Sesame Prescription Refill Visits: How They Work and How Dr. Refills Compares
Medically reviewed by Iwan S. Nyotowidjojo, MD, board-certified in Internal Medicine · Last reviewed
Quick answer (as of October 2026): On Sesame, independently owned practices offer visits through Sesame’s platform. Its prescription refill visits are video appointments, listed from $34, that typically cover 1 to 2 existing prescriptions (Sesame). Dr. Refills only does refills: no appointment or video call, $59 for 30 days or $79 for 90 days for any number of chronic medications, charged only if approved.
If you have used Sesame to renew a medication, or are deciding where to book, here is how the two work, side by side. Every fact about Sesame below links to Sesame’s own site.
What is Sesame?
Sesame says the provider practices on its site are independently owned and operated by licensed clinicians who use the Sesame telehealth platform, and that visits start at $34 (sesamecare.com). You see each provider’s ratings, time slots and upfront price before you book (Sesame refill page).
How does a Sesame refill visit work?
From Sesame’s prescription refill page (source):
- You discuss your refill during a video visit with the prescriber, and same-day slots are offered.
- Visits start as low as $34, or $29 with a Costco membership.
- Providers can typically help refill 1 to 2 existing prescriptions per refill appointment.
- If your provider decides a prescription is not necessary, the appointment is not refundable.
- Visits are cash-pay; Sesame does not bill health insurance. They are HSA and FSA eligible, for ages 18 and up.
- Providers on Sesame do not prescribe controlled substances.
Sesame also sells a membership, Sesame Plus, at $10.99 a month or $99 a year, which takes $10 off virtual visits (Sesame membership).
How does Dr. Refills compare?
Dr. Refills only renews medications you already take, at the same dose. There is no appointment and no video call: you fill in an online form, and a physician licensed in your state reviews it (in Florida, our physician is registered for telehealth). If the refill is approved, the prescription is sent to your own pharmacy within 1 hour. It costs $59 for a 30-day supply or $79 for a 90-day supply, covers any number of your chronic medications in one request, and you are charged only if approved. Dr. Refills does not prescribe controlled substances.
| Sesame | Dr. Refills | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you see | An independent provider you choose on Sesame’s platform (source) | A physician licensed in your state |
| How you are seen | Video visit (source) | Online form; no appointment, no video call |
| Price | From $34 per visit; $29 with Costco (source) | $59 for 30 days, $79 for 90 days |
| Medications per visit | Typically 1 to 2 prescriptions (source) | Any number of chronic medications |
| If no prescription | Appointment not refundable (source) | Not charged |
| Insurance | Not billed; cash-pay (source) | Not billed; cash-pay, HSA/FSA eligible |
| Controlled substances | Not prescribed (source) | Not prescribed |
| Where | See Sesame for availability | 11 states (licensure) |
When Sesame may be the better choice
- You want to talk to a clinician face to face on video, or choose a specific provider.
- You need one or two medications and find a visit priced below our $59.
- You need care for a new problem, not just a refill.
- You are outside the 11 states Dr. Refills serves.
When Dr. Refills may fit better
- You take three or more chronic medications. One $59 or $79 request covers all of them.
- You would rather not book a time slot or join a video call.
- You want to pay nothing if the refill is not approved.
- Your medication is one some services exclude. We review blood thinners such as apixaban, basal insulin for type 2 diabetes, and GLP-1 medications case by case.
Already on a stable dose? Renew it online.
No appointment, no video call. $59 for 30 days or $79 for 90 days, charged only if approved. If approved, your prescription is sent to your pharmacy within 1 hour.
Start my refill requestWhen neither service is right
- You have a new symptom, or your condition has changed since your last visit.
- You need a new medication or a dose change.
- You need a controlled substance, such as an opioid, benzodiazepine or stimulant. Dr. Refills does not prescribe controlled substances.
- You are having a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sesame is a telehealth platform. Sesame says the provider practices on it are independently owned and operated by licensed clinicians, and visits start at $34 as of October 2026.
Yes. Sesame’s refill page says you discuss your refill request during a video visit with your prescriber.
Sesame says providers can typically assist with refilling 1 to 2 existing prescriptions per refill appointment.
Dr. Refills has no appointment or video call. A physician licensed in your state reviews an online form. It costs $59 for 30 days or $79 for 90 days for any number of chronic medications, and you are charged only if approved.
No. The intake asks for your medication, dose, how long you have taken it and relevant health history. Having the bottle or your pharmacy’s details handy helps.
Dr. Refills serves patients located in California, Texas, Florida (telehealth registration), New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota and Indiana. You must be in one of these states when you submit your request.
About this comparison. Facts about Sesame on this page come from Sesame’s own website, linked next to each fact, as of October 12, 2026. Prices and policies change, so check their site before you decide. Sesame is a trademark of its owner. Dr. Refills is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Sesame. If something here is out of date, email [email protected] and we will correct it.