The decision to start a GLP-1 medication is not complicated once you have the right information. The problem is that most patients do not get the right information until after they have enrolled, paid, and sometimes been surprised by costs, side effects, or coverage denials that a few well-placed questions would have surfaced upfront.
This checklist is organized into seven categories. You do not need to ask every question — some will not apply to your situation. But reading through all of them before your consultation will ensure you are not discovering critical information at the worst possible time.
Print it, screenshot it, or bookmark it. Bring specific questions to your consultation. A provider who discourages questions or gives vague answers to direct questions about cost and monitoring is itself useful information.
Category 1: The Clinical Questions
These questions establish whether the recommended treatment plan is clinically appropriate for you — and whether the provider has the full clinical picture they need to prescribe safely.
Do you have my complete medication list?
GLP-1 medications interact with several common drug classes. Semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which affects absorption of oral medications taken on a fixed schedule — particularly thyroid medications (levothyroxine), oral contraceptives, and certain blood pressure and psychiatric medications. Your provider needs the complete list, including vitamins and supplements, before prescribing.
What to do: Bring or submit your full medication list before the consultation, not during it. Include everything — prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements.
Do you need my medical history, or just my BMI?
A reputable provider prescribes based on your full clinical picture. Your relevant medical history includes prior GI issues, thyroid history, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis history, kidney and liver function, cardiovascular history, and psychiatric history. All of these affect both the prescribing decision and how the medication should be monitored.
What to watch for: Platforms that prescribe based solely on a BMI and a brief questionnaire without any clinical depth review are accepting a level of clinical risk that more thorough platforms do not.
Which medication are you recommending and why?
There are multiple FDA-approved options — semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Zepbound), orforglipron (Foundayo), liraglutide (Saxenda), and others. The right medication depends on your health profile, insurance formulary, side effect sensitivities, and preference for injection vs. pill. A provider who can explain why they are recommending a specific medication — not just defaulting to whatever is cheapest or most available — is demonstrating clinical judgment.
Good answer examples: "Given your type 2 diabetes and your insurer's formulary, Mounjaro is the best fit for dual glycemic and weight management." / "Zepbound showed 47% more weight loss than semaglutide in the SURMOUNT-5 trial — given that you have no insurance barriers to tirzepatide, it is the stronger first-line option."
Do I need lab work before starting?
The clinical standard of care for GLP-1 prescribing includes baseline metabolic labs: A1C, comprehensive metabolic panel (kidney and liver function), lipid panel, and thyroid panel. Not every platform requires these — some prescribe after a questionnaire alone. This is a choice that reflects clinical priorities.
Why it matters: Undiagnosed prediabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid conditions can affect which medication is appropriate and how it should be monitored. Labs before prescribing are not bureaucratic friction — they are the clinical foundation for safe prescribing.
What to ask specifically: "Will you order lab work before prescribing? Which labs? How will the results be reviewed with me?"
Are there any conditions in my history that might be a contraindication?
Be proactive about your full history. Providers who ask only screening questions may miss relevant details. If you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), a history of pancreatitis, severe kidney disease, or prior serious hypersensitivity reactions — say so explicitly and confirm the provider has addressed it in their assessment.
What is the titration schedule and what happens if I cannot tolerate a dose increase?
The standard titration for Wegovy is dose escalation every four weeks, reaching 2.4 mg over approximately five months. For Zepbound, it reaches 15 mg over approximately six months. These schedules are designed to minimize side effects — but they are not mandatory. If a dose increase causes significant problems, holding at the current dose for an additional month is clinically appropriate.
What to ask: "If I cannot tolerate the dose increase, can I stay at the current dose longer?" The answer should be yes.
Category 2: Cost and Insurance Questions
This is the category where most patients are most surprised. The questions here will save you money or at minimum prevent you from being blindsided.
What is the total monthly cost — all-in, including membership AND medication?
Many telehealth GLP-1 platforms advertise a low membership fee and list medication separately. The all-in cost is what matters. At Hims/Hers, for example, the membership fee is $149/month and Wegovy injection adds $299/month — total $448/month, not the $149 often seen in advertising. Ask for the complete breakdown before you commit.
