Getting a prescription for Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications used to mean waiting weeks for a doctor's appointment. Now, you can complete the entire process online — often within 24-48 hours. Here's exactly how it works.
💡 Quick Answer: The fastest way to get a GLP-1 prescription is through telehealth. Complete an online questionnaire, have a video or async consultation, and get medication shipped to your door. Total time: 1-3 days. Cost: $149-399/month including consultation and medication.
Your Options for Getting a Prescription
Option 1: Telehealth Providers (Fastest)
Online platforms that specialize in GLP-1 prescriptions. You'll complete a health questionnaire, consult with a licensed provider (video or text-based), and receive medication by mail.
- Timeline: 24-72 hours from signup to medication
- Cost: $149-399/month (includes consultation + medication)
- Best for: Most people seeking compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide
Option 2: Your Primary Care Doctor
Schedule an appointment with your existing doctor to discuss weight loss or diabetes management.
- Timeline: Varies (days to weeks for appointment)
- Cost: Office visit copay + medication cost separately
- Best for: Patients wanting brand-name Ozempic/Wegovy with insurance
Option 3: Weight Loss Clinics
Specialized in-person clinics focused on medical weight loss.
- Timeline: Usually same-week appointments
- Cost: $200-500/month (often includes medication)
- Best for: Patients wanting hands-on support and monitoring
The Telehealth Process: Step by Step
Choose a Provider & Create Account
Select a telehealth platform. You'll create an account and provide basic information like name, date of birth, and contact details.
Complete Health Questionnaire
Answer questions about your medical history, current medications, weight loss goals, and health conditions. Be honest — this helps the provider determine if GLP-1s are safe for you. Takes 5-10 minutes.
Medical Consultation
Depending on the provider, this is either a video call, phone call, or asynchronous text-based review. A licensed healthcare provider reviews your information and discusses treatment options.
Prescription & Payment
If approved, you'll receive a prescription. Most telehealth providers include medication in their monthly fee. You'll complete payment at this stage.
Medication Delivery
Medication ships directly to your door, usually via cold-chain shipping (insulated packaging with ice packs). Typical delivery: 2-5 business days.
What You'll Need for Your Consultation
Have this information ready to speed up the process:
- Current weight and height (for BMI calculation)
- Medical history — especially diabetes, thyroid conditions, pancreatitis, gallbladder issues
- Current medications — including supplements
- Allergies
- Previous weight loss attempts — diets, other medications, etc.
- Photo ID (some providers require identity verification)
Who Qualifies for a Prescription?
GLP-1 medications are typically prescribed for patients meeting these criteria:
For Weight Loss (Wegovy/Zepbound)
- BMI ≥30 (obesity), OR
- BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related condition (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes)
For Diabetes (Ozempic/Mounjaro)
- Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, OR
- Pre-diabetes with other risk factors
⚠️ Contraindications: GLP-1s are not recommended for patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN 2 syndrome, history of pancreatitis, or pregnant/breastfeeding women. Your provider will screen for these.
Comparing Telehealth Providers
| Provider | Price | Consultation Type | Medication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eden | $149/mo | Async | Compounded semaglutide |
| Clinic Secret | $179/mo | Async | Compounded semaglutide |
| Sprout Health | $199/mo | Video/Async | Compounded semaglutide |
| bmiMD | $229/mo | Video | Semaglutide or tirzepatide |
| Hims/Hers | $199-299/mo | Async | Compounded semaglutide |
| Ro | $145-349/mo | Async | Compounded or brand-name |
Compare All Providers
See current prices and promo codes from 15+ telehealth platforms
View Full Comparison →Brand-Name vs. Compounded: What You'll Get
Compounded Semaglutide (Most Telehealth Providers)
Most telehealth platforms prescribe compounded semaglutide — the same active ingredient as Ozempic/Wegovy, prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies. Cost: $149-299/month.
Brand-Name Ozempic/Wegovy
If you want FDA-approved brand-name medication, you'll typically need to go through your primary care doctor and pharmacy. Telehealth options exist (like Ro) but at higher prices. Cost: $349-1,349/month.
What to Expect After Getting Your Prescription
Starting Dose
You'll begin at a low dose (typically 0.25mg weekly for semaglutide) to minimize side effects. Doses increase gradually over 4-5 months.
Side Effects
Expect some nausea, especially in the first few weeks. Eat smaller meals, stay hydrated, and avoid fatty foods. Most side effects improve with time.
Follow-Up
Good providers include ongoing check-ins and dose adjustments. You should have access to message your provider with questions.
Red Flags to Avoid
- No medical consultation — legitimate providers require some form of medical evaluation
- Prices too low — if it's $50/month, quality is being compromised
- No prescription required — semaglutide is a prescription medication, period
- Ships from overseas — stick with U.S.-based pharmacies
- No ongoing support — you should have access to a provider for questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Ozempic without seeing a doctor in person?
Yes. Telehealth consultations are legally equivalent to in-person visits for prescribing GLP-1 medications in most states.
How quickly can I get medication?
Most telehealth providers can complete consultation within 24-48 hours. Add 2-5 days for shipping. Total: about 1 week from signup to first dose.
Will insurance cover telehealth GLP-1s?
Most telehealth providers don't accept insurance directly. You may be able to submit receipts for HSA/FSA reimbursement.
What if I'm not approved?
If a provider determines you're not a good candidate (BMI too low, contraindicated conditions), most will refund your consultation fee.