Is teleheath right for you?

The rise of telehealth has revolutionized healthcare, but is it the right choice for you? Telehealth is the term used to describe accessing health care services through digital platforms, such as video calls, phone consultations, and secure messaging. It has significant benefits, from increased privacy to reduced costs, especially when it comes to abortion and sexual health care. Here are some factors to consider when determining if telehealth may be a good option for your needs.

1. Increased privacy and confidentiality

Telehealth offers a discreet way for people to find and receive care without the potential of being seen entering a clinic or office. The ability to make a phone call or log into an app can be helpful whether you live in a small town and want to protect your privacy, or simply don’t want to get stuck in small talk with someone you may know. Telehealth also offers more privacy for services that have been historically stigmatized, like abortion and sexual health care. 

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Discreet abortion care

Abortion is a personal decision (if you want it to be). With telehealth, patients can receive care in their own homes, avoiding judgment or harassment that may occur when visiting a clinic. Telehealth ensures that patients can make their own decisions about their reproductive health in private. Learn more about if you’re eligible for telehealth abortion care with Hey Jane here. 

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Discreet sexual health care

There’s no shame in accessing sexual health care like herpes care. But for patients who prefer a more private location, telehealth provides an opportunity to discuss sensitive topics without the fear of judgment. Virtual appointments mean that individuals can seek advice and receive treatment all from the comfort of their home (or another safe location). With the option of discretion, more people may seek the care they need in a society that stigmatizes sexual health. 

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2. Shorter wait times for appointments

With telehealth, patients can often get appointments more quickly than waiting for an in-person visit. This is crucial for time-sensitive care like abortion services, where delays can impact what types of care, medication vs. procedural, are available.

If you have a primary care provider, it can sometimes take weeks to get on their schedule. If you’re looking for care at a specialty clinic, like those offering abortions, it may also be several days or even weeks before you can be seen. Even in states that don’t heavily restrict abortion, clinics are busier than ever trying to accommodate both in and out-of-state patients.

At Hey Jane, we offer consultations with our clinical team within 1 business day for most services. That means that you may be able to receive treatment in your mailbox before the date of the soonest in-person appointment, reducing how long you have to feel uncomfortable or even anxious as you wait to connect with a medical professional.

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3. Affordability 

Health care can be so expensive it is out of reach for many people. By eliminating many of the expenses that come with in-person visits, telehealth can make accessing care more financially manageable (especially if you have to travel a long distance for abortion care). Here are some ways telehealth decreases costs:

• Less time taken off work: Virtual appointments take less time because you don’t have to travel to and from the appointment, allowing patients to avoid or decrease unpaid time off. An online consult can happen in the car, on a walk, or even during a lunch break.
• No transportation costs: Patients save on gas, parking, and public transportation costs.
• Eliminated child care expenses: With telehealth, you may not need to arrange or pay for child care during appointments.
• Lower consultation fees: Some telehealth services offer lower fees compared to in-person visits.‍
• No travel-related costs: For those in rural areas, telehealth eliminates the need for long-distance travel, saving on accommodation and meal expenses.

With telehealth, people have the opportunity to receive the care they need with less financial strain.

4. Eliminates the need for transportation

One major way telehealth has revolutionized health care is by eliminating the need for transportation to and from a health clinic, making care more accessible and affordable. By allowing patients to consult with health care providers from their own homes, telehealth reduces the time, effort, and cost associated with traveling to appointments. This is particularly impactful for folks who live in rural and/or underserved areas. For people with limited mobility who need frequent care, telehealth can be a game-changer.

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5. Access to gender-affirming providers

Telehealth can significantly increase access to gender-affirming providers, especially for individuals living in areas where their rights to gender-affirming care are restricted. With telehealth, trans and non-binary patients can connect with supportive providers like Hey Jane who respect and uplift their identity, regardless of geographic limitations. 

The following resources can help you search for gender-affirming providers:

• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Provider Directory
• OutCare Provider Directory
• LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory

By removing barriers related to location and availability, telehealth helps bridge the gap in gender-affirming healthcare services. Hey Jane providers will always ask for your name and pronouns, and share their own, so you feel comfortable. You can tell your Hey Jane provider how you refer to your anatomy, and your preferences will always be respected.

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6. Easy communication and follow-up care

Effective communication and continuous support are critical components of quality health care. Telehealth platforms often include secure messaging features that allow patients to communicate with their care team between appointments. This ensures ongoing support and the ability to address any concerns that may arise before, during, and after treatment. It also allows patients to conveniently access information and tips from their care team on-the-go and discreetly.

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7. Reduced risk of infection

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of reducing the risk of infection has become more important than ever (especially for those who are immunocompromised). Telehealth offers a safe alternative to in-person visits, minimizing exposure to infectious diseases. When it comes to abortion care, telehealth allows you to avoid crowded waiting rooms and the potential for contact with others who may be ill, while still receiving safe and essential care.

Telehealth is a convenient, private, and accessible way to receive health care. Consider telehealth with a provider like Hey Jane for abortion care, contraception, and treatment for common vaginal infections like BV, yeast infections, UTIs, and herpes.