Head-to-head · WeighScore
Ascend Medical vs TeleFirst Med
The verdict
TeleFirst Med takes it — 57.4/100 to 55.9/100, but only just.
TeleFirst Med grades higher on WeighScore, our editorial score across cost value, dose & formulation, clinical oversight, labs & monitoring, fulfillment and contract terms. TeleFirst Med is a virtual urgent-care and primary-care telehealth clinic that also offers a GLP-1 weight-loss path: a $120 telehealth evaluation with a licensed doctor who, if you qualify, prescribes real… Ascend Medical is close behind and may still be the better fit — see the factor split below.
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Factor by factor
The same six graded dimensions, side by side. See the methodology.
The numbers
| Metric | Ascend Medical | TeleFirst Med |
|---|---|---|
| WeighScore | 55.9/100 | 57.4/100 |
| Grade | C | C |
| Scorecard rank | #425 | #399 |
| Semaglutide | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Coverage | 2 states | 2 states |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Yes |
| Oral / sublingual | Injection only | Injection only |
Graded #425 · 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
Graded #399 · C
Strengths
- Prescribes real brand-name GLP-1 (e.g. Ozempic/Wegovy), not compounded — appealing if you specifically want FDA-approved branded medication
- Simple $120 telehealth evaluation with a licensed doctor; no insurance hassle and no prior authorization
- You fill the prescription at your own regular pharmacy rather than waiting on a mail-order compounding pharmacy
- Also a general telehealth clinic (urgent care, chronic-condition management) if you want broader care
Where it loses points
- Only Texas and North Carolina are confirmed — not available nationwide
- The $120 is an evaluation fee; the brand-name medication is billed separately at your pharmacy and can be expensive without insurance
- Small practice (about 500 patients) with limited public detail on its clinicians and program
- No compounded or lower-cost medication option, and no medication pricing is published
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.