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Questions, answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you want to know about our programs, providers, medications, and how telehealth care actually works — before you commit to anything.

Doctor-guided telehealth care

Getting Started

How do I know if I qualify for treatment? +

Our 2-minute eligibility quiz screens based on age, state of residence, BMI, and a brief medical history. It takes about two minutes and gives you an immediate result. If the quiz indicates you may be a good fit, a licensed provider then reviews your full intake answers and makes the final clinical determination. If you're not a candidate — for any reason — we'll let you know right away with no charges and no obligations.

What states do you serve? +

Docs That Care serves patients across most U.S. states. Because our providers are licensed in specific states, coverage can vary by program. The eligibility quiz will confirm whether we're available in your state before you commit to anything. If we're not yet serving your area, you can join the waitlist and we'll notify you as soon as we expand to your state.

How long does it take to get started? +

Most patients complete the eligibility quiz, intake, and provider review within 24–48 hours. Once a provider approves your plan and issues a prescription, your medication typically ships within a few business days and arrives within 5–7 business days. The entire process — from taking the quiz to having medication in hand — usually takes about one to two weeks.

Do I need to see a doctor in person before starting? +

No in-person visit is required. Docs That Care is a fully online telehealth platform. You complete your health intake digitally, and a licensed provider reviews it and conducts a telehealth consultation — by video or secure messaging. For most of our programs, federal and state telehealth regulations allow this entirely virtual process. If a specific program or your state has additional requirements, we'll let you know during intake.

What happens after I take the eligibility quiz? +

After the quiz confirms initial eligibility, you'll complete a more detailed medical intake — your full health history, current medications, and goals. A licensed provider reviews this information, may reach out with questions via secure messaging, and then either approves a personalized treatment plan or explains why you may not be a candidate. If approved, your prescription is issued and your medication ships to your door.

Medications & Treatment

What is a GLP-1 medication and how does it work? +

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic a natural hormone your body produces after eating. They work by signaling your brain that you're full, slowing digestion, and regulating blood sugar — all of which reduce appetite and help your body use energy more efficiently. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, they've proven highly effective for weight loss in clinical trials and are now widely used in medically supervised weight management programs.

What's the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide? +

Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight management, but they work slightly differently. Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®) activates one receptor — the GLP-1 receptor. Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro® and Zepbound®) activates two receptors — GLP-1 and GIP — which may produce greater appetite suppression and weight loss for some patients. Clinical trials have shown tirzepatide producing somewhat higher average weight loss than semaglutide, though individual results vary. Your provider will recommend the medication best suited to your health profile and goals.

Are the medications FDA-approved? +

It depends on the specific medication. Brand-name versions — Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) — are FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Ozempic® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and may be prescribed off-label for weight management. Docs That Care may also offer compounded versions of semaglutide or tirzepatide, which are prepared in FDA-registered facilities but are not themselves FDA-approved. Compounded medications are subject to your provider's clinical judgment and applicable regulations. Your provider will explain all options before prescribing.

How much weight can I expect to lose? +

Results vary based on starting weight, medication, adherence, and lifestyle factors. In clinical trials, patients on semaglutide lost an average of 15% of body weight over 68 weeks; patients on tirzepatide lost up to 22% on the highest dose. In real-world practice, many patients see 8–12 pounds in the first month, with continued loss over subsequent months when following their provider's plan. Results are not guaranteed and depend significantly on consistency with the medication and any recommended lifestyle changes.

Do I have to follow a special diet or exercise program? +

GLP-1 medications reduce appetite significantly, which makes dietary changes easier for most patients. Your care team will provide nutritional guidance tailored to your plan — typically focusing on protein intake, hydration, and eating patterns that support the medication's effectiveness. Exercise is encouraged but not mandatory to qualify or stay enrolled. The goal is a sustainable approach that works for your actual life, not an extreme protocol you can't maintain.

Your Care & Providers

Who are the providers? +

Docs That Care works with a national network of U.S.-licensed clinicians — board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners with experience in weight management and primary care. All providers are licensed in the states where they see patients, follow evidence-based clinical protocols, and retain full discretion to prescribe or decline treatment based on their medical judgment. You can learn more about our provider network on our Providers page.

How do I communicate with my provider? +

You can reach your provider through secure messaging in your patient portal at any time. For your initial consultation and certain follow-ups, video visits are available. Most ongoing questions — side effect management, dosing adjustments, medication questions — are handled through secure messaging, which means you get answers without scheduling an appointment. Our care team aims to respond to messages within one business day.

What ongoing support is included in my membership? +

Your membership includes unlimited secure messaging with your provider, regular check-ins, dosing guidance, refill management, and access to our care coaching team for nutrition and lifestyle support. We track your progress over time and adjust your plan as needed. Everything is managed through your patient portal — progress tracking, shipment status, messages, and appointment scheduling are all in one place.

Costs & Billing

What does it cost? +

Docs That Care operates on a transparent monthly membership model. Your membership includes the provider consultation, ongoing care support, care coaching, and medication shipping — with no hidden fees. Pricing varies by program and medication, and is shown in full before you commit. See our Pricing page for current plans and what's included in each tier.

Does insurance cover the cost? +

Docs That Care is a cash-pay platform and does not bill insurance directly. However, depending on your plan, you may be able to submit claims for reimbursement through your insurer or use HSA/FSA funds to cover eligible costs. Coverage for compounded GLP-1 medications varies significantly by insurer and plan type. We recommend checking with your insurer before enrolling if reimbursement is important to your decision.

Can I cancel my membership? +

Yes, you can cancel at any time. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation penalties. You can cancel through your patient portal or by contacting our support team. If you cancel before your next billing date, you won't be charged for the following month. See our Refund Policy for full details on billing cycles and any applicable terms.

Is there a cancellation fee? +

No. Docs That Care does not charge cancellation fees. You're billed monthly and can stop at any time. If medication has already shipped for a billing period, that shipment is non-refundable, but you won't be billed further after cancellation. See our Refund Policy for complete details.

Privacy & Shipping

Will my health information stay private? +

Yes. Docs That Care is a HIPAA-compliant platform. Your personal health information is encrypted, stored securely, and only shared with your direct care team. We do not sell your data or share it with third parties for marketing purposes. You have the right to access your records and request corrections at any time. See our HIPAA Notice and Privacy Policy for complete details.

How is my medication shipped? +

Medications are shipped free of charge to your door via tracked, temperature-controlled shipping where required. You'll receive tracking information as soon as your order ships and can monitor shipment status in your patient portal. Injectable medications are shipped with the supplies you need — syringes, alcohol wipes — and include administration instructions from your provider.

Is the packaging discreet? +

Yes. All orders ship in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of the contents or that the package is from a healthcare provider. The return address does not identify Docs That Care or the nature of the contents. Your privacy from the moment of shipment to delivery is a priority.

Still have a question?

Our team is here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you quickly — no waiting rooms, no phone trees.

Your intake is completed securely through our care platform.