How to Choose a GLP-1 Provider (Without Getting Scammed)

There are dozens of telehealth platforms hawking GLP-1 medications right now. New ones pop up monthly. Some are run by board-certified physicians with genuine expertise. Others are basically prescription mills with a Webflow site and a dream.

The problem? They all look the same from the outside. Polished landing pages, before-and-after photos, "$99/month" in big letters. How do you tell the legit ones from the ones cutting every corner?

Here are the seven things that actually matter, the red flags that should make you close the tab, and the exact questions to ask before handing over your credit card.

The 7 Factors That Actually Matter

1. Provider Licensing and Credentials

Non-negotiable. The person prescribing should be a licensed medical provider in your state. Look for board-certified MDs/DOs or NPs/PAs with prescriptive authority. Verify any provider's license through your state medical board — takes two minutes.

2. Medications Offered

Do they offer both semaglutide and tirzepatide? If they only have one and it doesn't work for you, you'll have to switch providers entirely — new consult, new onboarding, gap in treatment. Having options matters. Our comparison helps you understand the differences.

3. Pricing Transparency

You should know exactly what you'll pay before signing up. Not "starting at" pricing — the actual total at each dose level. Including consult fees, shipping, and whether price increases as dose escalates.

Red flag: If you can't find clear pricing without creating an account, walk away. See our cost comparison for what fair pricing looks like.

4. Consultation Type

Three models exist:

• Video consultations — gold standard. Real-time, provider can observe you.
• Phone consultations — step down, but still real-time.
• Async only — you fill a form, someone reviews it, sends a script. Fastest and cheapest, but least thorough.

For an injectable medication, you want at least one video consultation before your first prescription.

5. Pharmacy Sourcing

For compounded meds, ask if the pharmacy is a registered FDA 503B outsourcing facility. You can verify any 503B facility on the FDA's registered list. More on this in our compounded vs brand-name comparison.

6. Support Level

GLP-1 treatment requires dose adjustments, side effect management, and monitoring. A provider who prescribes and disappears isn't providing care. At minimum: ability to message your provider, 24-48h response time, and clear side effect protocols.

7. Cancellation Policy

Month-to-month billing is the industry standard. Any provider requiring 3-12 month commitments is prioritizing their revenue over your flexibility. Get the cancellation terms in writing.

Red Flags to Run From

• "Everyone qualifies!" — GLP-1s aren't for everyone. A provider guaranteeing approval before seeing your medical history is a prescription mill.
• No licensed provider involved. Some platforms use AI to "prescribe" with minimal human oversight. Hard pass.
• Suspiciously low prices. If it's $49/month for semaglutide, ask how. The raw API alone costs more. Usually means lower quality compounding, smaller doses than advertised, or hidden fees.
• No mention of side effects. If they only talk benefits, they're selling, not treating.
• "Limited supply! Only 3 spots left!" — Sales tactics, not healthcare.
• No follow-up care. "Here's your first script, good luck" is not a treatment protocol.

Questions to Ask Before Signing Up

1. "Who will be my prescribing provider, and what are their credentials?"
2. "Which pharmacy compounds the medication, and are they a 503B facility?"
3. "What's my total monthly cost at each dose level?"
4. "How do I reach my provider between appointments?"
5. "What happens if I experience side effects?"
6. "Can I cancel anytime without a fee?"
7. "What happens when I want to stop the medication?"

If they dodge any of these, that is your answer.

Provider Comparison at a Glance

For detailed breakdowns, read our individual provider reviews or start with our Remedy Meds review.