Frequently asked questions

If you are eligible to participate in the Fridays program, you will be redirected to Healthie (electronic health record site which is HIPAA compliant), the platform used by our medical providers (OpenLoop). From there, you will schedule your appointment with your healthcare provider, enter your basic information (e.g., name, email, phone number) and enter your payment information to sign up for our membership. After entering this information you will be provided with two important links in your email. The first link will be for you to create your Healthie login. Note: it is important to create your Healthie login in order to access pertinent information to your care. The second link will be to fill out our detailed health history form which must also be completed prior to your initial visit. During your first appointment, your provider will discuss your health goals, review your medical history, order any necessary lab tests and may order a prescription medication if deemed appropriate. Your provider will collaborate with you to create a personalized health plan. Alongside lifestyle recommendations, your care plan may include a prescription for weight loss medication. Upon starting a weight loss medication, regular check-ins with your provider will be scheduled. The frequency of these visits can vary but usually are once a month in the beginning. During these check-ins, the provider will evaluate your progress in weight loss, monitor your medication tolerance, arrange follow-up lab tests or prescription refills, and adjust your care plan as necessary.

While prescriptions for weight loss medication cannot be guaranteed for every patient, if you are 18 years of age or older and meet specific criteria such as weight and certain associated health conditions, your healthcare provider may consider you eligible for a prescription. Generally speaking, those who qualify are: individuals with obesity (BMI > 30), individuals with overweight (BMI > 27) with a weight related health condition (such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc), those who are seeking maintenance therapy that have a BMI > 22 and if their current BMI < 27, have a history of obesity or overweight with a weight related health condition.

Our program costs $99/month and is billed monthly. This includes regular virtual consultations with a clinician, prescribing and renewing medications (if applicable), assistance with navigating insurance coverage for prescriptions, and access to nutritional/health guides. Subscription charges may appear on your credit card as "Fridays" "Fridays Health" or "Thrive Health Group."

It’s important to note that the program fee does not cover the following items, and their cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage:

Lab Testing: Lab testing is generally ordered by your healthcare provider once every 6 months (although, the frequency of this may vary based on your healthcare providers decision). The necessary tests typically include a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a lipid panel. Specific lab tests may vary depending on your medical history. Lab tests are usually ordered through Quest, but you may discuss with your healthcare provider about ordering to another lab of your choice. The price of lab testing varies based on your insurance coverage and the labs available in your area. If you opt to go to Quest and self pay, the cost of labs is $33.

Please be aware that additional ongoing testing may be required for certain co-conditions such as pre-diabetes and high cholesterol.

Medication (based on insurance coverage):

Your clinical care team will work with you to identify the most affordable and suitable medication based on your health requirements and insurance coverage. GLP-1 prescriptions are usually more cost-effective when covered by insurance, but the exact expense will depend on your insurance plan. If you are uninsured, underinsured, or if the medication is not covered by your insurance, your provider may assist you in finding a prescription discount card or an alternative medication that is more cost effective. In cases where insurance or discount cards cannot be used, GLP-1 prescription medication costs may range from $900 to $1,400 for a one-month supply for branded medication or $129 to $389/month for compounded medication, price varies based on dosage and medication type.

Please note that Fridays does not directly sell GLP-1's or other medications, and you can fill your prescriptions at the pharmacy of your choice.

At present, insurance coverage does not include virtual visits for our program. That being said, certain insurance plans might offer coverage for other expenses associated with medical weight loss treatment, including lab testing and prescription weight loss medication.

GLP-1 medications work by regulating appetite to reduce food intake. Studies have demonstrated their potential to achieve weight reductions of up to 15% in individuals who take them for a year or longer, in conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices*.

Weight loss is not solely reliant on willpower, as biological factors affecting metabolism, hunger, and weight can be beyond your control.

GLP-1s promote a prolonged feeling of fullness, help control food cravings, and enhance the body’s ability to process sugars more efficiently (source). Consequently, these medications are often prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes or obesity.

In chronic weight management, GLP-1 medications are sometimes utilized alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. They are also employed in patients with diabetes to assist in blood sugar management.

Examples of GLP-1 medications include:
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Semaglutide (Wegovy®, Rybelsus®, Ozempic®)
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Tirzepatide (Zepbound®, Mounjaro®), Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)
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Liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®)

During your initial consultation, your provider will evaluate your health requirements to determine the suitability of medication for you. They will also address any inquiries you may have regarding GLP-1 medications.

*Note: It is always important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and treatment options.

If you meet any of the following criteria, you may not be eligible for a prescription of GLP-1 weight loss medication:

1. Currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or actively trying to become pregnant
2. End-stage kidney disease (on or about to be on dialysis)
3. End-stage liver disease (cirrhosis)
4. Active eating disorder or history of eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia, etc.)
5. Current suicidal thoughts and/or prior suicidal attempt
6. Cancer (active diagnosis or treatment)
7. Current or history of pancreatitis
8. History of organ transplant on anti-rejection medication
9. Severe gastrointestinal condition (gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease) 
10. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2

Please note that these eligibility criteria are not exhaustive, and it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment of your individual circumstances.

