You’ve spent months battling the side effects, titrating up your dosage, and finally finding that "sweet spot" where the food noise goes quiet and the weight starts dropping. But now, you’re facing a new problem.
Maybe your insurance just pulled the rug out from under your Zepbound coverage. Maybe you’re tired of paying $1,200 a month at a local med spa. Or maybe you’re using a high-markup telehealth service like Ro or Hims and realized you could get the exact same active ingredient for half the price elsewhere.
You want to switch to a more affordable provider, but you have one massive fear: The Titration Reset.
Most clinics automatically start new patients at the lowest dose (0.25mg Semaglutide or 2.5mg Tirzepatide). If you are currently on 1.0mg or 7.5mg, dropping back down isn't just annoying—it’s a waste of time and money. It means months of ineffective dosing while you climb the ladder again, risking weight regain and the return of hunger.
The good news? You don’t have to start over. The "Transfer Path" is the insider secret to moving your prescription while maintaining your current dosage. This guide will show you exactly how to switch providers seamlessly, which clinics are "Transfer-Friendly," and how to escape the "Med Spa Trap."
The "Titration Trap": Why Providers Want to Reset You
Before we dive into the solution, it helps to understand why this happens. Telehealth providers are bound by strict liability laws. If a new patient signs up and immediately requests a high dose of Semaglutide, the provider has no way of knowing if that patient can tolerate it. Starting high can lead to severe side effects (nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis) and legal trouble for the clinic.
However, Continuity of Care protocols allow providers to pick up where another doctor left off—if you can prove your medical history. This is your leverage.
The "Golden Ticket": What You Need to Transfer
To switch providers without a reset, you need proof of your current dosage. Telehealth platforms like OrderlyMeds, Mochi Health, and Lavender Sky Health have specific "Transfer Programs" designed for this, but they require documentation.
You generally need one of the following (The "Golden Ticket"):
- A Photo of Your Prescription Label: This is the gold standard. It must show your full name, the medication name, the dosage strength, the date (usually within the last 60 days), and the prescribing doctor/pharmacy.
- A Screenshot of Your Pharmacy Portal: If you use a service like CVS, Walgreens, or LillyDirect, a screenshot of your active prescription dashboard often works.
- A Letter of Medical Necessity/History: A PDF export from your previous telehealth portal (e.g., Ro, WeightWatchers Clinic) summarizing your treatment history.
⚠️ The "Med Spa Trap" Warning
This is the most common hurdle we see. If you go to a local med spa and receive injections in the office, you likely do not have a prescription. You are buying a service, not a product. Because the med spa owns the vial, your name is not on it.
The Fix: Ask your med spa for a "Superbill" or a copy of your medical records showing your injection history. Some strict telehealth providers (like Amble) may reject this and require a pharmacy label, while others (like Mochi or Orderly) may accept clinical notes if they are detailed enough. If you cannot get this, you may be forced to restart.
Top "Transfer-Friendly" Telehealth Providers (2026 Comparison)
We have forensically analyzed the terms of service for the major players to identify who makes transferring easiest. These providers allow you to select "Existing Patient" during intake to bypass the starter dose.
1. OrderlyMeds: The "Seamless Switcher"
Best For: Patients who want a flat-rate price with zero hidden fees.
OrderlyMeds has built a specific workflow for transfers. When you sign up, you select "Currently on GLP-1 medication." This unlocks their Transfer Program pricing and dosage options.
- Transfer Policy: They explicitly allow you to upload a photo of your current prescription to maintain your dose.
- Pricing: They offer a "Transfer Program" rate. For Semaglutide, it is often around $223/month (vs. lower starter rates), and for Tirzepatide, it is ~$299/month, regardless of the dosage. This is a massive advantage for high-dose users (e.g., 15mg Tirzepatide) who usually pay more elsewhere.
- Requirements: Rx must be written in the last 60 days. Name and dosage must be visible.
2. Mochi Health: The "All-Rounder"
Best For: Patients who want comprehensive care (Nutritionist included) and 24/7 support.
Mochi is highly flexible with transfers. Their intake form asks if you are currently on medication. If you answer yes, you are prompted to provide proof.
