Planned Parenthood Mar Monte continues to be a leader in community health care during the COVID-19 outbreak, providing essential, high-quality services for those whose needs do not pause for a pandemic. We are launching telehealth-access at 30 of our health centers across California and Nevada so that patients can safely have a personal, onscreen appointment with medical providers.
In record time we moved 60‐70% of our patient visits to telephone visits, and now we have begun shifting many of these to telehealth.
Unlike telephone visits, telehealth allows both the patient and provider to connect through secure video visits from home on an online platform. This video-based care will prioritize patients who need services urgently, and it allows providers to directly connect with patients while eliminating the risk of virus transmission. Many of our essential visits, such as for hormonal contraception and urinary tract infections (UTIs), can be effectively provided with telehealth. Appointments that do require in-health center services, such as abortion care, have been converted to a minimal-touch visit.
Significantly reducing the time our patients need to spend in the health center helps keep everyone safe. Ensuring that our patients have quick and easy access to their chosen contraceptive method is also critical. By continuing to schedule visits for highly effective forms of contraception, such as IUCs and implants, PPMM is protecting and promoting the reproductive health of our patients.
A list of services provided to patients via telehealth include:
- UTI (urinary tract infections)
- Yeast infections
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Hormonal contraception
- Gender affirming care (new and follow-up)
- PrEP (HIV-prevention) refills
- HSV (herpes treatment) refills
- STI treatments
The next phase of our work is focused on finding even more innovative ways to provide preventive care, such as cervical and breast cancer screenings.
Right now, we are more committed than ever to broadening the tools that connect our expert, compassionate providers with patients. Whether we provide services in person, online, or by phone, we are extremely proud to continue providing vital health care services to the communities we serve.
Tags: covid-19, telehealth