Woman using telehealth to get Ozempic® without doctor visit in person

How to Get Ozempic® Without Doctor Visit in Person

Medically reviewed on March 7, 2024 by Jillian Foglesong Stabile, MD, FAAFP. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

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If you’re looking to lose weight or support your overall wellness while living with type 2 diabetes, you’ve likely considered GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro®. [1] But how can you keep your costs and time commitment to a minimum during GLP-1 treatment?

In this guide, we’re breaking down how to get Ozempic® without doctor visits in person. Telehealth options have expanded rapidly in recent years, and patients looking for prescription medication for weight loss or type 2 diabetes can take advantage of virtual care opportunities.

Below, we’ll explore how to use telehealth to seek GLP-1 agonist drug treatment in four simple steps and touch on some key considerations to remember throughout your treatment journey.

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Using Telehealth to Manage Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Loss: 4 Steps

Let’s dive into how to get Ozempic® medication without an in-person visit: telehealth has made it simpler than ever to access quality care on your schedule.

1. Find a Telehealth Provider

The first step in the process is to find a telehealth provider that offers GLP-1 agonist drug treatment. It’s important to note that not all providers offer this specific treatment. So, how can you find one that does?

  • Talk to your primary care provider – If your primary care provider doesn’t offer telehealth or GLP-1 treatments, ask them about any virtual providers they’d recommend.
  • Reach out to your insurance company – If you’re looking to see a healthcare provider in your network, reach out to your insurance company to inquire about telehealth providers covered by your policy. While weight loss medication may not be covered, your visits very well may be.
  • Talk to your type 2 diabetes specialist – If you see any specialist providers who help you manage your type 2 diabetes, ask them if they offer telehealth visits or if they recommend any virtual providers.

Everlywell Weight Loss Support

2. Complete Your First Visit

Once you find a healthcare provider and schedule your first appointment, your next step is to prepare for your virtual visit. Since you won’t be attending in person, there are some key details you’ll need to gather before your appointment starts:

  • Your vital signs (height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, and pulse)
  • Your health history and any current conditions
  • Your most recent lab work, if it’s available
  • Your medication list

Your provider will also likely ask you about any goals you’d like to achieve with GLP-1 drug treatment: think about how you’d like your lifestyle, diet, or overall wellness to change as a result of taking Ozempic® for weight loss.

3. Fill Your Prescription Digitally

If your virtual provider decides that you’re a good fit for Ozempic® or another GLP-1 agonist drug, they’ll teach you where to inject Ozempic and write you a prescription that you’ll need to fill digitally. There are two ways you can do this:

  1. Have the healthcare professional send their prescription digitally to a pharmacy of your choice.
  2. Ask your provider for a digital copy of your prescription to take to a pharmacy.

In addition, remember that:

  • Some pharmacies only offer a generic formula in a vial—not in pre-filled pens. If this is the case for your pharmacy, you’ll also need to pick up some 1cc syringes (like insulin syringes), alcohol wipes, and a sharps disposal box.
  • GLP-1 injectables must be stored in the refrigerator. Whether you use a traditional in-person pharmacy or a mail order pharmacy, remember to put your medication in the fridge as soon as possible.

4. Schedule Follow-Up Appointments

After your first appointment and your first few doses, your provider will likely ask you to make a follow-up appointment. Schedule these in advance, especially if you have a busy schedule.

Between your first visit and your first follow-up appointment, log some information for your provider, like:

  • Your average eating habits while on the drug
  • Your average alcohol consumption, if applicable
  • Any side effects you notice while taking the drug
  • Your vital signs

This information will help you and your provider decide whether you want to continue at your current dose, increase or decrease your dose, or choose a different treatment.

Using GLP-1 Agonist Drugs Responsibly: Tips from Providers

Throughout your GLP-1 journey, remember to:

  • Monitor your side effects – Common side effects of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic®) include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. [2]
  • Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods – While your appetite and sense of thirst will likely decrease while taking GLP-1 agonist drugs, staying hydrated and nourished is key. Setting reminders to eat and drink water can help you stay on top of your nutritional and hydration goals throughout your treatment.
  • Follow your provider’s advice closely – Weight management is a complex wellness process. Fortunately, your provider can help you balance your health goals with your lifestyle and other medical conditions. Following their recommendations as closely as possible will help you make the most of your treatment.

Everlywell: Telehealth on Your Terms

While input from providers is especially important when embarking on a weight loss journey, it is possible to manage your Ozempic® prescription medication via telehealth. And if you’re looking for a provider that can help guide you through your GLP-1 treatment with ease and convenience, turn to Everlywell.

At Everlywell, our mission is simple: to expand access to high-quality virtual care and empower patients to make informed decisions about their health. With help from our licensed providers, you can curate a healthcare plan tailored specifically to your needs, goals, and lifestyle changes.

Ready to take charge of your health? Schedule a virtual care visit with Everlywell today.

Schedule telehealth appointment

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References

  1. Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. National Center for Biotechnology Information. January 13, 2023. Medical Citation URL. Accessed January 16, 2024.
  2. Highlights of Prescribing Information: Ozempic. US Food and Drug Administration. December 2017. Medical Citation URL. Accessed January 16, 2024.
Jillian Foglesong Stabile, MD, FAAFP is a board-certified Family Physician. Since completing her residency training in 2010, she’s been practicing full-scope family medicine in a rural setting. Dr. Foglesong Stabile’s practice includes caring for patients of all ages for preventative care as well as chronic disease management. She also provides prenatal care and delivers babies. Dr. Foglesong Stabile completed a teaching fellowship in 2020 and teaches the family medicine clerkship for one of her local medical schools. Dr. Foglesong Stabile’s favorite thing about family medicine is the variety of patients she sees in her clinical practice.
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