Does Shed Require a Video Call?

By WPG Research Team · Last verified October 30, 2026

Usually not. In many states, a Shed provider reviews your online health form and decides without a video visit. Some states require a live video consult before you're approved, and Shed prompts you to book one after your form. Later, 6 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Mississippi, Rhode Island) require a live follow-up instead of a form.

Weight Loss Provider Guide is an independent comparison resource for GLP-1 telehealth providers.

Quick facts (checked October 30, 2026)

To start: A 5-minute online form. Most states: no video visit. Some states: a live video consult is required.

Who decides: State law and the independent medical group that works with Shed. Shed's terms say Shed itself doesn't decide.

Follow-ups: Usually a short online check-in form. Live follow-ups are required in AL, AR, CT, IL, MS and RI, or when your provider asks for one.

Visit fees: Shed says appointments are included in your membership.

When does Shed require a video call to start?

Shed requires a video consult to start only when your state's rules call for one. Shed's help center says that in many states, a provider can review your intake form and decide if you qualify "without a video visit." In some states, a live video consultation is required, and you'll be asked to schedule it after you submit your form.

Shed doesn't publish a list of which states need a video visit at sign-up. You'll find out right after you submit your form. A Member Success Manager may also reach out if your provider needs a live consult or has questions.

One thing to know: Some Shed ads and landing pages say "no appointment required" or that the visit is "100% online" and asynchronous. That's true in many states, but not all. Shed's help center and its terms say the format depends on your state and the medical group's decision.

Which states require a live Shed follow-up?

Shed lists six states where its follow-ups can't be done with a form and must be a live virtual appointment:

State	Follow-up by online form?	Live virtual follow-up required?
Alabama	No	Yes
Arkansas	No	Yes
Connecticut	No	Yes
Illinois	No	Yes
Mississippi	No	Yes
Rhode Island	No	Yes
All other states	Yes, unless your provider asks for a live visit	Only if your provider requests one

Source: Shed Help Center, "How to schedule a follow-up appointment," checked October 30, 2026. This list covers follow-ups only, not your first visit.

A "virtual" follow-up at Shed can be live video or phone, based on what's available where you live. Your portal shows the options for your state. If only one option fits, Shed guides you to it.

Whether you'll need a live visit depends on where you live, and so do your medicine choices, prices, and which providers you can use. Our free tool can show you which GLP-1 path fits before you pick a provider.

See which GLP-1 path fits your state

How do Shed follow-ups work without a video call?

Most Shed follow-ups are a short online form. You answer questions about how you feel, side effects, your medicine, and your goals. Your provider reviews it and sends any guidance, dose changes, or renewal decision through your portal.

What to know about the schedule:

How often: Your provider sets your check-in "cadence." Shed says it can range from every 1 to 6 months.
After a break: A follow-up is also required if you've had a gap of 30 days or more in treatment.
When you can book: Scheduling opens 9 days before your follow-up is due.
Form vs. live visit: If your provider hasn't asked for a live appointment, you'll only see the follow-up form.

Don't skip it. Shed says that if you miss a required follow-up, it can't renew or ship your next order, and your subscription still bills on schedule.

What happens if you do need a Shed video call?

If you have a live visit, here's how it works:

Book it in your portal. Log in at portal.tryshed.com and open the Schedule tab.
Watch for the link. Shed emails the meeting link about 30 minutes before your visit, and may also text it.
Join on time. The link only works at your scheduled time. You can also join from your portal homepage.
Wait a few minutes. Your provider may be finishing another visit. If you're late, Shed may ask you to reschedule.

Shed says appointments are included in your membership, so there's no separate visit fee. It also says you won't be charged a no-show fee if the provider doesn't join, or if you cancel the appointment.

Want a GLP-1 provider with no video at all?

If avoiding a live visit is your top priority, your state matters more than the provider. In states that require a live visit, most online providers have to follow the same rule. Compare options in our guide to GLP-1 providers with no video call.

Want FDA-approved medicine and help with insurance? Ro is our top pick for brand-name GLP-1s such as Wegovy and Zepbound. Ro's team can also check your insurance coverage.

Check your options with Ro

Open to compounded medicine? Embody is our top pick for compounded GLP-1s. Compounded medicines are not FDA-approved. See Embody GLP-1 cost.

See Embody's compounded GLP-1 plans

Other things to know about Shed

Price: Shed's homepage lists GLP-1 plans from $159 a month. See Shed GLP-1 cost.
Insurance and HSA/FSA: See Does Shed accept insurance? and Does Shed accept HSA/FSA?
Is it legit? See Is Shed legit? and our Shed GLP-1 reviews.

FAQ

Does Shed require a video call to get a GLP-1?

Usually not. In many states, a Shed provider reviews your online form without a video visit. Some states require a live video consult first, and Shed asks you to book one after you submit your form.

Which states require a video call with Shed?

Shed doesn't publish a list for the first visit. For follow-ups, Shed says Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Mississippi, and Rhode Island require a live virtual appointment instead of a form.

Can a Shed follow-up be a phone call instead of video?

Yes, in some cases. Shed says a live follow-up can be by video or phone, based on what's available in your state. Your portal shows which options you have.

Does Shed charge for video appointments?

Shed says appointments are included in your membership, with no separate fee for the visit. You also aren't charged a no-show fee if the provider doesn't join or if you cancel.

What happens if I miss a Shed follow-up?

Shed can't renew or ship your next order until the follow-up is done, and your plan keeps billing on schedule. Reschedule in your portal or contact support as soon as you can.

How do I join my Shed video appointment?

Use the link Shed emails (and may text) about 30 minutes before your visit, or join from your portal homepage. The link only works at your scheduled time.

Your next step

Still not sure which GLP-1 path fits you? Take our free Find My GLP-1 Path quiz — about 2 minutes, no signup.

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What we actually verified

Item	What we found	Confidence
Video at sign-up	Not required in many states; required in some, and Shed prompts you to book	High (Shed Help Center and terms, Oct 30, 2026)
Sign-up state list	Shed doesn't publish one	High (Shed Help Center, Oct 30, 2026)
Live follow-up states	AL, AR, CT, IL, MS, RI	High (Shed Help Center, Oct 30, 2026)
Follow-up format	Online form, or live video or phone	High (Shed Help Center, Oct 30, 2026)
Visit fees	Included in membership; no-show fee exceptions	High (Shed Help Center, Oct 30, 2026)
Starting price	From $159 a month	High (Shed homepage, Oct 30, 2026)

We do not accept payment for rankings. How we compare providers is in How We Rank. Compare more programs on Best GLP-1 online programs.

Sources

All checked October 30, 2026.