Some providers split their price into a medication charge and a separate membership or platform fee. The medication number gets advertised; the membership gets added at checkout.
A worked example
Mochi lists compounded tirzepatide medication at $199/month — flat across doses — but requires a $79/month membership, making the real all-in cost about $278/month (confirmed on Mochi own FAQ). Headline-to-headline, $199 looks competitive; all-in, $278 sits above several flat-rate alternatives.
Always compare all-in
A membership model is not inherently bad — the fee may cover visits, messaging, and dietitian support some value. But to compare fairly, add membership to medication and use that total. Write down the all-in monthly cost for every provider, including any membership, platform, or consultation fee. That is the number that leaves your account.