No, on your initial visit with your licensed provider, in addition to reviewing your health history and goals, your clinician will order any necessary lab work. This step ensures your suitability for our program and to determine which medications would be most optimal for your weight management. The required labs typically encompass a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1C (HgbA1C), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a lipid panel. If you've had these labs completed within the past 12 months, you may not need labs ordered during your initial consultation, but this decision will be made by your provider. You may upload your previous lab results into your portal on Healthie or submit it to: support@joinfridays.com where someone from our team will upload it to your chart for your provider to review before your initial visit. It’s important to note that periodic lab tests may be required to monitor your body’s response to the medication and ensure safety.

You may visit the nearest Quest laboratory for your lab testing. If you have already completed the necessary lab tests within the past twelve months you may upload your previous lab results into your chart on Healthie or submit it to: support@joinfridays.com where someone from our team will upload it to your chart for your provider to review before your initial visit. If you don't live near a Quest lab, our providers can order a general lab requisition form but we recommend completing this at your PCP's office as it can otherwise be pricey!

Generally speaking, labs are ordered to Quest and the cost is $33 each time labs are ordered by your provider. However, you may decide to get your labs completed elsewhere. The cost of labs may also vary if you are using insurance or paying out-of-pocket. To determine whether lab testing is covered by your insurance plan, we recommend reaching out to your insurance carrier directly.

Weight loss outcomes can differ based on factors such as your initial weight, medical conditions, lifestyle adjustments, and the specific weight loss medication used. Numerous individuals who have taken GLP-1 medications for a duration of 68 weeks or more have reported achieving weight reductions of up to 15% from their initial body weight, when combined with healthy lifestyle choices. However, never medications that are both GLP-1 and GIP agonists have shown an average weight reduction of 20%.

At this time, patients have to be at least 18 years old to participate in the program.

If your BMI drops below 27, it is possible that you may no longer require GLP-1 medications, and your insurance may no longer cover the cost of the medication. In this situation, your healthcare provider will reassess your eligibility to determine if you can continue with the program. There are patients that may require maintenance therapy even if their BMI drops below 27 and your healthcare provider will determine if this option is right for you.

Our team consists of physicians and licensed nurse practitioners who possess the qualifications to prescribe medications, order lab tests, and evaluate your symptoms and health objectives. They are well-equipped to develop a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs.

Certainly! We offer maintenance therapy for patients in most cases, however, the only patients that don't qualify for maintenance therapy are patients with a BMI < 22 and this is mainly because we're a virtual platform and for this patient population it's safer to provide maintenance therapy if they're managed at a physical clinic. In order to qualify for maintenance therapy, a patient needs to have a previous diagnosis of obesity (BMI > 30) or overweight (BMI > 27) with a weight related condition such as hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol.You may take our quiz to see if you qualify for maintenance therapy!

‍With your monthly membership, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of services designed to support your health and wellness journey. Here's what you can expect:

• Monthly Visits with a Licensed Clinician: As part of your membership, you'll have access to regular monthly visits with a licensed clinician. These professionals are dedicated to providing personalized care and guidance tailored to your unique health needs.
• Help with Prior Authorizations for GLP-1 Medications: Dealing with insurance can be complex, especially when it comes to prior authorizations for specific medications like GLP-1’s. We're here to assist you through this process, ensuring you have access to the medications you need for managing your health effectively.
• Weekly Group Coaching Sessions: Our weekly group coaching sessions cover essential aspects of health and wellness, including nutrition, mindset, and movement coaching. These sessions provide valuable support and education, empowering you to make sustainable lifestyle changes and achieve your health goals.

Whether you're looking for personalized medical guidance, assistance with medication access, or support in adopting healthier habits, our monthly membership offers a comprehensive solution to help you thrive on your wellness journey.

Absolutely, we're here to assist you every step of the way, including navigating the process of prior authorizations for medications, which includes GLP-1’s. Our team understands the complexities of insurance procedures, and we're committed to ensuring that you have access to the medications prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we're dedicated to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.

Yes. Rest assured that our services strictly adhere to HIPAA-compliance standards and privacy guidelines. We employ state-of-the-art technology to maintain the utmost security and confidentiality of your personal information. Your privacy is our priority, and we take every measure to ensure the protection of your sensitive data.

Our Fridays program is a month-to-month commitment. We provide options for refunds or early cancellation:

1. If you are deemed ineligible for the program based on new lab results or unforeseen factors that emerge after at least one virtual consult, you may cancel immediately. However, please note that refunds for prior months will not be issued.

2. If the medication’s cost makes it financially impractical for you to continue with the program, you may cancel immediately. However, please be aware that refunds for prior months will not be granted.

3. You may cancel at any time and will receive a full refund for the current billing cycle as long as you haven't had your visit for the month. Refunds for prior months will not be issued. However, please note that if you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, a $20 "no-show" fee will be incurred and you will receive a refund minus this "no-show fee."

If you have any inquiries or wish to request a refund or cancellation, please reach out to our dedicated customer care team at cancellation@joinfridays.com. We will be more than happy to assist you.