Telehealth: Ready When You Are

Wherever you are, find a quiet and private space. If your visit is on video, find a well-lit area for your nurse or doctor to see you clearly. Make sure your device is charged or plugged in, and have a way to take notes during your visit.

Telehealth visits are a lot like in-person visits, and your doctor or nurse will ask you the same types of questions. Be ready to talk about:

• the reason for your visit

• your health and medical history, including your sex life

• any symptoms you're having, how long you’ve had them, and if they’ve changed over time

• any treatments you’ve tried before or medicines you take now

• and information about your insurance, pharmacy, and primary care doctor

It's helpful to make a list of things you want to discuss ahead of time, to make sure you get what you want out of your visit. Be open and answer questions honestly. The staff at Planned Parenthood has heard it all — we’re here to help, not judge. And like all appointments at Planned Parenthood, your telehealth visit is completely private and confidential.

You can use the phone visit option. A doctor or nurse will give simply call you on the phone number you provide.

Yes! Planned Parenthood is committed to the protection of your health information. Our technology and processes comply with health care industry security standards. And our trained staff ensures all the proper data protections are in place to safeguard your privacy.

Not at all. The length of your visit is determined by your needs. Telehealth visits are conducted by the same compassionate nurses and doctors who work at our health centers. So your nurse or doctor will give you all the time and attention you need to ensure that your concerns are met. And they will help you understand the next steps in your care. 

No. Your nurse or doctor won’t conduct a physical exam over video. If you need a physical exam, your nurse or doctor will help you schedule an in-person visit as a next step.

Planned Parenthood health centers accept insurance. Coverage for services varies based on your plan. You can contact your local health center for more information.

Not a problem. Your nurse or doctor will walk you through the next steps in your treatment plan. If you do need a follow-up appointment, health center staff will help you schedule it. If you need prescription medicines you can pick them up at your local Planned Parenthood health center, or you can arrange to have them mailed to you. Your nurse or doctor will help you figure out what's best. 

Depending on your treatment, you may be asked to come into the health center or visit an off-site laboratory. The next steps may vary, but you can expect the following: 

• You’ll be asked to come into the health center or visit an off site laboratory location to submit a sample and conduct your test. You may be able to receive your test kit at home and mail in your samples.

• Regardless of the testing method, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to collect the samples and submit them for processing. 

• Your lab sample will be processed, and your results will be communicated to your nurse or doctor.

• Your nurse or doctor will then contact you to discuss your results and outline the next steps in your treatment.

Many Planned Parenthood health centers offer medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill, through telehealth. Contact your local Planned Parenthood health center for more information.