Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
SurpassMD vs StaveMD
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.
SurpassMD
Shoppers who want a published price table by plan length and a price that stays put as the dose goes up.
Visit SurpassMDStaveMD
Shoppers who want an oral or injectable compounded GLP-1 with easy cancellation and are willing to confirm the plan price at checkout.
Visit StaveMDThe verdict
SurpassMD takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 78 to 77. SurpassMD's standing month-to-month rate is $219 for compounded semaglutide and $309 for tirzepatide, all-in and the same at every dose; the $114 and $177 on its homepage are introductory 12-month rates. StaveMD still earns a C — Shoppers who want an oral or injectable compounded GLP-1 with easy cancellation and are willing to confirm the plan price at checkout.
Worth knowing either way: CoreAge Rx is one of our partners and leads our leaderboard, where partners are listed first (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs SurpassMD.
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 | SurpassMD | StaveMD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 78/100 | 77/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $219/moCompounded, month to month; $175 introductory first month, same price at every dose | $199/moStarting price, compounded injection or dissolving tablet |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $309/moCompounded, month to month; $247 introductory first month, same price at every dose | $249/moStarting price, compounded |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $2,628 | $2,388 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $3,708 | $2,988 |
| Coverage | All 50 states and D.C. | All 50 states and D.C. |
| Oral / sublingual | Yes | Yes |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #50 | #57 |
SurpassMD
78/100Where the value is
- Each medication page has a full table of 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month prices, showing both the introductory rate and the standard renewal rate
- One price covers the provider review, medication, shipping and ongoing support, with no separate membership fee
- The price does not rise when your provider increases your dose
The tradeoffs
- The homepage's "as low as $114" and "$177" are introductory prices on a 12-month supply; month to month the standard rates are $219 and $309
- No refunds after cancellation unless you're medically disqualified
StaveMD
77/100Where the value is
- Cancel any time from your account with no phone call or notice period, and request a refund for any month whose medication hasn't been ordered
- Offers compounded semaglutide as a weekly injection or a daily dissolving tablet, plus tirzepatide and a lower-dose microdose program from $179 a month
- Names its pharmacies, led by Red Rock Compounding Pharmacy in Utah, and its medical group, OpenLoop Healthcare Partners
The tradeoffs
- Every price is a "starting from" figure; the site says longer programs cost less per month and are billed upfront but doesn't print the price of each plan length
- The banner's "Start for $179/mo" is the microdose program, not the standard semaglutide or tirzepatide dose
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.