Many people considering Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or other GLP-1 medications wonder:
“Do I actually need to get blood work before starting therapy?”
The short answer is: sometimes you can start without labs, but most clinicians and telehealth providers strongly recommend baseline lab testing first.
Here’s why.
Can You Technically Start Ozempic Without Labs?
Yes in many states and through some telehealth platforms, you can receive a prescription for Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications without providing any recent laboratory results.
Some clinics rely on patient history and reported symptoms only.
That makes the process fast and convenient but not necessarily safe or optimal.
Why Baseline Labs Matter
Baseline blood work gives clinicians a documented starting point for:
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Blood sugar control
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Kidney function
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Liver function
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Thyroid status
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Cardiovascular risk
GLP-1 medications affect multiple metabolic systems. Without baseline labs, there’s no way to tell if changes over time are medication-related or pre-existing.
For a full breakdown of the recommended labs before starting therapy, see our complete GLP-1 lab guide:
Which Tests Providers Recommend Before Starting GLP-1 Therapy
While requirements vary, most clinicians recommend these baseline tests:
• Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Measures average blood glucose and helps confirm diabetes or prediabetes before treatment.
If your A1c is elevated, read our guide on what it means if your Hemoglobin A1c is high and how to lower it before starting GLP-1 therapy.
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Evaluates kidney and liver function — both important for medication safety.
• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Screens for thyroid disease, which can influence metabolism and treatment response. For tips on supporting healthy thyroid function, see 7 Ways to Improve Thyroid Function Naturally.
• Lipid Panel
Assesses cardiovascular risk, which GLP-1 medications may improve over time.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Helps detect anemia or other blood abnormalities that could affect treatment.
These tests are often ordered in the six months before starting therapy for safety and tracking.
Why Skipping Labs Can Be Risky
Skipping baseline labs won’t always cause harm but it removes a safety net.
Without labs, providers can’t:
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Distinguish medication effects from pre-existing conditions
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Monitor for kidney or liver stress
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Screen for thyroid dysfunction before attributing symptoms to treatment
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Establish a documented medical baseline for follow-up
Even if labs are not “required,” they are clinically recommended.
What If Your Provider Doesn’t Ask For Labs?
If your clinician or telehealth provider doesn’t request blood work, consider it a prompt not an exemption.
You still benefit from knowing your baseline health before starting a medication that changes metabolic function.
You can order baseline labs independently and bring the results to your provider.
See our detailed guide on the labs most providers recommend before GLP-1 therapy:
What labs do providers recommend before starting Ozempic?
Most clinicians recommend baseline labs including HbA1c, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), TSH, Lipid Panel, and CBC to evaluate safety and metabolic status before GLP-1 therapy.
Can telehealth prescribe Ozempic without labs?
Yes. Some telehealth providers may prescribe without labs, but most clinicians recommend baseline testing for safety and measurable tracking.
Why do doctors recommend baseline lab testing before GLP-1 medications?
Baseline testing establishes a documented health reference point, helps identify underlying conditions, and provides measurable data to track treatment response.
Can you order these labs without a doctor’s order?
In most U.S. states, yes. Direct-access lab testing allows you to order baseline tests without a physician referral.
Final Takeaway
Yes, some providers may prescribe Ozempic or Wegovy without labs first.
But medically, baseline blood work provides important safety insights and a documented starting point for tracking changes over time.
For your health and peace of mind, it’s worth doing especially before starting any metabolic medication.