What to ask: "What will my total monthly cost be — including your platform fee, the medication, and any other charges?"
Will you check my insurance benefits before I pay anything?
Some platforms — notably Ro and Found Health — check your insurance benefits before asking for any payment. Others require you to pay the membership fee and discover your coverage situation afterward. Knowing upfront whether your insurance covers your medication affects which platform you should choose.
What prior authorization support do you provide?
If your plan covers GLP-1 medications, prior authorization is almost always required. PA support varies dramatically across platforms:
- Dedicated concierge teams (Ro Body Program, WeightWatchers Clinic, Calibrate, Mochi Health): actively manage your PA, submit paperwork, pursue appeals, and have institutional experience with specific insurer requirements
- Provider-driven PA (Sesame, PlushCare, Found Health): your prescribing clinician handles the PA as part of regular care, without a dedicated team
- No PA support (Hims/Hers, Walgreens, GoodRx, Lemonaid): self-pay model; insurance navigation is entirely on you
What to ask: "What specifically does your team do if my prior authorization is denied? Will you handle peer-to-peer review and the appeal?"
What happens to my cost when the introductory pricing period ends?
Several platforms offer reduced pricing for the first 1–2 fills (Wegovy's NovoCare introductory rate is $199/month for the first two fills, then $349/month). Manufacturers' self-pay programs have expiration dates for their promotional rates. Ask explicitly what you will pay after the introductory period ends.
Is there a cancellation fee or minimum commitment?
Found Health charges $99 to cancel before six months. WeightWatchers Clinic's annual plan locks you in for 12 months at the reduced rate. Most other platforms allow cancellation at any time. Know before you commit.
Does your platform accept my insurance for the membership fee, or is that always cash-pay?
Platform membership fees are almost universally cash-pay — insurers cover clinical visits (usually), not subscription access fees. PlushCare is a significant exception, billing clinical visits through insurance at copay rates rather than charging a flat subscription. This distinction matters for patients with high-deductible plans.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Most GLP-1 program costs are HSA/FSA eligible when prescribed for a qualifying medical condition — this effectively reduces your cost by your marginal tax rate (typically 22–37%). Not all platforms accept HSA/FSA cards directly; some require you to pay out of pocket and submit receipts for reimbursement.
Category 3: Medication Logistics Questions
These questions are practical but important — they determine what your actual day-to-day experience will be.
Where will my prescription be filled?
Platforms vary considerably on pharmacy flexibility:
- Partner pharmacy only: Ro, Hims/Hers, GoodRx, and most compounded medication platforms route to their own pharmacy or a specific partner. You cannot fill at your local CVS.
- Any pharmacy: PlushCare and Sesame send prescriptions to any pharmacy you choose — CVS, Walgreens, Costco, your local independent, or Amazon Pharmacy.
- LillyDirect / NovoCare: Manufacturer-direct programs with their own fulfillment infrastructure.
If you prefer specific pharmacies (Costco for the GLP-1/Sesame discount, Amazon Pharmacy for same-day delivery, a local pharmacy where you have an established relationship), confirm your platform allows this.
How quickly will I receive my first shipment?
Medication delivery timeline after approval ranges from 1–5 business days (Hims, Ro) to several weeks if prior authorization is required (Calibrate, insured patients at any platform). If you need medication quickly, the async approval model without insurance at Hims, Sesame, or GoodRx is the fastest path.
What happens when I need a dose increase?
Each dose level in the titration schedule requires an updated prescription. Ask how your platform handles this: is it automatic (your provider sends the next dose prescription at the scheduled interval), or do you need to request it each time? Can you hold a dose level without penalty if you need more time?
How is the medication stored and shipped?
Injectable GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Zepbound) are biologics that require refrigeration. They are shipped cold-packed and can be held at room temperature for a limited period after delivery. Know your platform's shipping protocol — medication damaged by improper temperature handling during shipping is a real problem with some compounding pharmacies.
What formulation am I getting — pen, vial, or something else?
Zepbound is available as standard auto-injector pens, KwikPen multi-dose pens, and single-dose vials. Wegovy is available as auto-injector pens and a daily oral pill. Different formulations have different prices and different handling requirements. Confirm what you are receiving before your first delivery.
