Your First Weight Management Visit: What Happens at the Consult
The first step is a consultation with Charles Ortega, PA-C. Here is what it covers, what to bring, and what happens next, including when the answer is no.
Updated November 11, 2026 · Part of our care guide (Decide) · Educational information, not medical advice.
Who you see at your first weight management visit
Your consultation is with Charles Ortega, PA-C, MPAS, a physician assistant with 27+ years of experience who practices under the supervision of Dr. Nathan V. Nguyen. He speaks English and Spanish. The consultation costs $70. Read more about Charles.
What the consultation covers
The consultation is a medical evaluation. It includes:
- Your full health history, including past and current conditions, medications and supplements, and any history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis in you or your family.
- A physical exam.
- A conversation about your goals.
- Your BMI, and in-clinic biometrics: % body fat, % muscle, visceral fat score and resting metabolism.
- Screening for the situations in which a GLP-1 medication should not be used or needs extra care.
In the main clinical trials behind the FDA-approved versions of these medicines, obesity meant a BMI of 30 or higher, and overweight meant a BMI of 27 or higher together with at least one weight-related health condition. Those approvals are for use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity, not instead of them.
Lab work
Lab work helps your provider see the whole picture before any medication starts. We offer an optional discounted lab panel for $99 that includes a CBC, CMP, lipid panel, A1c and TSH. If you have had recent lab work elsewhere, bring the results.
What to bring
It helps to have these with you:
- A photo ID.
- A list of every medication and supplement you take, with doses.
- Any recent lab results or records from other providers.
- What you know about your family's health history, especially thyroid cancer.
- Your insurance card, if you want us to check whether your plan covers anything such as an office visit or lab work.
- Your questions. Writing them down beforehand helps.
If a compounded GLP-1 is right for you
Charles explains which medication he recommends, compounded tirzepatide or compounded semaglutide, and why. He goes over your starting dose, how to give the injection, and the side effects to watch for.
Both are prepared by a state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacy and are not FDA approved. The FDA has approved only the brand-name products. Compounded medications are prescribed when a patient has a clinical need that a commercially available product does not meet, a determination Charles makes based on your individual health profile.
You also choose a track. In-clinic medication is $160 a month for compounded tirzepatide or $140 for compounded semaglutide; home delivery is $249 or $199 and includes dosage adjustments. The cost page lists what each price covers.
What follow-up looks like
On the in-clinic track you see a medical assistant every week, and Charles every 6 weeks for a scheduled 20-minute visit, or every 4 to 5 weeks if your dose needs adjusting. Scheduled follow-up visits with dosage adjustments are $50 on the in-clinic track.
Weight change varies from person to person. Nobody can promise you an amount or a timeline, and we do not.
If the answer is no
Some people should not take a GLP-1 medication, and for others an FDA-approved product, or care without medication, is the better fit. If that is you, Charles will say so and explain why. Read when a compounded GLP-1 is not the right choice before you book if you are unsure.
Next step · Book
Pick a time with Charles Ortega, PA-C at our Addison clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
Related reading
See every page in our care guide, grouped by where you are: learning, comparing or ready to decide.
Ready for your consultation?
Book a $70 consultation with Charles Ortega, PA-C in Addison, or call and we will answer your questions first.