Zero Review

Zero Stop Smoking Overview

Zero is committed to helping you quit smoking by providing treatment to help curb cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms with the ultimate goal for you to quit smoking. Zero is powered by its parent company Ro. Ro is a telehealth platform whose goal is to become the future of healthcare by making healthcare more efficient, accessible, and transparent. According to Zero, using prescription medication (Bupropion) and nicotine replacement therapy increases your chances of quitting by up to three times versus quitting “cold turkey”. Currently Bupropion, through Zero, is available in 44 states and Nicotine gum is available in all 50 states. Because Bupropion is a prescribed medication the doctors who order it are required to be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Thus, bupropion by Zero is only available in the states where physicians on the Ro platform are licensed.

To get started with Zero you will need to create an account via the Ro platform. Once your MyRo account is created you will complete an online doctor visit by answering questions about your medical and smoking history, you will need to provide a photo of yourself and include a photo of your ID. If you decide to request prescription medication a physician will review your medical and smoking history, and if appropriate they will recommend a personalized treatment plan for you. This will include a 12-week treatment plan of the prescription medication or the prescription medication plus nicotine gum. Any questions you or the doctor may have will then be addressed via secure messaging, phone, or video call. Once your treatment plan has been approved you will get free 2-day shipping of your medication and be able to start your journey to quit smoking. 

Zero recommends that you set a quit date for a week or two after you receive your plan to allow you time to mentally prepare for your journey to quit smoking. If prescription medication is part of your treatment plan you will start taking it a week or two before your quit date. Once you arrive at your quit date you will set aside your cigarettes and start taking your nicotine gum along with your prescription medication. It is typically recommended by Zero doctors that you use a piece of gum every 1-2 hours for the first 6 weeks to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. It is important to read your treatment plan thoroughly prior to starting your treatment to make sure you follow it as recommended by your doctor. At any time in your quitting journey you will be able to reach out to your Zero doctor with any questions or concerns through your MyRo account.

Is Zero Right For You?

Zero is right for any adult, 21 or older, looking to start their journey into quitting smoking. Zero was created for first-time quitters to those who have made multiple unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking in the past. Zero is a convenient way to see a doctor, receive a treatment plan, and receive prescription medication to help you quit smoking, all from the comfort of your home. With traditional healthcare, it would take multiple steps including scheduling your appointment over the phone, heading into the doctor’s office subjecting yourself to possible sick patients in the waiting room, and then to your local pharmacy to do what Zero can do in a matter of hours and you never have to leave your house. Zero is great for anyone with a busy schedule, anyone who is homebound for any number of reasons, for people who live in rural areas, or for anyone looking to save on travel expenses and medication costs. The bottom line is Zero is for anyone looking for an easy and convenient way to start their quitting journey.

Is Zero Credible?

All of the physicians on the Ro platform are U.S licensed physicians. The physician treating you is always licensed to treat patients in your state. Each doctor goes through a thorough background check and license verification process. Once you are able to message or talk with a doctor, the Ro platform allows you to see their resume, medical license, and credentials at any time. You can feel secure in knowing that the Ro platform takes the privacy and security of your personal information seriously. The Ro platform complies with all applicable privacy laws and has enforced strict security protocols to keep your information safe.

Ro’s medical advisory board is made up of renowned medical leaders. This advisory board is made up of expert physicians, professors in medicine, former health care regulators, and administrators. Ro’s advisory team has been involved with guiding this company from the beginning. Patients who utilize the Ro platform for their healthcare needs can know their care has been designed by a team of experts who strive to guide Ro doctors in providing the highest quality care possible.

Healthcare Conditions Treated by Zero

Zero is a program that only treats people who are looking to quit smoking. Zero uses a combination of prescription medication and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help you quit. There are three plan options to choose from:

1. Bupropion + Nicotine Gum - Using the combination prescription bupropion and NRT you will increase your chances of quitting by up to 3 times. Using this combination can help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
2. Bupropion - Prescription Bupropion can help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms
3. Nicotine Gum - Nicotine gum can help reduce withdrawal symptoms

Treatment plans that include Bupropion are approved for 12 weeks, and can be extended to 24 weeks if approved by your doctor once the first 12 weeks have been completed. Nicotine gum can be used for as long as you need it and is always preferred to smoking.

How Much Does Zero Cost?

The cost of Zero can depend on the services and treatment plan you go with.

• Bupropion +Nicotine Gum - $87/month, Zero discounts the first month to $60. 
• + one time $15 online doctor visit
• Bupropion - $45/month, Zer discounts the first month to $18
• + one time $15 online doctor visit
• Nicotine Gum - $42/month, Zero discounts the first month to $30, you are able to choose to receive two boxes of gum per month for $84/month

You will be charged for the medications after a doctor has approved your treatment plan. If your doctor determines you are not a candidate for telemedicine Zer will refund your $15 online doctor visit and you will not be charged for any medications. Currently, Zero is not covered by insurance but they are working on this and may be able to bill your insurance in the future. The medication prescribed may be something your insurance would cover when sold by other providers. Zero is a great deal when you compare what you would pay going to your doctor and purchasing these medications from a pharmacy.

What Do We Think About Zero?

We think Zero is an amazing option for those who are deciding to quit smoking, and here’s why. First, Zero, and the Ro platform, have an amazing team backing them, so you know you are getting amazing care. Secondly, it is a one-stop shop where you can get an online doctor visit and have your prescriptions sent right to your door without ever leaving your couch. Lastly, Zero is likely less expensive than receiving this treatment from your primary care doctor, you can’t beat that first-month discount. If you are ready to start your quitting journey Zero is a great place to start.