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Head-to-head · WeighScore

Ark Health vs Ascend Medical

Ark Health
Graded #407

Higher grade

vs+0.8999999999999986
Ascend Medical
Graded #426

Lower grade

The verdict

Ark Health takes it — 56.8/100 to 55.9/100, but only just.

Ark Health grades higher on WeighScore, our editorial score across cost value, dose & formulation, clinical oversight, labs & monitoring, fulfillment and contract terms. Ark Health is a national direct-to-consumer telehealth platform with one of the widest menus in the directory — compounded semaglutide ($169/mo), tirzepatide ($249/mo) and oral semaglutide ($125/mo), plus… Ascend Medical is close behind and may still be the better fit — see the factor split below.

We may earn a commission if you start care through some of these links, at no extra cost to you. It never moves the WeighScore, which is the weighted average of the six factors shown for every provider, and what we write about a provider is the same either way. See our disclosure.

Factor by factor

The same six graded dimensions, side by side. See the methodology.

Cost valueAscend Medical +11
34
45
Dose & formulationArk Health +48
88
40
Clinical oversightAscend Medical +26
59
85
Labs & monitoringAscend Medical +10
52
62
FulfillmentAscend Medical +3
56
59
Contract termsArk Health +14
55
41
Ark Health · left barAscend Medical · right bar

The numbers

MetricArk HealthAscend Medical
WeighScore56.8/10055.9/100
GradeCC
Scorecard rank#407#426
Semaglutide$1,399/mo (brand Ozempic)Not disclosed
Tirzepatide$1,499/mo (brand Mounjaro)Not disclosed
CoverageCoverage not published2 states
Brand-name accessYesCompounded only
Oral / sublingualYesInjection only
Ark Health

Graded #407 · C

Strengths

  • Broadest menu in the directory — compounded sema/tirz injection, oral sema, brand Ozempic and Mounjaro, Sermorelin, MIC/B12
  • Consistent pricing at all dosages — flat rate, no escalation as you titrate up
  • Compounded oral semaglutide at $125/mo is competitive for a niche most providers don't offer
  • Free expedited shipping included
  • Phone support published (uncommon among DTC platforms)

Where it loses points

  • States served not listed — can't confirm coverage in your state without contacting support
  • LegitScript status not disclosed — no badge or verifiable ID
  • FDA compounded-medication disclaimer not displayed
  • Medical director / clinical lead not named — only generic 'certified healthcare providers'
  • Pharmacy partner not named; 503A vs 503B unspecified
Ascend Medical

Graded #426 · C

Strengths

  • Whole-person virtual primary care that includes a medical weight loss program
  • Staffed by licensed MDs, DOs, NPs and PAs
  • Integrates weight loss with primary, mental health and diabetes care
  • Clear state availability (Georgia and Texas)

Where it loses points

  • Available only in Georgia and Texas
  • Specific GLP-1 medications and branded-vs-compounded status not published
  • No pricing disclosed on public pages
  • Weight loss is one service among many, not a dedicated GLP-1 specialist

Also worth a look

Neither is our top-graded pick — CoreAge Rx leads the scorecard

Across all 499 providers, CoreAge Rx grades highest at 91.8/100 (A−). Top of the scorecard: flat transparent pricing, both molecules, nationwide — no teaser-rate games.

Pricing/verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last grading; the WeighScore is our editorial judgment per the methodology. Prices change — confirm on each provider's site. Not medical advice; see our disclosure.

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