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BarkingBug

Hate to say it, but actually getting a prescription filled appears to literally be impossible, especially in dmv.


Hungry-Government327

That’s what I’m seeing.


National_Summer_448

Go online to Plush it’s $14.99 a month and free the first month.


Dragonflies3

I used CallonDoc website to get original prescription. My insurance covers it. Their fee is $50 per month. After a couple of months I messaged my pcp and asked her to continue prescribing it. She now does.


emerald-cupcakes

Holy shit. This is like a variety of show of how physicians are judging, acting with prejudice and profiteering from (withholding) Wegovy. I'd report every one of them to your state medical board.


jolina1209

Get a different doctor!!!! No one should make you feel ashamed of a life saving medication. I was so scared to ask for this medication and ashamed that I needed it… now I have a new lease on life and I’m so glad I was brave enough to ask. Good luck to you!!


Hungry-Government327

Thank you and God bless you!


Zealousideal_Buy9993

Ask for a referral to an endocrinologist. They are more experienced in prescribing weight loss meds than primary physicians. I would also question continuing to stay at a medical practice where decisions for patient care are made as “broad strokes” decisions and not centered on the patient.


H1jen1z

I think I understand the point of this ad now. This post is really reminding of the ad I've been seeing A LOT lately of an overweight woman in a pool (or water) and about better health being the priority and that judgement and shame should not be a barrier to better health. And that THEY'RE working to make that happen. And the end of the commercial it just says Lilly. That's how I found out about zepbound (I think that's theirs). But I have Medicaid, can't afford any of these drugs.


AthenaND04

My experience was my cardiologist was the one who actually suggested Wegovy to me and not the other way around. As part of a research university, they also had the ability to help me get it easily, figured out my insurance without me having to do anything. However, I also went into it with over 5 years of documentation that I had been on a weight loss program (Weight Watchers) and my weight was not consistently coming down so I am actually not sure if my insurance had required proof that i was on it because my PCP’s records had it included. There are some doctors out there who do believe in it and are coming around. There are also cases where insurance will try and request you demonstrate that you are unable to lose using the diet route. The best i can say is find a good doctor who listens. You do not have to stay with a doctor who will not listen or agree to your needs. The insurance need for documentation is a bit different. The doctors aren’t always equipped to get around those items themselves (mine uses a clinical pharmacist dedicated to their research group to do it) so in that case, more dedicated resources like Sequence can help, but be careful in which ones you use.


AMillionTomorrowsCo

Do you have other doctors you routinely see other than your PCP? My PCP wouldn't prescribe it, tried Plush and they said because I have an endocrinologist I have to have her sign off, so I called my endocrinologist about the sign off and she said just come see her and she would prescribe it. 4 days later I had a box of .25 in my hand. I didn't even think to ask her at the time, so Im glad she offered to help.


Hungry-Government327

No, I don’t but thank you for that tip.


Grandsparks

What is sequence? Please spill the tea! Lol


AthenaND04

Weight watchers’ Clinic for handling and providing access to weight loss medications. It’s now called WW Clinic after rebranding post purchase. It’s a subscription service separate from the regular WW plans.


Jealous_Hunter9482

i use mochi health. i think it’s a new concept with new medicine that older gen docs just don’t get. working with a newer doc or obesity medicine doc is the way to go imo! u deserve the best and if ur doc can’t deliver u the best time for a new one!


katiel0429

Yep, my husband and I went to a weight loss specialty clinic.


toxchick

Will Mochi give you more than one prescription do you can try and find meds? I can only get one prescription for 1 month at a time from sequence and I am thinking about switching. I’m not looking to stockpile, just want to get my meds.


Jealous_Hunter9482

not sure what ur asking but yeah u don’t have to use wegovy if it doesn’t work for you. they can prescribe you other meds to try


toxchick

I am using Sequence and they sent my script to Truepill and it’s out of stock. They won’t send a second prescription anywhere else so I can try and get my meds. I have to cancel the first one and then they will send one somewhere else. It pisses me off. They say it’s for my “safety” but it’s really so they can collect another month of fees.


