How It Works
Telehealth has changed how people access GLP-1 medications. Instead of waiting weeks for a PCP appointment, fighting with insurance, and hunting down pharmacies that have stock, you can go from signup to medication in your fridge in about a week.
Here's exactly what the process looks like.
Take the Eligibility Quiz (5-10 minutes)
Every telehealth provider starts with a questionnaire. This isn't just a formality—it's medical triage. You'll enter:
• Height and weight (to calculate BMI)
• Medical history and current medications
• Weight-related conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)
• State of residence (providers must be licensed in your state)
The quiz filters out people who don't meet medical criteria before you pay anything.
Complete Medical Intake
If you pass initial screening, you'll complete a more detailed health questionnaire. Most providers also require:
• ID verification: Upload a government-issued photo ID
• Full-body photo: Helps the provider visually confirm your BMI data
This information goes to a licensed medical provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA) for review.
Provider Consultation
Depending on the platform and your state's requirements, this happens one of two ways:
Asynchronous (most common): A provider reviews your information and either approves you, asks follow-up questions via messaging, or declines.
Synchronous: A 15-20 minute video call with a provider. Some states require this; some patients prefer it.
Either way, a real licensed provider reviews your case before any prescription is written.
Payment and Prescription
Once approved, you'll pay for your medication plan. Most providers offer:
• Monthly subscriptions ($150-400/month for compounded)
• HSA/FSA payment options
• Payment plans through Affirm, Klarna, etc.
Your prescription is then sent to the pharmacy (either the provider's partner pharmacy or a 503A/503B compounding facility).
Shipping and Delivery
GLP-1 medications require refrigeration, so they ship via cold chain—insulated packaging with ice packs. Most providers use 2-day or overnight shipping.
Your package typically includes: medication (vial or pre-filled pen), syringes/needles if needed, alcohol prep pads, and instructions.
Typical Timeline
What You'll Need Ready
- Government-issued photo ID
- Current weight (weigh yourself that day)
- List of current medications
- Medical history highlights (surgeries, chronic conditions)
- Payment method (credit card, HSA, or financing)
What Can Get You Rejected
Not everyone qualifies. Legitimate providers will decline you if:
- BMI under 27: FDA guidelines require BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with a weight-related condition
- History of MTC or MEN2: Thyroid cancer concerns make GLP-1s contraindicated
- Pregnant or breastfeeding: Hard stop for safety reasons
- History of pancreatitis: GLP-1s can increase risk
- Type 1 diabetes: Most telehealth providers won't manage this remotely
If you're declined: A rejection isn't necessarily permanent. Some conditions can be addressed with documentation from your primary care doctor. Ask the provider what would be needed for approval.
Branded vs. Compounded: What You'll Actually Get
Brand-name (Wegovy, Zepbound): Pre-filled injection pens, FDA-approved, costs $1,000+/month without insurance. Some telehealth platforms now offer these through pharma partnerships.
Compounded: Same active ingredient, prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy. Typically comes in vials (you draw your dose with a syringe). Costs $150-400/month. Not FDA-approved, but legal when made by properly licensed facilities.
Most cash-pay telehealth patients get compounded medications. It's the same semaglutide or tirzepatide, just without the brand-name markup.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all telehealth providers are equal. Be cautious if:
- No real provider consultation (just auto-approve everyone)
- No ID or photo verification
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- No clear information about which pharmacy fulfills orders
- Poor BBB ratings or consistent complaint patterns
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