Switching providers — when and how

Cost, service, pharmacy concerns, geographic moves. When switching makes sense and how to execute it cleanly.

Reasons to switch

• Pricing — provider raised prices or yours stays cheaper.
• Pharmacy concerns — your provider's pharmacy partner is under investigation.
• Service quality — communication response time, lab delays.
• Geographic move to a state your provider doesn't serve.
• Indication change — need branded for FDA-approved label.

How to switch cleanly

1. Don't run out of medication first.
2. Complete intake with new provider while still on current.
3. New provider may need labs (typically 90-day lookback acceptable).
4. Time first shipment from new provider to overlap with last current shipment.
5. Maintain dose at the level you were on.

Avoid these mistakes

• Don't take a break of more than 2 weeks during switch (re-titration needed).
• Don't switch to a provider with thinner pharmacy disclosure.
• Don't switch for marginal price differences if quality is lower.