- Transfer Policy: You can stay on your current dose or even titrate up if clinically appropriate. They accept photos of the medication bottle/box.
- Support: If you have trouble getting proof (e.g., from a difficult previous provider), Mochi's 24/7 support can sometimes help guide you on what documents to request.
- Cost: Membership is $79/mo (often discounted), plus medication costs (flat rates regardless of dose).
3. Lavender Sky Health: The "A La Carte" Choice
Best For: Experienced users who want to pick their pharmacy (Hallandale, Red Rock, etc.).
Lavender Sky is unique because they let you choose your pharmacy, which is great if you have a preference for a specific compounder. They have a clear policy for existing patients.
- Transfer Policy: "If you are already taking a GLP-1 medication... you can continue on your current dose if deemed appropriate."
- The Catch: You must be requesting the same medication type. If you want to switch from Semaglutide to Tirzepatide (or vice versa), they require a new consult and may be more conservative with dosing.
- Refills: If you are transferring, you generally need a "New Patient Consult" first, but you won't be forced to buy the "Starter Package".
4. Amble: The "Budget" Option (Strict Rules)
Best For: Lowest absolute price, but requires perfect paperwork.
Amble is often the cheapest option for lower doses, but they are stricter on transfers to keep their overhead low.
- Transfer Policy: They accept transfers but explicitly state: "Screenshots, notes from a previous MedSpa... are invalid." You must have an actual prescription label.
- Commitment: While starter doses often require a 3-month commitment, higher doses (transfer patients) are typically billed month-to-month.
Step-by-Step: How to Execute the Switch
Ready to move? Follow this "Flight Path" to ensure your new prescription is approved without delay.
Step 1: Secure Your Proof
Do not cancel your current subscription yet. Log into your current portal (Ro, Hims, WeightWatchers) and download your prescription history. If you have a physical box of Zepbound or Wegovy, take a clear photo of the label on your kitchen table. Ensure the lighting is good and the text is legible.
Step 2: Check Your Timing
Telehealth providers cannot legally dispense medication if you have an active, unfilled prescription for the same drug elsewhere that poses a safety risk. However, since compounded meds are cash-pay, this is rarely flagged unless you use insurance. Ideally, start the transfer process 2 weeks before your current supply runs out. This accounts for the 3-5 day shipping times most providers quote.
Step 3: Choose Your "Flight" Provider
Use our Comparison Engine to check current pricing. If you are on a high dose of Tirzepatide (10mg+), OrderlyMeds or Mochi are usually the financial winners because they don't charge extra for higher doses. If you are on a low dose of Semaglutide, Amble or Lavender Sky might save you more.
Step 4: The Intake Form
When you sign up, look for the question: "Are you currently taking a GLP-1 medication?" Answer YES.
You will be asked to upload your proof. Do not skip this. If you skip it, the system will default you to the starter dose.
Step 5: The "Gap" Strategy
If your new meds haven't arrived and you are due for a shot, it is generally safe to delay your dose by a few days. However, if you go more than 2 weeks without a dose, many providers will force you to restart titration for safety reasons. This is why Step 2 is critical.
FAQ: Troubleshooting Your Transfer
Can I switch from Semaglutide to Tirzepatide at an equivalent dose?
Generally, no. Because these are different drugs with different potencies, most providers will not let you transfer from 2.4mg Semaglutide directly to 15mg Tirzepatide. You will likely need to start at a lower (though perhaps not the lowest) dose of the new medication to gauge tolerance. Lavender Sky explicitly requires a consult for this switch.
I'm at a Med Spa and they won't give me my records. What do I do?
This is hostile retention. Try asking for a "receipt for your HSA/FSA reimbursement" which must list the medical service provided. If they still refuse, you may have to restart. However, you can try explaining your situation to a provider like Mochi Health during the consult—their doctors have discretion and may allow a faster titration if you can verbally confirm your history, though this is not guaranteed.
Does insurance cover the transfer?
If you are moving to a compounded provider (Flight Path), insurance is not involved. You are moving to a cash-pay model. However, you can often use HSA/FSA funds for these programs.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. We are an independent platform and may earn commissions if you sign up through our partner links. Always consult with a healthcare professional before changing your medication regimen.
