Response to requests for contraception in one direct-to-consumer telemedicine service

Abstract

Objective: To describe real-world care seeking and contraception provision in one direct to consumer telemedicine platform.

Study design: We described encounters with reproductive age female patients between July 2016 and July 2018 seeking contraception on the American Well telemedicine platform.

Results: Of 126,712 total encounters with reproductive age women, 682 were with women seeking contraception, and 83% received it. The mean encounter length was 4.4 min versus 5.0 min for non-contraceptive visits. Insurance information was provided for 78% of contraceptive encounters versus 85% of non-contraceptive encounters, p < 0.001. Of the 27 encounters in which the patient requested emergency contraception, three did not result in such a prescription.

Conclusion: Direct to consumer telemedicine may increase access to contraceptives, yet overall use was uncommon. Most women seeking contraception via direct to consumer telemedicine on this platform received it. Three women who requested emergency contraception did not receive it, yet reasons for this are unknown.

Keywords: Access to care; Contraception; Telemedicine; Virtual care.