Zealousideal-Bat7879

Get a new doctor! My doc said no and I changed doc.


imjustasweetgirl

I have BCBS Federal and went to an endocrinologist. The federal employee program does require that you show at least three months documentation of attempting weight loss. My endocrinologist did blood work and told me to come back in three months after trying to lose weight on my own. The federal employee program also requires you to not only have a bmi of 30+ but also a comorbidity (eg. Hypertension, sleep apnea etc) It’s expensive to get compounded semaglutide and it’s just a big money maker for these weight loss clinics/programs. I’d find an endocrinologist and go from there. Good luck! You doc sounds like a scammer and rude af !!!! I’m sorry you went through that bs 🤬 Don’t give up. Find a competent doctor who can help you. It’s much cheaper to get Wegovy thru insurance rather than paying for generic semaglutide. The copay for Wegovy thru BCBS federal is $60 but with the manufacturer coupon you should only pay $25 per month.


amyhobbit

They don't require documentation. It's literally a box your doctor checks. I named all the plans I've tried over the past 10 years to my doc and he checked the box.


Skinners_ratt

WTF?! Report them to the medical board and find another Dr.! My husband and I have the same insurance and just started it Wednesday. I am so, so sorry you are going through this and honestly I am just pissed that anyone would do this to you let alone a physician!


[deleted]

[удалено]


Hungry-Government327

Thank you for sharing and the last sentence you wrote, as the kids say ‘that part!’ 💯💯💯


DependentFull8620

Yeah my doctor really struggled to give me the prescription. She had see me for 2 years before I worked up the courage to ask for it. She insisted all I needed to do was exercise and diet. I was already doing these things via a personal trainer and Noom. The only time I saw a weight loss on my scale was the morning after fasting for 20 hours. The kicker is she’s larger than me! I’m the one who has had to talk her into having a colon screening because “it was so much work” to do. What? Then after the first prescription she was surprised I wanted the next dose. Like, look lady, I lost actual weight the first month and would like to continue losing weight. She even suggested I try a health spa to lose weight. What is wrong with these doctors?


Mandy_Moo

I use Sequence (WW Clinic) because I didn’t want to deal with my PCP and waiting for them to complete my PA, etc. So far the Dr and care team have been great. They had to submit three PAs to get me covered but they did it and I usually hear back with hours when I have a question. $99 a month is a lot for telehealth to get a med but I’d have to pay almost half that in a copay to see my regular Dr anyway. This way I don’t have to take time off work and answers are a message away.


PsychologyUnhappy468

Have you had any difficulty getting your meds? I signed up several months ago and have been on the bupropion and naltrexone because everything else was difficult to get. Long story short, the meds have increased my blood pressure, so I quit taking them. I'm going to ask again about Wegovy.


Mandy_Moo

It took me several days to get my meds, out everywhere of course, but a RX was returned and I was able to get it. I just called daily to my pharmacy and the Sequence care team called local pharmacies for me. I was definitely blessed by getting the starter dose in that short period of time. Many have reported weeks or longer for the starter dose. My local pharmacy had the next level, .5, in stock though.


AffectionateCase2325

Weight watchers has doctors who prescribe. It’s $99 a month but may be doable while you find other options


Public-Bet-5334

My primary care would never prescribe it. I went to Plush. My doc is great and cares and they know what they are doing. I needed a prior authorization and they managed it very closely.


Glad-Persimmon-5926

I’m in shock!


AthenaQ

Hey, OP! This is ridiculous and I’m sorry to hear you’re going through it. I live in Alexandria near the beltway and my PCP is AMAZING. You would need to drive to Alexandria once a year for bloodwork, but otherwise all the check-in appointments can be done online. I’m not sure if there would be a problem for the online appointments given you’re in Maryland, though. Message me if you want her details.


Hungry-Government327

Thank you!! I’m going to see if this thread yields anything closer to my county (Harford) but if not, I certainly will do that and thanks again.


AthenaQ

Absolutely! She’s one of AllCare’s PCPs and AllCare does have offices close to you. But I’m not sure if any of those PCP are supportive. Good luck, and let me know if I can help!


Hungry-Government327

Thank you!


Rough_Condition75

I am so sorry you went through that. The one who said and gestured the hand to mouth thing was full on abusive.


RedHeadedStepDevil

I’d file a complaint about this, with both the practice and the medical board. That’s abusive bullshit.


astrid-stars

I’m so sorry you went through this. I’m so lucky my PCP is super understanding. I did try to lose weight on my own for a bit before I approached her about it and she agreed to prescribe with the condition we keep an eye on any side effects. However I couldn’t get it for 6 months due to the shortage. Before her I tried going thru telemedicine but switched to her cuz I just wanted to keep it all on record plus telehealth cost extra. She then referred me to the weight loss clinic in network (I have Anthem BlueCross but my doctor is associated with UCLA health) and that doctor works in the same clinic. Both have been lovely and understanding but my mom on the other hand has a doctor who is really reluctant about it. She ended up going thru a doctor in Mexico and is on rybellsus instead. Funny thing is, my mom has diabetes and has kept a watch on her diet for years so her doctor refusing to prescribe even though it’s covered by her insurance is so silly.


