BMI+ Doctors VS. ScriptsMD Semaglutide for Weight Loss Review, Which is more Affordable
Compound Semaglutide for Weight Loss
What’s the difference between Semaglutide and then the name branded versions Wegovy or Ozempic? It's truly just that. The branded versions come from big pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk whereas the unbranded versions of Semaglutide come from a Compounding Pharmacies and are much more affordable.
Medical Insurance does not cover compounded Semaglutide, the non-branded versions. If you are looking to use your insurance to cover the cost of name-brand products like Ozempic and Wegovy, keep reading.
What is a Compounding Pharmacy?
Compounding pharmacies are regulated through a combination of federal and state oversight, although the specifics can vary depending on the jurisdiction. The FDA provides oversight at the federal level, especially for outsourcing facilities, while state boards of pharmacy handle day-to-day regulation and enforcement for traditional compounding pharmacies. This dual system helps ensure that compounded medications are safe and effective while accommodating the specific needs of individual patients.
In 2021 the FDA approved the use of GLP-1 drugs also known as Semaglutide and Tirzepitide for weight loss. Then in January of 2024, the FDA stated that there was a shortage of GLP-1 drugs. It was at that time that FDA gave compounding pharmacies an emergency exception to begin producing Semaglutide to help with the shortage.
Scripts MD and BMI+ Doctors compound Semaglutide, how they work
BMI+ Doctors will ask you to create an account and provide your medical history along with other needed personal information. BMI+ Doctors will send you orders to get blood work at a Quest Diagnostics Lab. The lab cost is included in either of their one or three-month plans.
Coupon Code for BMI+ Docs - 40BMI40
Scripts MD will ask you to complete an in-take form, and then purchase the starter dose at $239.00. If it's decided that you don't qualify for semaglutide, they will refund your money.
It's pretty normal for companies who sell compound Semaglutide for you to purchase before it's decided if you qualify.
Blood Lab work
Scripts MD doesn't offer or require labs, whereas BMI+ Docs do. I think lab work is crucial. My A1C was 5.9 which is considerd "pre diabetes." After being on semaglutide for about four months and losing about 12 pounds, it was down to 5.5 which is in the normal range. I would have not known that, had it not been for the bloodwork.
Scripts MD vs BMI+ Docs Cost Comparison
The prices below are for the generic compounded semaglutide.
BMI+ Docs Semaglutide Pricing
One Month Pricing - $ 279 - (Includes preliminary bloodwork)
Three Month Pricing $ 747 (-$40off) = $235/month
(includes preliminary blood work)
ScripsMD Semaglutide Pricing
This company offers basically two options depending on the dosing prescribed by your medical professional.
Starter-dose for up to 1.5mg per week at $239.00 per month
Higher-dose for 1.5+mg per week at $289.00 per month
In most cases your medical professional will start you out on a smaller dose for weeks 1-4, then every two-four weeks, your dosage may increase, thus the need for a larger vial or more vials of the medication.
Does Scrips MD or BMI+ Docs charge an initial consultation fee?
No.
Will BMI+ Docs or Scripts MD help me navigate my insurance?
No, if you want to use your insurance, you'll be on your own to get a pre-authorization. Keep in mind, insurance only covers the name brand versions, which you can't get from either of these two providers, these two only offer the generic compounded versions.
BMI+ Doctors and Scripts MD, What we like and what could be better?
1. Both companies are LegitScript Certified, meaning they have been certified by an outside organization on their verification of facilitating transactions for pharmacies. It also means that they have been approved for card-not-present transactions over the internet.
2. BMI+ Doctors includes preliminary and follow-up blood/lab testing including in their monthly cost. For me, this is a huge plus.
ScriptsMD VS BMI+ Docs which one is more cost-effective?
In my opinion, BMI+ Docs is the winner. They are a few dollars more when compared to ScripsMD first month dose cost, but once you get to the higher dosage, which for most happens on month two or three, that's when BMI+ Docs are the clear winner. Be sure to use coupon code 40BMI40 for $40 off your first three-month package.
Compare Semaglutide Cost Comparison Chart
Be sure to click below to see the full comparison chart of the over 50+ providers who offer compound Semaglutide as a telehealth option. If you are like me, you are seeing many providers advertising all over social media? Use my chart to help you determine which one is the best fit for you. There are even a few coupon codes for some of them as well!