Category 4: Side Effect and Support Questions
Knowing what to expect and what support is available before side effects arrive is dramatically better than discovering it mid-crisis.
What are the most common side effects I should expect?
Nausea, constipation, and fatigue are the most common. Most patients experience some degree of GI adjustment in the first 4–8 weeks of starting or dose escalation. The honest answer from your provider should acknowledge that nausea is common without catastrophizing it — most patients manage it successfully.
What should I do if nausea is severe?
Ask this before you need the answer. A good response includes dietary management strategies (smaller meals, low-fat foods, staying upright after eating), OTC options (ginger, vitamin B6), and the availability of prescription antiemetics (ondansetron) if OTC options are insufficient. A provider who says only "it will pass" is not giving you a complete answer.
Under what circumstances should I stop taking the medication and contact you immediately?
The specific answer should include: severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis), right-upper-quadrant pain after fatty meals (possible gallbladder disease), signs of dehydration from prolonged vomiting, and any serious allergic reaction. A provider who cannot or will not answer this question specifically is a concern.
How do I reach a provider between scheduled appointments if something is wrong?
This varies enormously. Some platforms have 24/7 messaging with clinical staff; others have business-hours-only support; others are effectively one-directional — you message them and wait. Know the answer before you need urgent help.
Will you prescribe an antiemetic if I need one?
Ask directly. Some platforms — particularly async-only models — have been reported to be reluctant to add prescriptions between consultations. Knowing upfront that your provider will prescribe ondansetron if needed reduces anxiety about managing GI side effects alone.
Category 5: Monitoring and Follow-Up Questions
Long-term safety requires ongoing clinical oversight. These questions establish what that looks like at your chosen platform.
How often will I have follow-up appointments?
The standard of care for GLP-1 treatment includes at minimum monthly check-ins during active titration, with quarterly or semi-annual visits once at maintenance dose. Some platforms have scheduled monthly appointments; others rely on you to initiate contact. Know what your platform provides.
Will you monitor my blood work during treatment?
Lab work should occur at baseline and periodically during treatment — particularly A1C, kidney function, and lipid panels. Weight loss produces metabolic changes that require monitoring (blood pressure medications may need adjusting, diabetes medications may need reducing). Some platforms specify quarterly labs; others never order follow-up labs at all. This matters more than most patients realize.
How will you monitor my weight loss progress?
Some platforms use smart scales with app integration (Calibrate, Amazon One Medical). Others rely on self-reported weight at check-ins. Others have no structured tracking at all. The answer tells you something about how seriously the platform treats ongoing clinical monitoring vs. initial prescription access.
What happens if I am not losing weight?
A good provider has a response to this: assess adherence, check for common causes (medications that cause weight gain, thyroid issues, inadequate protein intake, sleep disruption), consider dose adjustment, consider switching medications. A bad answer is "some people don't respond" with nothing actionable. Ask what the specific evaluation pathway looks like if your results are below expected at month three.
What is your protocol for reducing or stopping the medication?
GLP-1 medications are typically continued long-term because discontinuation leads to weight regain (approximately half of lost weight returns within a year after stopping). Ask what the platform's position is on long-term use, how they approach tapering if needed, and what support exists for the transition period if you stop the medication.
Category 6: Lifestyle and Support Questions
GLP-1 medications produce significantly better outcomes when combined with dietary and behavioral support. These questions establish what that looks like.
Does your program include nutrition guidance?
The answers range across platforms: Mochi Health and Form Health include registered dietitians. WeightWatchers Clinic includes the WW Points system and group workshops. Noom Med includes daily nutrition lessons and a human coach. Calibrate includes a biweekly coaching curriculum. Most prescription-only platforms — Hims/Hers, GoodRx, Walgreens, PlushCare — include none. If nutrition guidance matters to you, confirm it is included before enrolling.
Will you address protein intake and muscle preservation?
Approximately 35–40% of weight lost on GLP-1 medications comes from lean mass rather than fat if protein and resistance training are not prioritized. A provider who does not mention protein intake as part of the clinical conversation is missing a clinically significant component of GLP-1 care. Targeting 1.2–1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily is the standard recommendation.
