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GLP-1 Weight loss

Medical weight loss

Accelerated Urgent Care is excited to offer medical weight loss through our telehealth doctors. We use your insurance to help pay for your weight loss journey

Our staff will guide you through the process to make it as streamlined for you as possible. We are committed to your success and will be by your side as you seek to maximize your health.

Phone Number: (661) 336-2035
Fax Number: (661) 520-4050

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medical weight loss

GLP-1 Weight loss coverage & REquirements

FDA Requirements:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) above 27 with a risk factor like high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and others.
• BMI above 30

Medi-Cal Based Requirements:

• FDA requirements
• Body Mass Index (BMI) above 27 with a risk factor like high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and others.
• BMI above 30

PPO Requirements:

• Pre-authorization
• Higher need for the medication
• Medical necessity (Labs, Clinical History, Medical Records)
• BMI of 27 or more with a cardiovascular risk
• BMI of 30 or more without cardiovascular risk
• Documentation of participation in lifestyle intervention consisting of reduced
calorie diet, increased physical activity and behavioral modification for 6 months
within the last year
• Some insurances might need BMI above 40

HMO Requirements:

• May use health carrier plan or pharmacy insurance
• May require prior authorization
• Medical necessity (Labs, Clinical History, Medical Records)

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Insurance Disclaimer (California)

GLP-1 medications may not be covered by all California insurance plans. Coverage varies by provider and policy. Patients should verify benefits with their insurance. Accelerated Urgent Care is not responsible for coverage decisions or denied claims.

Tips for success with GLP-1 treatment

Do's:

  1. Start Slowly with Food Intake
  • Eat small, frequent meals to reduce nausea.
  • Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly.
  • Stick to low-fat, low-sugar meals, especially in the first few weeks.
  1. Stay Hydrated
  • Sip water throughout the day—aim for 64 oz (2 liters) unless restricted.
  • Try electrolyte-infused water if you feel dizzy or dehydrated.
  1. Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods
  • Prioritize lean proteins (chicken, tofu, eggs).
  • Add non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, spinach, zucchini).
  • Choose whole grains (quinoa, brown rice) in small portions.
  • Include healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts).
  1. Exercise Gently and Consistently
  • Start with low-impact activities like walking, yoga, swimming.
  • Gradually build up to 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
  • Strength training 2x/week helps preserve muscle during weight loss.
  1. Track Your Progress
  • Weigh yourself weekly, not daily.
  • Keep a food, mood, and symptom journal to spot patterns.
  • Use apps to track meals, steps, or glucose if needed.
  1. Communicate with Your Provider
  • Report side effects like nausea, constipation, fatigue, or dizziness.
  • Ask before changing dosage or skipping injections.
  • Have regular follow-ups to monitor labs and adjust the plan.
  1. Be Patient with Your Body
    • Expect slow and steady weight loss (1–2 lbs/week is healthy).
    • Know that plateaus are normal and temporary.

Do Not's:

  1. Don’t Overeat or Skip Meals
  • Large meals can worsen nausea or vomiting.
  • Skipping meals may cause fatigue, dizziness, or low blood sugar.
  1. Don’t Consume High-Fat or Greasy Foods
  • These can trigger nausea, bloating, or reflux.
  • Avoid fried foods, creamy sauces, and fatty meats early on.
  1. Don’t Drink Alcohol Excessively
  • Alcohol can worsen GI side effects and impact blood sugar.
  • If drinking, keep it minimal and avoid on injection days.
  1. Don’t Push Through Severe Side Effects
  • Severe vomiting, dehydration, or stomach pain should be reported immediately.
  • Don’t assume discomfort is “normal”—check with your provider.
  1. Don’t Expect the Medication to do all the Work
  • GLP-1 meds work best with lifestyle changes—don’t rely solely on the injection.
  • Mindset, habits, and consistency are key.
  1. Don’t Compare Your Progress to Others
  • Everyone responds differently—your journey is unique.
  • Focus on your own wins: energy levels, mobility, mental health.
  1. Don’t Stop the Medication Abruptly
  • Always consult your provider before stopping or pausing treatment.
  • Sudden discontinuation may cause weight regain or side effects.

GLP-1 weight loss FAQ

Gradual weight loss is the most effective and safest way to lose weight. You can expect to start losing weight within a few months, especially if you implement a reduced calorie diet and a bit of exercise to your daily routine. In a clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people who combined Wegovy (semaglutide) with a healthy diet and exercise lost an average of 4% of their body weight after just eight weeks. In the first 20 weeks of treatment, participants had lost an average of 10% of their body weight, and 15% of their body weight in just over a year of treatment (68 weeks).

GLP-1 medications mimic the natural hormone GLP-1, which your body uses to regulate blood sugar and appetite. This hormone tells the hunger centers in your brain that you are full and satisfied. It also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach. As your digestion slows, you feel full longer and tend to eat less.

