Accessing good health care isn’t easy.
Setting aside the rising costs and complications regarding insurance coverage, there are the even more basic, practical concerns—like finding a good doctor with availability.
For many of us, it’s hard to find time in our busy lives for an in-person appointment. It means driving to and from the doctor’s office . . . the long wait times and possible delays . . . arranging childcare . . . it can all be a lot.
Things get even more complicated if your local provider doesn’t meet your health needs. So many women are made to feel like it’s all in their head, when doctors fail to take their concerns seriously.
Small wonder, then, that a patient might resign herself to putting up with chronic health issues and struggle with her symptoms by herself.
There’s good news, however: in the past few years, telehealth has emerged as an affordable and convenient option. “A growing number of our appointments are done through telehealth,” says Emily Bostard, the clinical care manager at FEMM.
For women struggling with PCOS, weight gain, painful periods, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, migraines, infertility, miscarriage and more, FEMM telehealth is a lifesaver.
“Our platform enables patients to receive the care they deserve, with only a phone or laptop and a Wi-Fi connection. It makes FEMM treatment accessible to patients who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access this important healthcare in their area.”
No more hours of driving to and from the doctor’s office. No more settling for the nearest provider who might not recognize ovulation as a sign of health and instead offers band-aid solutions to mask your symptoms.
A FEMM telehealth consult typically begins with a review of your health history and an order for lab tests or imaging, [keep reading][Link to webpage with rest of article] at the location nearest you. A follow up appointment is required, to diagnose and begin treatment for a range of symptoms and conditions.
Your Questions About Telehealth Answered
What happens during a FEMM telehealth appointment? Almost anything you would address during a normal in-person visit can be provided through telehealth. Your FEMM-trained clinician will work with you to discuss and assess your health issue, get to the bottom of the root cause, and the best treatment options. Assessments typically include a review of your health history, an order for lab tests or imaging, and ongoing telehealth care. In some cases, if a physical exam is necessary—the provider will suggest a referral during the consultation.
What kind of health issues can I bring to my FEMM telehealth appointment? FEMM-trained medical providers are happy to consult with you about a wide range of health problems that indicate a hormonal imbalance. These include:
- Irregular cycles
- Infertility
- Acne
- Weight gain or weight loss
- PMS
- Recurrent miscarriage
- PCOS
- Postpartum support
- Headaches, fatigue, and mood swings
- Allergies and food sensitivities
- And more
Crucially, these hormonal issues are some of the most frequently overlooked or treated with “band-aid solutions.” Yet solving them is essential to a woman’s mental and physical health. And a solution may be just a video call away.
Who’s eligible for telehealth? Anyone is eligible for a FEMM Telehealth consultation. FEMM’s telehealth platform currently serves women and girls in 40 states across the United States and around the world. You can see which FEMM-trained providers are licensed in which states by visiting our Telehealth page. FEMM can also be used to treat hormonal issues in men’s health, too.
What if there aren’t any telehealth providers licensed in my state? If none of our providers are licensed to practice medicine in your location, they can still provide help. A FEMM-trained provider can work with your local doctor to coordinate your care, order labs and imaging as needed, and make recommendations for your treatment.
Does my insurance cover FEMM telehealth? FEMM accepts most forms of major health insurance, so if you have private health insurance or Medicaid in the United States, your telehealth consultation will likely be covered.
What if I don’t have insurance, or my insurance doesn’t cover it? Even if your telehealth care is not covered, you still have options. As Clinical Care Manager Emily Bostard notes, “We really want to make this care accessible to everyone. So we’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.” FEMM always works with patients to find the payment option that best fits their needs, and we do offer discounted self-pay rates.
FEMM also has a partnership with Quest Diagnostics, which allows patients to self-pay for labs at a discounted rate. If you need labs but don’t have the insurance to cover them, this can be a great, affordable option. You can find all information about costs, insurance, and payment on the FEMM website Insurance Information page. You can also email telehealth@femmhealth.org with any questions.
This sounds great! How do I get started? To book your appointment, click the “Telehealth Appointment” button at the top of the FEMM website. You’ll select your appointment type as a new telehealth patient, and then have the option to choose a provider, a date, and a time for your appointment. After requesting your appointment, you’ll receive a follow-up via phone and email.
Good health care doesn’t have to be out of reach. We started the FEMM Telehealth platform to support you on your health journey and give you the personalized, flexible care you need. Our medical providers are here for you to help you achieve your health goals.
FEMM Staff Writer, December 2023