Is there any coaching or behavioral support included?
Behavioral support — coaching, CBT curriculum, community, accountability check-ins — amplifies GLP-1 outcomes and improves durability after medication is reduced. Noom Med's clinical data shows 48% more weight loss with behavioral coaching alongside the medication. If you want this, it must be built into the platform you choose — it will not come from a prescription-only provider.
Can I get a referral to a registered dietitian or behavioral health specialist if needed?
Even platforms that do not include RDs or behavioral coaches should be able to provide a referral if you need one. If your provider's answer is effectively "we just prescribe medication, everything else is up to you," that is the accurate description of what you are getting.
Category 7: Long-Term Questions
GLP-1 medications work while you take them. The questions in this category address what happens over time.
How long will I need to take this medication?
The honest clinical answer is: likely for many years if you want to maintain results. The SURMOUNT-4 withdrawal trial showed that patients who stopped tirzepatide after achieving weight loss regained approximately half of their lost weight within a year. The same pattern exists for semaglutide. GLP-1 medications treat a chronic condition — obesity — that is biological and ongoing, not a temporary problem that is permanently resolved after weight is lost.
A provider who implies that you can stop the medication once you reach your goal weight without continued attention to maintenance is not setting accurate expectations.
What happens if my insurance stops covering the medication mid-treatment?
Insurance formularies change. Employer benefit decisions change. If your coverage lapses after you have achieved results on the medication, you need to know your options: self-pay pricing through manufacturer programs, switching to a different medication that is covered, or tapering strategies. Ask your provider what their protocol is for patients who lose coverage.
Will I be able to continue this medication if I change providers or platforms?
You own your prescription history and medical records — you can transfer to another provider. Your prescription transfers too. Ask specifically: "If I want to switch to a different telehealth platform later, what do I need to bring? Will you continue me at my current dose rather than restarting?"
What does maintenance look like at year two and beyond?
Most clinical trials track to 72 weeks — approximately 16–18 months. Long-term data beyond two years is more limited. Ask your provider what their clinical experience and guidance suggests for patients maintaining results long-term: same dose indefinitely, periodic dose reduction attempts, lifestyle-only maintenance after a period of medication? The answer should be honest about uncertainty where it exists.
A Quick Reference: Red Flags and Green Flags
Red flags — reconsider this provider
- Cannot tell you the all-in monthly cost (medication + platform fee) before you pay
- No mention of lab work before or during treatment
- Async questionnaire only — no actual provider review of your history
- Cannot answer what to do if side effects are severe
- No follow-up plan beyond "message us if you need anything"
- Discourages questions or rushes the intake process
- Cannot explain why they are recommending a specific medication over alternatives
- No response to prior authorization denial question (if you have insurance)
Green flags — this provider is worth your trust
- Proactively discloses all costs before you pay
- Requires or offers baseline lab work
- Has a specific, named process for prior authorization and appeals
- Explains the titration schedule and explicitly confirms you can hold a dose
- Answers the severe side effect question with specific clinical guidance (not just "call us")
- Mentions protein intake and lean mass preservation without being asked
- Provides written confirmation of your treatment plan and cost structure
- Follows up at scheduled intervals without you having to initiate every contact
Using This Checklist Effectively
Before your consultation: Read through all seven categories and identify the questions most relevant to your situation. Your insurance questions matter most if you have commercial insurance. Your logistics questions matter most if you are self-pay. Your side effect questions matter most if you have a history of GI sensitivity.
During your consultation: You do not need to ask every question verbatim. Many will be answered naturally in the course of a thorough intake process. Use this list to identify what was not covered, and ask those questions directly.
After your consultation: Note the answers — particularly the cost structure, the follow-up schedule, and what to do if something goes wrong. Saving these in writing protects you if your billing situation or care experience differs from what you were told.
Comparing platforms: This checklist is also a platform evaluation tool. If you are deciding between Ro, WeightWatchers Clinic, and Noom Med, running each platform's published information through these questions will surface the differences quickly. Our provider comparison has already done much of this work — it breaks down which platforms answer these questions well and which ones leave significant gaps.
The right GLP-1 provider gives you clear answers to all of these questions. If finding those answers feels difficult, that itself is important information.