Your provider may have sent medication for you already that is meant to avoid common side effects. These medications may include Zofran (ondansetron) for nausea, Mira-Lax (polyethyline glycol) for constipation, Pepcid (famotidine) for heartburn, and vitamins for use.  If not, please reach out to us and we can send a prescription to help with common side effects. If you experience severe side effects, stop the medication and seek medical care.

The most common side effects of all the medications typically resolve within the first few weeks of treatment.

Some of the most common side effects of semaglutide are: Vomiting, upset stomach, stomach pains, Constipation, Diarrhea, Heartburn, Acid reflux, Belching and gas, Dizziness, Headaches and fatigue.

Some of the most common side effects of tirzepatide are: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pains, upset stomach, indigestion, injection-site reactions, fatigue, belching and gas, hair loss and heartburn.

Rarely, more severe side effects can occur with any of the GLP-1 medications. These include:  Thyroid Cancer, Pancreatitis, Gallbladder disease, low blood sugar, kidney disease, severe allergy (hypersensitivity), diabetic retinopathy, rapid heartbeat, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, aspiration of stomach contents during general anesthesia or deep sedation.

Please see the full Prescription Information included with the medication, including the BOXED WARNING, for complete safety information, or speak with your pharmacist.

Unfortunately, Accelerated Urgent Care clinics cannot draw the labs for you. If you have had labs drawn at a local facility (Quest, Labcorp, Ulta or others), you can take the order sheet there and have them drawn.

Your provider has emailed you a signed order to take with you to the lab. You can go to any lab in your area to have it done. The lab will automatically send the results to your provider. Your provider will review the lab results, and you will be called and informed of the findings once they have been reviewed.

Depending on your health review by our providers, lab work may be ordered. These tests look at your current metabolic function and some hormones. These tests may help with insurance coverage for your medication.

GLP-1 medication isn’t right for everyone. You should not take a GLP-1 medication if you:

  • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to get pregnant in the next 3 months
  • Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)
  • Have a personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
  • Are insulin dependent diabetic (Type 1 diabetes)
  • Have a diagnosis or history of pancreatitis
  • Have a diagnosis or history of gastroparesis
  • Have a diagnosis or history of gall bladder disease that has not yet been treated
  • Have a history of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts
  • Have a diagnosis or history of impaired kidney function
  • Have diabetic retinopathy complications due to type 2 diabetes

Have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to GLP-1 medications or any of the inactive ingredients.

Insurance companies can deny prior authorization for several reasons. Some insurances simply do not cover GLP-1 medications at all, or the medication is on a “plan exclusion” list.

Your insurance company may deny coverage because your case may not meet their medical requirements for weight, BMI, A1c (a test for diabetes) or other weight-related health conditions.

Some insurance companies require that you try other medications before they approve a GLP-1.

They may also require participation in a structured diet, exercise, and lifestyle program.

If your insurance company decides not to pay for the medication, you can still get the medication! Here are some options for you.

  • Our insurance specialists can work to determine if an appeal of their decision is warranted.
  • You can pay out of pocket for the medication. There are coupons and manufacturer savings cards that may reduce the price. Our specialists will help you with this.

You can switch to another cash-pay medication (if approved by your medical provider) including compounded medication. These options are often more affordable, and we can help by recommending some of the compounding pharmacies we have worked well with, in the past.

A prior authorization is your insurance’s way of checking to see if this medication meets their guidelines and is medically necessary for you.

The Prior Authorization process can take up to 2 weeks to complete.  Our insurance specialists will gather your medical history to support medical necessity and will send a formal request for coverage to your insurance company. Your insurance company will review that information and decide whether or not to approve it.

Medi-Cal and HMO based regional plans such as Molina, IEHP, CalOptima, CalViva or Kern Family follow the FDA guidelines and do not require additional criteria to be met in order for them to pay for the medication. They also don’t require prior authorization.

PPO insurances require Prior Authorization. Additionally, they often will not pay for the medication unless a patient meets a higher need for the medication. These criteria often include documentation of participation in lifestyle intervention consisting of a reduced calorie diet, increased physical activity and behavioral modifications for 6 months within the last year. Some PPO insurances may not consider covering this medication at all unless your BMI is above 40. Our insurance specialists will do everything we can to work with your plan to support your weight loss journey.

This part of the process is individualized to you. It depends on your current health profile, your insurance provider, and the plan you subscribe to. In some cases, yes.  In some cases, yes with a process called Prior Authorization. In other cases, no. But don’t worry, there are other options!

You may be a good candidate. Here are the two criteria that the FDA uses to determine who is a candidate for GLP-1 medications. If you meet one of the two criteria, you’re in!

  • Body Mass Index (BMI) above 27 with a risk factor like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and others.
  • BMI above 30.