Ro Review: American Telehealth Access to GLP-1 Medications
Streamlined American healthcare. Ro combines telehealth simplicity with both brand-name and compounded GLP-1 options. We spent two months reviewing their platform, medical team, and member experience.
What We Like
Both Brand-Name and Compounded Pathways
Ro offers genuine Wegovy and Mounjaro through insurance, plus compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide for out-of-pocket patients. This flexibility matters when insurance changes or brand shortages hit.
Medical Team Oversight
Licensed physicians review every case and provide ongoing monitoring. While interactions are messaging-based, you're not buying medication without proper medical oversight.
Transparent, Predictable Pricing
Ro shows you exactly what you'll pay before you commit. No hidden fees, no surprise bills. Their compounded pricing is competitive but not the cheapest on the market.
Established Platform with Track Record
Ro has been in telehealth since 2017, handling millions of patient interactions across multiple specialties. They're not a pop-up chasing the GLP-1 trend.
Fast Approval and Shipping
Most patients get approved within 24-48 hours. Medication ships within 2-3 days via temperature-controlled packaging. Their logistics are smooth and reliable.
What We'd Improve
Limited Support Beyond Medication
Ro provides medication access and basic medical monitoring, but there's no coaching, no curriculum, no metabolic testing. If you want comprehensive support, look elsewhere.
Messaging-Only Provider Interaction
All communication happens via asynchronous messaging. No video visits, no phone calls unless there's a specific medical need. Some people prefer more direct interaction.
Higher Compounded Pricing
At $145-$289/month for compounded semaglutide, Ro sits in the mid-to-upper range. Providers like Coreage RX start at $99/month for the same medication.
Price Increases with Dose
As you titrate up to higher doses, your monthly cost increases. This is standard across most providers, but it means budgeting for $289/month if you reach maintenance doses.
How Ro Works
Complete Online Assessment
Answer questions about your health history, current medications, weight goals, and medical conditions. The intake takes 10-15 minutes and covers everything a doctor needs to evaluate your eligibility.
Medical Review and Approval
A licensed physician reviews your assessment, usually within 24-48 hours. If you're a good candidate, they'll issue a prescription. If not, they'll explain why and may suggest alternatives.
Choose Your Medication Path
If you have insurance that covers GLP-1s for weight loss, Ro can prescribe brand-name Wegovy or Mounjaro. If paying out-of-pocket, you'll get compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide at lower costs.
Medication Ships to You
Your medication arrives via temperature-controlled shipping within 2-3 business days. Everything you need is included: pre-filled pens or vials, needles, alcohol swabs, and injection instructions.
Ongoing Monitoring
Your medical team monitors your progress through monthly check-ins. You can message them anytime about side effects, dosage adjustments, or medical questions. Refills ship automatically unless you pause.
Pricing Breakdown
Compounded Semaglutide Pricing
Compounded Tirzepatide Pricing
Brand-Name Options
If your insurance covers Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Zepbound, Ro can prescribe these and bill your insurance directly. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan—typically $25-$100/month with good coverage.
Who Ro Is For
Good fit if you:
- •Want both brand-name and compounded options available
- •Prefer an established telehealth platform with track record
- •Value transparent, predictable pricing
- •Are comfortable with messaging-based provider communication
- •Need medication access without extensive support services
Not ideal if you:
- •Want health coaching or curriculum alongside medication
- •Prefer video or phone consultations with your provider
- •Need metabolic lab testing as part of your program
- •Want the absolute lowest compounded pricing available
- •Prefer comprehensive metabolic health programs
Final Verdict
Ro delivers what it promises: reliable access to GLP-1 medications through a streamlined telehealth platform. The medical oversight is real, the pricing is transparent, and the logistics work smoothly.
What sets Ro apart is their flexibility between brand-name and compounded options. If your insurance situation changes or brand shortages occur, you have alternatives without switching providers. Their established platform and multi-year track record in telehealth provide stability that newer GLP-1-focused startups can't match yet.
The trade-off is clear: you're getting medication access and medical monitoring, not a comprehensive metabolic health program. There's no coaching, no curriculum, no lab testing. If you want those services, Calibrate or similar programs make more sense.
On pricing, Ro sits in the middle. At $145-$289/month for compounded semaglutide, they're more expensive than budget options like Coreage RX ($99/month) but less than some premium telehealth platforms. You're paying for the established infrastructure and dual medication pathways.
Worth considering if you want straightforward GLP-1 access through a proven platform, especially if you value having both brand and compounded options. Look elsewhere if you want comprehensive support beyond medication.
Compare GLP-1 Providers
See how Ro stacks up against other telehealth platforms and weight loss programs.
Compare All Providers🇺🇸Medical Disclaimer
Your health, your doctor. This review is for informational purposes only and doesn't constitute medical advice. GLP-1 medications require a prescription and medical supervision. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether these medications are appropriate for your individual health situation. We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, but our editorial standards remain independent.