We Called 10 GLP-1 Providers: Response Time, Questions Asked, Red Flags

Most GLP-1 comparison sites just list prices and features from provider websites. We wanted to know what actually happens when you reach out as a prospective patient. So we contacted 10 GLP-1 telehealth providers in late April 2026, posing as a first-time patient interested in starting treatment.

We tracked three things: how quickly they responded, what medical questions they asked before offering to prescribe, and any red flags in the process.

What We Found The gap between the best and worst providers is enormous. Some programs put you through a genuine medical screening with detailed health questions, follow-up messaging, and a real clinician review. Others collected payment information before asking a single medical question. Response times ranged from under 10 minutes to over 48 hours with no response at all.

Our Methodology

We submitted intake forms or contacted support at 10 GLP-1 telehealth providers between April 21–28, 2026. In each case, we presented as a 38-year-old male with a BMI of 32, no diabetes diagnosis, and taking lisinopril for mild hypertension. We did not mention any thyroid conditions or contraindications — we wanted to see if the provider would ask.

We evaluated each provider on five criteria: initial response time, whether they asked about contraindications (thyroid history, pancreatitis, MEN2), whether they asked about current medications, whether they required or recommended lab work, and whether payment was collected before or after medical screening.

What the Best Providers Got Right

Signs of a Thorough Provider The top-performing providers in our test shared common traits: they asked about thyroid history and pancreatitis before discussing medication options; they asked about current medications (important for drug interactions with lisinopril); they recommended or required baseline lab work; and they didn't collect payment until after a clinician reviewed the intake. These aren't luxuries — they're minimum standards for responsible prescribing.

Providers that performed well in our test typically had intake questionnaires with 15–25 medical questions, including specific screening for GLP-1 contraindications. The best ones followed up with additional questions through their messaging platform before issuing a prescription decision.

The Red Flags We Found

Warning Signs to Watch For Several providers in our test showed concerning patterns: collecting credit card information on the first screen before any medical questions; no mention of thyroid cancer contraindications anywhere in the intake; no question about current medications; and auto-enrollment language suggesting you'd be charged monthly before a provider even reviewed your case.

One provider's entire intake consisted of six questions — height, weight, age, sex, "any allergies," and "ready to get started?" No thyroid screening, no medication check, no mention of pancreatitis history. That's not a medical consultation. That's a checkout page with a stethoscope icon.

Another provider responded within three minutes with a price quote and payment link, but never asked what medications we were currently taking. Lisinopril doesn't have major interactions with GLP-1s, but the provider didn't know that — because they never asked.

What You Should Expect From a Legitimate Intake

At minimum, a responsible GLP-1 provider intake should cover these areas before prescribing:

Personal and family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 — this is a hard contraindication for all GLP-1 medications.
History of pancreatitis — another significant risk factor.
Current medications — GLP-1s can affect absorption of oral medications and interact with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Kidney function concerns — relevant for dosing decisions.
Pregnancy status or plans — GLP-1s are not recommended during pregnancy.
Previous GLP-1 use — dose history matters for titration planning.

If a provider skips these questions, they're prioritizing speed over your safety.

Providers That Impressed Us

Embody

Thorough intake screening with specific contraindication questions. Provider review completed before any payment collected. Clear communication about what to expect at each step of the process.

Start Embody Intake →

Paid link · Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

Oak Weight Loss

Detailed medical questionnaire with follow-up questions from a licensed provider. Lab work is part of their standard protocol. The intake felt like a genuine medical evaluation, not a sales funnel.

See Oak Program →

Paid link

SHED

Comprehensive screening process. They asked about thyroid history, current medications, and previous weight loss attempts. Provider communication was clear and prompt.

Check SHED →

Paid link · Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

The Checklist Before You Start

Before enrolling with any GLP-1 telehealth provider, verify these five things:

Does the intake ask about thyroid cancer history? If not, they're skipping a critical safety screen.
Do they ask about your current medications? Drug interactions matter, especially if you take insulin, levothyroxine, or blood thinners.
Is payment collected before or after medical review? Best practice is payment after a clinician determines you're eligible.
Can you reach a real provider with questions? Look for messaging access or scheduled calls — not just a generic support email.
Do they name their compounding pharmacy? Legitimate providers will tell you where your medication is made. If they won't say, that's a red flag.

Compare GLP-1 Providers Side by Side

See pricing, safety ratings, and intake quality across every major provider.

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