), adjust dose if needed, discuss long-term treatment plan. At 6 months: follow-up visit with repeat labs, assess sustainability of weight loss, lifestyle changes, barrier management, medication adherence. At 12 months: comprehensive annual review with full lab panel, assess cumulative weight loss and metabolic improvements, long-term treatment planning. Then annually: ongoing annual follow-ups. Red flags for inadequate follow-up: One-time visit and never heard from provider again (no follow-up scheduled). Long gaps (6+ months) without check-ins. No follow-up labs offered or encouraged. Provider unavailable for side effect management between scheduled visits. Legitimate providers proactively schedule follow-ups and maintain communication. If provider doesn't schedule follow-up at your initial visit, ask: "When should I schedule my next appointment?" If they say "whenever you want" with no clear schedule, consider finding provider with more structured approach.
Prepare these questions to ask during your telehealth visit to ensure comprehensive care and legitimate provider: About the provider and their experience: What is your medical license/credentials? How long have you been prescribing GLP-1 medications? How many patients have you treated with GLP-1s? What is your approach if I have side effects? About the medication: How does this medication work specifically for weight loss? What are realistic weight loss expectations? How long will I need to take it? What are the main side effects I might experience? How are side effects managed? About my specific situation: Is this medication safe for me given my medical history? Do you have concerns about any of my current medications? Should I continue my current diet/exercise, or do you recommend changes? What happens if I don't lose weight as expected? About monitoring and follow-up: What labs do I need before starting? What labs will be repeated after I start medication? How often will we check in after I start? How will you monitor whether treatment is working? What's the process if I need to adjust doses or switch medications? About cost and logistics: How much will this cost (visit, medication, labs)? Does insurance cover this? Will you submit prior authorization to my insurance? Where will my prescription be sent? How is medication shipped if I use mail order? Can I switch pharmacies if needed? About discontinuation (relevant for many): If I decide to stop this medication, what should I do? Will stopping cause side effects? How long after stopping might I regain weight? Can I restart if I need to stop temporarily (pregnancy, surgery)? What's your plan if this medication isn't working for me after 3-6 months? Asking these questions demonstrates engaged approach, allows you to evaluate provider thoroughness, and clarifies expectations.
Follow-up visits differ from initial visit: focus shifts from medical history assessment to monitoring treatment response and managing side effects. Typical follow-up visit structure (15-30 minutes): Side effect check: How are you tolerating the medication? Any nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue? If yes, severity (1-10 scale) and how it's affecting your life. Weight and metrics: Current weight, weight lost since start, how does it feel physically? Energy level? Ability to exercise? Eating pattern: What has changed in your appetite? Eating patterns? Food preferences? Are you satisfied with portion sizes? Any binge eating or problematic eating patterns? Adherence: Have you missed any injections? Any barriers to medication adherence? Lifestyle: How's exercise going? Sleep quality? Stress level? Any life changes affecting weight management? Lab review (if new labs obtained): A1C change, lipid improvement, kidney/liver function stable? What do labs show about treatment response? Medication adjustment: Should we increase dose? Should we stay at current dose? Any need to reduce dose due to side effects? Follow-up scheduling: When should we check in again? What should prompt you to call before scheduled follow-up? Prescription refill: Refilling current dose or new dose? Where should prescription go? Cost/insurance: Any barriers to affording medication? Should we explore assistance programs? Behavioral support: Discussing barriers to weight loss, strategy adjustment, celebration of progress. Quality telehealth providers dedicate time to these elements even in brief follow-up visits. Red flags: Provider focuses only on refilling prescription without asking about side effects/progress. Takes only 5 minutes. Doesn't review any labs or metrics. Doesn't schedule next follow-up. Feels transactional rather than caring partnership.
Be cautious if telehealth provider exhibits these behaviors: No credential verification available: can't find their medical license, credentials not clearly stated, provider identity unclear. Prescribes without proper assessment: doesn't ask about medical history, weight history, prior attempts; prescribes within minutes of signup. Pushes high-dose medication immediately: tries to escalate quickly to 1.0+ mg without starting at 0.25 mg; doesn't follow standard protocols. Only offers specific medication or pharmacy: insists you use compounded semaglutide instead of brand-name; will only refer to specific pharmacies; limits your choice. Pushes expensive add-ons: sells expensive supplements, meal plans, or other products as "required" for weight loss; makes money on side products beyond medication. No follow-up structure: doesn't schedule follow-ups, offers no support after prescription, disappears after initial visit. Unsustainably cheap pricing: pricing so low it seems impossible they're providing quality care (e.g., $50 total for visit + labs + prescription); likely cutting corners. Doesn't discuss cost upfront: hits you with surprise charges after consultation. Pressures rapid decisions: "Only offer valid today" or other pressure tactics. Multiple negative reviews: check Trustpilot, Google reviews, BBB ratings; numerous complaints about quality, adverse effects, cost disputes. Prescribes without baseline labs: doesn't require or recommend baseline bloodwork before starting medication. Claims medication will cure obesity: makes unrealistic promises ("permanent weight loss," "never regain weight," etc.); legitimate providers acknowledge weight regain after discontinuation. Doesn't work with insurance: refuses to work with your insurance, makes it difficult to use copay assistance. If you notice any red flags, it's worth finding different provider even if inconvenient. Quality telehealth GLP-1 care is widely available; no need to compromise with questionable providers.
Cost comparison: Telehealth GLP-1 consultation: $99-300 per visit, labs often included in packages ($150-300 per month bundled). In-person GLP-1 consultation: $200-500 per visit (varies by location, provider specialization), labs separate ($100-500 depending on facility). Telehealth generally cheaper for consultation because telehealth providers have lower overhead (no office rent, less staff), can operate at scale. Medication cost identical: brand-name Ozempic/Wegovy ~$1,200-1,500 monthly (retail), $0-250 with insurance/copay cards; compounded semaglutide $200-400 monthly (regardless of telehealth vs. in-person). Insurance coverage identical: insurance covers telehealth GLP-1 consultations same as in-person (if covered at all—some plans only cover in-person visits with specialists). Telehealth often better value because: visits scheduled more flexibly (less time off work), repeat labs often included in package pricing, lower facility costs allow lower visit fees. In-person advantages: physical exam possible (blood pressure, weight directly measured by provider, palpation of abdomen if concerned about complications), hands-on injection technique review, if complex medical situations warrant in-person assessment. For most straightforward weight loss on GLP-1 medications, telehealth quality is comparable to in-person at lower cost. If you have complex medical history (complicated past surgeries, multiple chronic diseases), in-person might offer more comprehensive assessment. Cost comparison summary: telehealth typically $100-200 per month for visit + follow-ups; in-person typically $150-300; medication costs dominate total spend regardless of provider type. Choose telehealth for cost savings and convenience; in-person if needing more hands-on assessment.