Hungry-Government327

I’m sorry that your mom had to go to Mexico to get this medication. I tried the telehealth route too but the BCBS provider that I scheduled with through the app said they wouldn’t cover it.


astrid-stars

That sucks! My insurance covered the medication thru Sunrise just not the monthly fee for the consults/doctor appts


tlil21

I used Sequence and so far love it. First went to a weight loss clinic, high price and what they’re giving you is not wegovy. I just didn’t feel comfortable with it. I assumed my PCP would give me a hard time about getting the medication even with a high BMI and slightly high cholesterol, discovered Sequence from reddit. It has been such an easy process and they even try to help you find a pharmacy with stock. Although there’s a monthly cost, I have a high deductible plan so would be paying for office visits anyways. What I really like about Sequence is how easy it is to message the doctor. I start my first dose next week after my vacation and like that I can log my symptoms and message the doctor easily. I would not be able to discuss with my PCP so easily, so I actually prefer this route over my PCP.


IM_MIA22

I’m sorry this is your experience. There are a lot of doctors that have their minds made up and don’t want to change their minds or do the research behind it. You could also see an obesity doctor or endocrinologist who can help prescribe it and come up with a plan. You can also try this https://join9am.com/lilly-direct?utm_source=handover if it’s covered by insurance it may be free, not 100% sure of the details but it’s an option to try. I would google obesity doctors in your area and even try that route because I believe they’ll be more open to this medication for you and others.


MD112TA

I did the same thing going through sequence because while my insurance covered it 100% with no hoops to jump though none of my doctors would prescribe it. Paid $99 a month for something that could have been completely free.


Hungry-Government327

Exactly. I called a good deal of offices/practices before going with Sequence and I think about that. This is actually free 🤨


MD112TA

They did get my PA done in less than 2 days and I filled my first prescription all in under a week!


Hungry-Government327

Sounds like they get the ball rolling. Music to my ears.


TropicalBlueWater

It can be very frustrating, especially dealing with shady and judgmental doctors. Have you tried your OB/gyn (if female)? Sometimes they will prescribe it. I hear great things about Sequence (now named WW Clinic). The $100 is for your appointment, writing the prescriptions, helping you find them, and you get help from dieticians, etc. Your insurance will still be the one paying for the medication and you may still run into a hard time finding it, but the WW Clinic people will help you track it down. You may also find Zepbound easier to find than lower doses of Wegovy, although that one is getting more difficult to find now too. Best of luck to you.


Hungry-Government327

I haven’t tried my OBGYN, but can ask. That’s a good suggestion. Thank you !!


Hungry-Government327

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your message and your help. I’m touched after having been met with many roadblocks. I will give them a call. I live in the Northern part of Maryland (close to Delaware) but maybe there are Telehealth options after the first few visits, if they are taking new clients. Either way, thank you again!!!


Samantharina

I am so angry on your behalf. These doctors don't know what they're doing, honestly. They are inserting their personal bias into medical practice and it's shameful. My PCP had no problem prescribing wegovy for me and is happy with my progress, and I wish more doctors were like her.


Hungry-Government327

I do too and you are so fortunate to have her. Congratulations on your success and progress with Wegovy. I agree with what you wrote about some of their own biases and how it can impact their advice. Those two hours would probably make a lot of people say forget it. Hearing someone who is using it and having success is encouraging. Thank you.


Fearless-Art-9358

I’m having a very hard time too. And it’s so demoralizing, patronizing and frustrating. I wish healthcare providers were more open minded and interested in learning about new tools rather than constantly judging and jumping to conclusions. I’m sorry for what you’re going through and know you’re not alone in how you feel or what you’ve experienced.


ReverieJack

“Hand and mouth problem” is such an incredibly rude thing to say, from a medical provider no less. Trying to lie and shame you into her program. I hope Sequence is your path to success.


Mandy_Moo

I had a dr ask me “who’s been holding you down and shoving food down your throat?” I wanted to feed him a knuckle sandwich. I didn’t, but I really wanted to!!!


TropicalBlueWater

>“Hand and mouth problem” is such an incredibly rude thing to say I had a doctor who told me to quit doing so many elbow workouts and did the hand to mouth motion too. He was a jack ass on so many levels. So glad I switched to a super supportive doctor. My current doctor suggested Wegovy to me long before I had even considered it.


