Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
Blue Sky MD vs iThriveMD
Two GLP-1 programs on the bench, scored on the same six factors. Here's how their real cost of ownership compares — and which one we'd start with.
Blue Sky MD
Cost-first shoppers who want north Carolina residents who want an established, physician-led, LegitScript-certified in-person clinic.
Visit Blue Sky MDiThriveMD
People in the CA/AZ service area who want the option of in-person visits alongside telehealth.
Visit iThriveMDThe verdict
Blue Sky MD and iThriveMD tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 63/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers. For most shoppers we'd start with Blue Sky MD (ranked #188, a hair above #194) — Cost-first shoppers who want north Carolina residents who want an established, physician-led, LegitScript-certified in-person clinic. But iThriveMD is a genuine coin-flip alternative here.
Worth knowing either way: our overall #1 pick is CoreAge Rx (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100 — the top of the ranking). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs Blue Sky MD.
Factor by factor
Both providers scored on our six Cost-Efficiency Index factors. The stronger side on each row is marked in teal.
Normalized Cost/Month
Price Transparency
Nationwide Access
Formulation Options
Clinical Oversight
Contract Flexibility
Pricing, coverage & formulary
The disclosed facts behind the scores. Lower price wins its row (teal).
| Spec | Blue Sky MD | iThriveMD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 63/100 | 63/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $160/mo (starting dose, compounded) | $199/mo (all doses, promotional rate, compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $240/mo (starting dose, compounded) | $399/mo (microdose tier, starting dose, compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $1,920 | $2,388 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $2,880 | $4,788 |
| Coverage | 1 state | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | No | No |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #188 | #194 |
Blue Sky MD
63/100Where the value is
- LegitScript-certified with a named, pictured Medical Director (Dr. David LaMond) and a practice history dating to 2008
- Weekly pricing ($40 semaglutide / $60 tirzepatide) is well below brand-name cost and comparable to many compounded telehealth competitors
- 7 physical clinic locations across North Carolina (Charlotte, Asheville, Hendersonville, Greensboro, Clemmons, South Charlotte, Mooresville) for patients who want in-person care
The tradeoffs
- The published $40/$60 per-week price is explicitly labeled 'in-office' on the GLP-1 page, and that specific page never mentions telehealth at all — whether the rate applies to out-of-state or telehealth-only patients is unconfirmed
- Geographic footprint is North Carolina only; no state-by-state telehealth coverage list is published
iThriveMD
63/100Where the value is
- LegitScript-certified pharmacy claim, not just a generic compliance statement
- Real physical locations for patients who want in-person care
- Flat 'same price at all doses' structure for semaglutide simplifies comparison shopping
The tradeoffs
- $199 headline price is explicitly a teaser that reverts to $299/mo
- No individually named medical director
Assume any provider we list may compensate us — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. It never changes the Cost-Efficiency Index. Pricing, states and verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last review; prices change — confirm on the provider's site. Not medical advice. See our disclosure.