Verbatim response from Perplexity
Telehealth is usually faster; your regular doctor can be cheaper if you already have an established relationship and insurance coverage. For the medication itself, the biggest cost driver is usually insurance and manufacturer savings, not whether the prescription came from telehealth or an in-person doctor.[5][6][10]
- Faster: Telehealth often offers same-day or quick appointments, and some platforms advertise consultation fees from $0 to $129; services like Ro Body and Sesame also offer virtual access with ongoing support.[6]
- Regular doctor: A primary care visit may take longer to schedule, especially if you need a physical appointment, but if you already have a doctor who knows your history, the prescription process may be simpler once you get in.[5][6]
- Cheaper visit cost: Telehealth can be cheaper upfront because online visits are often lower-cost or subscription-based; reported examples include PlushCare at $16.99/month plus a $25 copay for insured users, and many telehealth programs charge $30–$100 per month or per consult.[3][9]
- Cheaper medication cost: Wegovy’s cash price is commonly around $1,349/month, but manufacturer pricing or savings programs can drop it to $349/month for uninsured or self-pay patients, and to as little as $25/month for some commercially insured patients who qualify.[4][5][6][8][10]
What this usually means in practice:
- If you want the quickest path, telehealth is often the better bet.[6]
- If you already have a good in-network doctor and strong insurance coverage, your regular doctor may end up cheaper overall because the visit copay can be lower and you may avoid subscription fees.[3][5][6]
- If you’re paying cash, the same Wegovy price usually applies regardless of where the prescription comes from, as long as the pharmacy and savings program are the same.[4][5][10]
If you want, I can compare telehealth vs PCP for your exact situation using your insurance type, deductible, and whether you’re paying cash.