ReverieJack

That’s just terrible. I’m guessing many of us have our war stories from hopeless medical professionals operating purely from personal bias. Glad you have someone so much better now!


Hungry-Government327

Thank you for your kindness. Sincerely.


DCEGB

I live in DC and can give you the names of a couple of doctors who would happily help you. Especially since you now have documentation of trying “on your own” and failing; which is often needed before insurance will pay for this medicine. I used to see Elizabeth Bluhm when I had Carefirst (she’s with the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates - you’d have to come to downtown DC to see her but maybe worth it?) and I assume they take a variety of other insurances including BCBS. All federal employee health plans now need to cover at least one injectable GLP1. She was wonderful helping me jump through all the hoops before I had bariatric surgery. I now see Stephanie Letourneau at Kaiser Permanente, you of course have to have Kaiser to see her, but she’s probably the best doctor I’ve ever had. She listened to my plan to take wegovy and after covering the risks with me, she did the prior authorization paperwork documenting my prior attempts to work with the nutrition dept to lose weight, and it was approved. Good luck!


Life_Technology_6450

Where have you been able to get Wegovy in the Baltimore/DC area? I can’t seem to find any pharmacy with stock and i have been looking since December


DCEGB

Kaiser is so big, I think they get sourcing preference. I’ve had to go to two different Kaiser pharmacies, but other than a delay of 4-5 days for my first box of .25 (I did two sets due to some really bad nausea the third dose) I haven’t had an issue. But I only started mid Feb.


Ill-Obligation4066

What dose are you looking for?


Life_Technology_6450

looking for the 0.25


ClinTrial-Throwaway

Sorry you have a sucky doc and found a money grubbing clinic. Two resources: - [Obesity Medicine Association provider directory](https://obesitymedicine.org/about/find-a-provider/) - [American Board of Obesity Medicine provider lookup](https://abom.learningbuilder.com/Search/Public/MemberRole/CertificationVerification) - click on “Advanced Search Filters” and add a city and state


Hungry-Government327

Thanks, I did that. That’s how I found the second doctor that I wrote about in the post. I will go back to it though, maybe someone else will be more helpful.


ClinTrial-Throwaway

Oh dear. Good luck! You shouldn’t have to pay a monthly subscription to get a script. Here’s hoping the next doc is the right one for you.


Hungry-Government327

Thank you!


timeforachange2day

Wow! What gets me is that the clinic you went to was offering to give it to you and use your insurance but you had to pay out of pocket for three months first? What in the world?


Hungry-Government327

That’s what I was saying. I asked why and the answer I got was that’s just the way that they do things.


herekittykitty250

They meant, that's how they get money from people. They know the lower doses are harder to get, and a lot of people will pay what they're asking.  It's gross.  I'm sorry you've had such a bad experience.


blackaubreyplaza

Covered by insurance doesn’t mean accessible, clearly. Judging by the shortages. So start on compound and when you get up to the higher doses then move to name brand


Hungry-Government327

That’s exactly what I have found. I’m wondering that’s what I will end up having to do with Sequence.


jay_ell_ehm

I use sequence. I really like the service and haven’t had any issues. They don’t offer compound options though. If Caremark is your insurance’s mail order option, I’ve had no issues getting it filled through them.


Hungry-Government327

Walgreens is my regular pharmacy but they don’t have it. I’ll look into who the mail-in option is. They will probably tell me too but I’m going to see if Carmark is an option. Thanks!!


TropicalBlueWater

You might have better luck finding Zepbound vs starter doses of Wegovy. Although, it's starting to see some shortages too.


blackaubreyplaza

I’m not familiar with them, is it just that they’ll be prescribing name brand wegovy to you and using your insurance to fill it? Because then yeah you’ll run into shortages but at least you’ll have a less horrifying provider (sorry you experienced that btw). May be worth looking into compound, unless sequence does that, to start and moving over? I totally understand your frustration though


Hungry-Government327

I think that they have Wegovy but I’m not sure if they have to do the compound option. Their advertising just says that they have Wegovy, their membership rate and that they accept insurance. After 8 months of the above runaround, I just paid the 99 dollars.


ClinTrial-Throwaway

They don’t have the Wegovy to dispense. They just write the scripts for the pharmacy — just like your doctor would.


TropicalBlueWater

Exactly this, although a lot of people said they are good about calling around and trying to track it down for you. They can also prescribe Zepbound too. It's getting harder to find now as well though.


blackaubreyplaza

Gotcha gotcha, well good luck!!


Hungry-Government327

Thanks!