Weight loss medication

You may be a candidate for GLP‑1–based weight management if you:

• Have a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher and a weight related health condition
• Are not currently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and dependent on insulin
• Are not pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Have no medical conditions that would prevent safe use of these medications

A clinician will review your health history to determine whether this program is appropriate for you.

This plan is personalized for each patient because everyone’s body, health needs and goals are unique. After your consultation, your provider will design a program tailored for your situation.

Our program is built on evidence-based medicine with the goal of achieving safe, effective results. We empower you to make medication choices that fit your lifestyle, ensure your lab work is monitored and verify that your body is responding well to treatment — all with a focus on your long-term health and success.

The amount of weight loss can depend on many factors including starting weight, medication selection, diet and exercise. On average, most patients can expect to lose 5-15% of their current body weight, with notable impact occurring during months two to three of treatment.

Currently, our GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss Program is self-pay and isn’t covered by insurance.

The initial visit is $199, which includes a telehealth consult, in-clinic physical exam and labs. Then, each follow-up visit is $99 and will include telehealth or telehealth plus labs according to the program schedule.

Yes, you can use your FSA and HSA cards toward your program visits; approval is subject to your plan rules.

Our program offers three types of weight loss medications that are FDA-approved for weight management:

• Wegovy® (Semaglutide): weekly injectable pen
• Zepbound® (Tirzepatide): weekly injectable pen
• Oral Semaglutide: daily oral tablet

Your provider will help determine which option is best for you based on your health needs and goals. HCA Healthcare and CareNow® urgent care do not endorse any specific manufacturer or product. Prescribing decisions are made solely by your clinician based on your individual medical needs; no financial incentives influence these decisions.

Medication costs vary for each patient and depend on your insurance coverage and medication availability. If your insurance does not cover the medication, we will share information regarding any available manufacturer programs to help reduce your cost.

Your provider will prescribe the medication, and you will either pick it up or have it delivered through your preferred pharmacy.

Our program is designed around your unique needs and goals. It includes a year-long structured plan followed by ongoing maintenance to help you stay on track. Throughout the process, we monitor your progress to ensure your overall health improves while you work toward your weight loss goals.

Your initial visit includes a virtual consult followed by an in-person visit at one of our urgent care locations to complete a physical exam, vital signs and labs. Once you start taking the medication, you will have a series of follow-up virtual visits.

First visit – virtual, followed by an in-person visit for a physical exam, vitals and labs

Follow-up visits (virtual)
Labs will be ordered intermittently, which will require an in-person visit for lab draw only:

• 1 month
• 2 months
• 3 months
• 6 months

After the first year of treatment, follow-up appointments are typically virtual visits and occur every 3-6 months while you continue taking the medication. Although the GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss Program has a designated follow-up schedule, providers may offer additional telehealth visits if clinically necessary or as requested by the patient.

Weight management is a long-term process even after a goal weight is achieved. We are committed to remaining your active partner in this process with intermittent maintenance visits to review your diet, exercise and medication tolerance, along with continued prescribing of your effective medication dosing.

Our virtual care team that manages the GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss Program is also an on-demand urgent care service. You can call the virtual care team with any questions or concerns, or you can sign up for a virtual visit to be evaluated during business hours. Our local HCA Healthcare urgent care clinics are also available for in-person visits as needed. Find a location near you.

If you develop any signs or symptoms of an emergency situation as counseled during your initial visit, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for care.

When taking GLP-1 medications, we can offer some recommendations that may assist with your tolerance of the medication and the impact it can have on your body. Your provider will review your diet and counsel you on considerations in food selection.

GLP-1 medications have shown significant benefits with weight loss, but to maximize and maintain weight loss, and to improve your overall health and well-being, an exercise routine is an integral part of your weight loss journey. It can be difficult to get into the habit of exercising, but by slowly increasing your physical activity and making it a priority, it progressively becomes easier to fit the routine into your daily life. Your provider will recommend steps you can take to safely increase activity according to your specific scenario.