With semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) increasing in popularity when used for weight loss treatment, questions often arise concerning how to obtain semaglutide, and where patients can go to partake in the treatment.
While some states have strict guidelines and even bans on semaglutide, most states follow typical procedures and regulations when it comes to this type of medication. FDA-approved drugs or duplicates of FDA-approved drugs dispensed by a compounding pharmacy require a prescription to provide to patients, which can be done through most typical types of prescriber-patient relationship (i.e., doctor, medical clinic, etc.).
Let us look at the basic assumptions for providing semaglutide.
Prescriber-Patient Relationship
The requirements for receiving health care and establishing a prescriber-patient relationship can differ from state to state. Typically, there must be an individual seeking medical assistance and a healthcare professional who is willing to provide treatment. It is important to note that in order for a physician, APRN, or PA to prescribe treatments or medication, they must have had sufficient measurable interaction with the individual.
Good Faith Exam
A good faith exam simply implies that a patient assessment is performed by the doctor or medical professional. Relevant data on the patient is collected, and an examination is done on the patient to establish an issue and potential solution.
This step includes taking down medical history, communication of current issues or symptoms, and potentially performing diagnostic procedures to assess the patient’s current condition.
The good faith exam, when explained, seems obvious, but it is important when considering treatment for semaglutide that a patient cannot simply acquire semaglutide, nor can a doctor or medical professional administer it, without going through the correct process.
Telehealth
In 2024 it is important to briefly note that many medical clinics and practices offer telehealth services. Requirements for attaining semaglutide via telecommunication include that the services must meet the same standard of care as an in-person service. Any testing or diagnostics would have to be administered with the same effectiveness as it would in person.
Weight Loss Specifics
So, how does this apply to weight loss, and specifically semaglutide? A patient may have heard of the effectiveness of semaglutide treatments and go into their family practice, for example, asking their doctor for semaglutide. The doctor, however, has the responsibility of going through their normal medical process of determining if semaglutide is a viable option by performing a thorough exam first. If, after carefully reviewing their medical history and examining their current health, it is determined that the patient may benefit from treatment with semaglutide, a treatment plan can be implemented.
Become a Semaglutide Provider
Of course, providing semaglutide treatments to patients is only possible with the proper systems in place. The most effective method of providing semaglutide treatments to patients is through an effective, turnkey weight loss management program.
Weight loss management programs can be used by medical spas, hospital networks, family practices, or specific weight loss clinics. With an effective system in place, weight loss management programs can help legitimize a practice’s reputation for helping patients to achieve their weight loss and management goals.
Weight management is a consistently thriving industry, projected to reach a market value of billions of dollars worldwide soon. By implementing a weight management program, you can establish a solid presence in this rapidly expanding market and meet the increasing need for efficient weight management solutions. Take advantage of the current health and wellness trend by providing customers with a dependable and reputable program that can assist them in attaining their weight loss objectives.
Our weight management program is supported by thorough research, expertise, and a proven record of success. By obtaining a license for our technology, you will have the opportunity to access a comprehensive and well-rounded program that has already proven its efficacy in assisting individuals in attaining sustainable weight loss.
Instead of incurring the expense and dedicating time to create your own weight management solution, you can utilize our established program to promptly deliver value to your customers.
We also have the capability to connect you to our extensive network of compounding pharmacies throughout the country that have access to semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide.
Let BuildMyHealth do the work for you. Then, you can reap the benefits by providing an effective solution to your patient base, helping your practice be more effective in the process.
To find a provider near you with these medications, please visit BuildMyBod.com/weight-management and if you’re a provider looking to implement a weight management program into your practice, request an account here.