Its really a crapshoot. Particularly when you are going to doctors who do not specialize in TRT and or docs who rarely see a 30+ year old who banged his adrenals hard and really need something more then some nut gel and a test level of 300 where support stops.
Many physicians including endocrinologists may have strong resistance to getting you to the level you need for general well being and function because of the negative connection between testosterone and cardiac disease. Obviously, you want sane management of your condition, but there are some guys prescribing testosterone who should not be.
In addition, even with insurance covering, ( which if its any good probably costs you a fortune these days) these guys can get you easily for $500+ initial visit and $1000+ in labs. All to get you up, but really not much over 300 if you are not careful. I guess if your starting at 100 they think they have solved it. But there are some of us that really only begin to feel half ass at 300.
I think legally you have to be seen in person initially and maybe once every 6 months or a year. But if you can find a clinic who comes highly recommended and their goals for therapy are in line with yours, its probably worth jumping on a plane to a major hub and incurring one days expense and travel. These guys generally also know how to minimize some of the costs inherent in starting and maintaining therapy.
You also want someone who's not going to skewer you if you happen to play a little between visits. Its all a big game. Make sure you are choosing people you believe will allow you to win.
Post up your location and maybe if its allowable, ask people if they can recommend their doctor and why via PM.
Theres much less risk of being disappointed or overwhelmed by expenses if you know what to expect.
AND, many times docs do not care where you buy your meds and I guess you have at your disposal many sources to pick from. There can be some savings here depending on your insurance.
IPG