Verbatim response from Claude
Wegovy: Telehealth vs. Regular Doctor
Telehealth is almost always faster and often cheaper for most people. Here's the breakdown:
๐ Telehealth (Usually Better Option)
Top providers:
- Ro Body โ Streamlined process, often prescribes within 24-48 hours
- Hims & Hers โ Quick consultations, competitive pricing
- Found โ Specializes in weight loss, good ongoing support
- Sequence (WeightWatchers) โ Strong coaching component
Advantages:
- Appointments often available same day or next day
- No waiting weeks for an opening
- Competitive monthly fees ($99-$149/month for the service)
- They handle prior authorization paperwork efficiently
Your Regular Doctor
Advantages:
- Already knows your health history
- May be cheaper if you have good insurance that covers office visits
- Better for complex medical situations
Disadvantages:
- Could wait weeks for an appointment
- Many PCPs are unfamiliar with GLP-1 prescribing nuances
- Prior auth process may be slower
โ ๏ธ Important Note
The medication itself (Wegovy) costs ~$1,300+/month without insurance regardless of who prescribes it. Focus on getting insurance coverage โ some telehealth services are better at navigating this than others.
Bottom line: Start with Ro or Found for speed, but confirm your insurance situation first.