Direct Meds vs Optum Now
A detailed head-to-head comparison of Direct Meds and Optum Now — pricing, peptides, consultation models, and patient reviews.
At a Glance
RatingNo reviews
Starting Price$179/mo
Peptides2
ConsultationAsync Telehealth
Lab TestingNo
Shipping5-7 business days
Pros
- Sublingual drop option — no injections required
- Multiple medication formats (injectable + drops)
- Competitive pricing on sublingual options
- Both semaglutide and tirzepatide available
Cons
- Compounded medications only — not FDA-approved
- No insurance accepted
- Limited clinical support beyond prescribing
- Injectable pricing higher than some competitors
- Relatively new with limited reviews
RatingNo reviews
Starting Price$1/mo
Peptides2
ConsultationHybrid
Lab TestingNo
Shipping3-5 business days
Pros
- $45/month unlimited virtual visits
- Available in all 50 states
- Video consultations (not async-only)
- Deep integration with UnitedHealthcare for seamless insurance coordination
- Lab ordering available through Quest Diagnostics partnership
- Behavioral health network access for patients who need psychological support alongside weight management
Cons
- No compounded GLP-1 options
- Not a specialized obesity medicine practice
- Tied to the UnitedHealth Group ecosystem, which has faced criticism over prior authorization denial rates and conflicts of interest across insurance, PBM, and care delivery
- Relatively new to weight management (added 2024)
- No in-person option for patients who prefer or need hands-on clinical evaluation
- Vertical integration cuts both ways
Pros & Cons
Peptide Pricing Comparison
| Peptide | Direct Meds | Optum Now |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | $179/monthly $297/monthly | $1/monthly |
| Tirzepatide | $224/monthly $399/monthly | Price unavailable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Direct Meds or Optum Now better?
Direct Meds offers 2 peptides and async telehealth consultations. Optum Now offers 2 peptides and hybrid consultations. The best choice depends on which peptides you need, your budget, and preferred consultation model.
Which is cheaper, Direct Meds or Optum Now?
Direct Meds starts at $179/month while Optum Now starts at $1/month. However, pricing varies by peptide — see the pricing table above for a full breakdown.