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Bariatric surgeryInsurance, rules and careBariatric surgery, also called metabolic and bariatric surgery, is a group of operations that change the stomach or…BioequivalentInsurance, rules and careBioequivalent means a generic medicine delivers the same active ingredient into the body at a similar rate and amount…BiosimilarInsurance, rules and careA biosimilar is an FDA-approved copy of a biologic medicine, such as insulin, that is highly similar to the original…Boxed warningInsurance, rules and careA boxed warning is the FDA's most prominent safety alert, shown in a black-bordered box at the top of a drug's…
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CoinsuranceInsurance, rules and careCoinsurance is the percentage of a covered service or drug's cost that you pay, such as 20%, usually after you have met…Compounded drugInsurance, rules and careA compounded drug is a medicine mixed by a pharmacy for a specific patient need; it is not FDA-approved and not…Compounding pharmacy (503A)Insurance, rules and careA 503A compounding pharmacy is a state-licensed pharmacy that prepares customized medicines for individual patients…ContraindicationInsurance, rules and careA contraindication is a situation in which a medicine or procedure should not be used because the risk clearly…CopayInsurance, rules and careA copay, or copayment, is a fixed dollar amount you pay for a covered service or prescription, such as $25 for a…
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FDA drug shortage listInsurance, rules and careThe FDA drug shortage list is the agency's public database of medicines in short supply, and it affects when pharmacies…FormularyInsurance, rules and careA formulary is your insurance plan's list of covered drugs, usually sorted into tiers that set how much you pay.FSA (flexible spending account)Insurance, rules and careAn FSA is an employer-offered account that lets you set aside pre-tax pay for eligible medical costs such as copays…
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Gastric bypassInsurance, rules and careGastric bypass, usually Roux-en-Y bypass, is a weight-loss operation that creates a small stomach pouch and connects it…Generic drug (generic GLP-1)Insurance, rules and careA generic drug is an FDA-approved copy of a brand medicine with the same active ingredient; in the US, generic GLP-1s…GLP-1 patches and dropsInsurance, rules and care"GLP-1 patches" and "GLP-1 drops" are products sold online that claim GLP-1-like effects on appetite or weight; none is…
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Insurance appealInsurance, rules and careAn insurance appeal is a formal request asking your health plan to reconsider a decision to deny, reduce or stop…Intensive behavioral therapy for obesityInsurance, rules and careIntensive behavioral therapy for obesity is structured, repeated counseling on eating, activity and habits, delivered…
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MedicaidInsurance, rules and careMedicaid is a public health coverage program, run by each state with federal funding, for eligible people with low…Medicare Part DInsurance, rules and careMedicare Part D is the outpatient prescription drug benefit for people with Medicare, offered through private plans…MedWatchInsurance, rules and careMedWatch is the FDA's safety reporting program, where patients, caregivers and health professionals can report side…
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Obesity medicine specialistInsurance, rules and careAn obesity medicine specialist is a physician with extra training in treating obesity, often shown by certification…Off-label useInsurance, rules and careOff-label use means prescribing an FDA-approved medicine for a condition, dose, age group or route that is not listed…Outsourcing facility (503B)Insurance, rules and careA 503B outsourcing facility is a sterile-compounding business registered with the FDA that can make larger batches…
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Prescribing informationInsurance, rules and carePrescribing information, often called the drug label, is the FDA-approved document that lists a medicine's uses, doses…Prior authorizationInsurance, rules and carePrior authorization is an insurer's requirement that your prescriber send proof a medicine is needed before the plan…
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Registered dietitian (RD)Insurance, rules and careA registered dietitian, or registered dietitian nutritionist, is a credentialed food and nutrition professional trained…Research peptides ("not for human use")Insurance, rules and careResearch peptides are products labeled "for research use only" or "not for human consumption" that are often sold to…Rx vs OTCInsurance, rules and careRx means a medicine needs a prescription; OTC means it is sold over the counter. All GLP-1 medicines are…
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Savings cardInsurance, rules and careA savings card is a manufacturer coupon that lowers what an eligible patient pays for a brand-name drug at the pharmacy.Semaglutide salt formsInsurance, rules and careSemaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate are salt forms used by some compounders; the FDA says they differ from the…Sleeve gastrectomyInsurance, rules and careSleeve gastrectomy is a weight-loss operation that permanently removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow…Step therapyInsurance, rules and careStep therapy is an insurance rule that makes you try a lower-cost treatment first before the plan will cover a pricier…