Other Telehealth Providers: Semaglutide: $199-$599/month Tirzepatide: $349-$699/month May have separate consultation fees Membership fees sometimes Usually includes supplies and shipping Brand-Name Medications (Telehealth): Same retail prices as in-person Wegovy: $1,349/month Zepbound: $1,069/month Ozempic (off-label): $969/month May have consultation fees In-Person Care Costs Through Primary Care Doctor: With Insurance: Office visit copay: $25-$75 per visit Multiple visits often needed Medication copay: $25-$300/month (if covered) Prior authorization required Total monthly: $50-$375 Without Insurance: Office visit: $150-$300 per visit Medication: $969-$1,349/month Lab work: $150-$300 (if needed) Total monthly: $1,100-$1,650+ Through Weight Loss Clinic: Typical Structure: Initial consultation: $200-$500 Monthly program fee: $200-$500 Medication: $200-$400 (compounded) or $969-$1,349 (brand) Coaching/support: Often included Lab work: $100-$300 (periodic) Total monthly: $400-$1,850 Through Medical Spa/Aesthetic Clinic: Often Most Expensive: Initial consultation: $300-$500 Monthly medication: $400-$800 (compounded) or higher Program fees: $200-$400/month Additional services bundled Total monthly: $600-$2,250 Cost Comparison Table Hidden Cost Factors In-Person Care Additional Expenses: Transportation: Gas or public transit Parking fees ($5-$20 per visit) Mileage/wear on vehicle Time in traffic Time Costs: Travel time (30-60 minutes each way) Waiting room time (15-45 minutes) Time off work Lost productivity Childcare arrangements Multiple Visits: Initial consultation Follow-up to discuss results Monthly monitoring visits Dose adjustment appointments Lab work appointments 12+ visits first year common Facility Fees: Some clinics charge separate facility fees Concierge or program fees One-time enrollment fees For someone with in-person care: 12 visits/year 2 hours per visit = 24 hours 12 visits $15 parking = $180 12 visits $20 gas = $240 Total: 24 hours + $420 beyond medical costs Telehealth: Zero transportation Zero parking Zero time in traffic/waiting Appointments from home Value Proposition Analysis Telehealth Advantages: Cost Savings: Lower overhead (no office rent) Competitive pricing Transparent costs Often includes everything in one price Time Savings: No travel required No waiting rooms Flexible scheduling Quick appointments (15-20 minutes) Can do from work/home Convenience: Appointments fit your schedule Evening/weekend options often No childcare needed Private from home Access: Available in areas without specialists Same-day or next-day appointments Easier to maintain regular follow-ups Better continuity of care When In-Person May Be Worth Extra Cost: Complex Medical Situations: Multiple significant health conditions Need for hands-on examination Coordination with other specialists Frequent lab monitoring needed Preference for Face-to-Face: Strong preference for in-person care Discomfort with technology Want hands-on support Excellent Insurance Coverage: Low copays ($25-$50) for in-person Great medication coverage Easy approval process Cost-Effectiveness: 18-Month Treatment Total Cost Comparison (Semaglutide, 18 Months): Telehealth (TrimRx): $199 18 = $3,582 All-inclusive (no additional costs) In-Person (Weight Loss Clinic, Cash): Initial: $500 Monthly: $600 18 = $10,800 Total: $11,300 Plus transportation/time costs In-Person (PCP, Good Insurance): Visits: $50 18 = $900 Medication: $100 18 = $1,800 Total: $2,700 Plus transportation/time costs Savings with Telehealth: vs
CRediT author statement Conceptualization and Methodology, B.J., M.M., L.G., R.K., R.J
Were already seeing shifts in how obesity is treated, and as the conversation around health care costs continues to evolve, insurance companies may be forced to rethink their stance on these treatments
It works to regulate your blood sugar levels and make you feel full
By April 1986 Holst and Catherine rsov (figure 29), a Danish endocrinologist at the University of Copenhagen, had made sufficient progress together with other colleagues to submit their findings to be presented in September at the annual meeting of the European Diabetes Congress in Rome
Also, be sure to let any alcohol used to clean the skin fully evaporate before injecting it can help minimize irritation
