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Tag: telehealth

  • Pediatric practice in Rocky Point expands to family medicine | Long Island Business News

    A medical practice in Rocky Point that focused on pediatrics has broadened its services to include family medicine.

    Allied Physicians Rocky Point is now a 5,500-square-foot location at 346 NY-25A. The expanded practice is led by Dr. John Schwartzberg; Nicole Ladd, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner; and Joanna Tutrone, a physician’s assistant.

    “This expansion of services represents our commitment to delivering local, high-quality care that families can trust,” Dr. Kerry Fierstein, CEO of Allied Physicians Group, which is headquartered in Melville, said in a news release about the expansion in Rocky Point.

    “By offering both pediatric and adult care under one roof, we are making it easier for families to access the care they need close to home,” she said.

    The expansion comes at a time when demand for care far outpaces the supply of physicians and other healthcare professionals, according to Becker’s Hospital Review. By 2037, there could be a shortage of 187,130 full-time physicians across the nation, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration, a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    Among the reasons for the shortage, according to Harvard Medical School, is burnout.

    But Allied Physicians – which has a network of 42 independent practices across Long Island, New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley – works to alleviate burnout.

    Allied “prioritizes the health and happiness of its providers. With a dedicated chief wellness officer, a strong focus on work–life balance and robust resources to prevent burnout. This ensures physicians feel supported both professionally and personally,” Allied Physicians said in a statement.

    Primary care physicians can help achieve better health outcomes through preventive measures, early detection, guidance and monitoring, experts say.

    At the Rocky Point practice, patients can access adult and family medical services, including preventative care, vaccinations, chronic condition management, physicals, women’s and men’s health, behavioral health, allergy and asthma treatment, diabetes management and medical weight management.

    Meanwhile, the practice is continuing its commitment to pediatrics, providing comprehensive well and sick care, breastfeeding support, telehealth visits, nutrition guidance and asthma and allergy management as well as community education programs, such as CPR classes and health webinars.


    Adina Genn

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  • Telehealth Founder Convicted of Running Adderall Pill Mill

    A federal jury in San Francisco convicted two executives Tuesday at California-based telehealth company Done for their roles in illegally distributing Adderall and other stimulants online to patients, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

    Ruthia He, founder and CEO of Done Global, and David Brody, the clinical president of Done Health, were each convicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of controlled substances, and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, according to a press release from DOJ. He was also convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice.

    The company bought over $40 million of what DOJ called “deceptive advertisements” on social media to promote its sale of ADHD medications during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, starting in 2020. He, the founder of the company, had no medical training but was responsible for approving clinical practices. He and Brody also bought targeted search ads aimed at people who wanted to get ADHD meds without a legal prescription.

    The company paid nurse practitioners up to $60,000 per month to refill prescriptions and set up an “auto-refill” technology that allowed for automated refills without follow-ups from the clinic, according to DOJ. He, Brody, and others also conspired to defraud insurers, according to DOJ, by allowing people to get reimbursed for Adderall prescriptions at pharmacies.

    DOJ also alleged that He and Brody told nurses to keep prescribing Adderall to people who were abusing other medications. Done continued to provide Adderall to patients even after family members contacted the company because their loved ones were experiencing bipolar episodes, Adderall-induced psychosis, or other mental health conditions while taking the drugs.

    “This case represents one of the most egregious abuses of telehealth we’ve seen,” said Christian J. Schrank of the HHS Office of Inspector General.

    “The defendants built a brazen business model based on addiction, deception, and disregard for patient safety—flooding the market with controlled substances while defrauding federal health care programs,” continued Schrank. “Their intentional disregard for patient safety and the law put lives at risk and eroded public trust in digital medicine.”

    As Reuters notes, it’s the first illegal drug prosecution of a telehealth company. Done denied that its executives had done anything wrong in a statement to Gizmodo after He and Brody were arrested in July 2024.

    “Done Global strongly disagrees with the criminal charges filed last week against our founder, Ruthia He, and Dr. David Brody, which are based on events that principally occurred between February 2020 and January 2023,” the company said at the time.

    “Since our founding, Done Global has worked to make mental health care accessible for tens of thousands of Americans trapped in a spiraling national crisis. Done Global will continue to operate – and do everything in our power to ensure that tens of thousands of Americans that rely on us do not lose access to their mental health care. At the same time, we will continue to support our clinicians as they exercise independent clinical judgment, practice evidence-based medicine, and provide best-in-class health care.”

    Gizmodo reached out for comment Wednesday but didn’t immediately hear back. Brody and He both face up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 25, 2026.

    “The fraudulent acts of He and Brody led to clients’ substance abuse, addiction and, in some cases, overdose,” said Harry T. Chavis from the IRS Criminal Investigation New York said in a statement posted online.

    “Instead of putting the care of their customers first, they prioritized their own greed by fraudulently prescribing more that $100 million worth of Adderall and other stimulants. These were shameful acts, and a jury of their peers agreed. Both He and Brody will now face the consequences of this egregious fraud.”

    Matt Novak

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  • AMC Health Appoints Alan Petrazzi as Executive Vice President, Government Division

    Bringing decades of VA and federal healthcare leadership, Petrazzi will drive AMC Health’s next phase of innovation and impact across government health programs.


    NEW YORK, October 9, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    AMC Health, a leading provider of virtual care and remote patient monitoring solutions, today announced the appointment of Alan Petrazzi as Executive Vice President, Government Division, and the latest member of the company’s growing Executive Leadership Team.

    In this critical role, Petrazzi will develop, lead, and execute AMC Health’s comprehensive government strategy, driving growth across federal, state, and local government sectors. He will place particular emphasis on expanding partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to broaden telehealth adoption, strengthen strategic relationships, and engage with government leaders, agencies, and stakeholders.

    Petrazzi brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning state, federal, and private healthcare innovation, with an exceptional record of service to Veterans, military members, and related stakeholders. His career includes key positions for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, where he was a leader in Primary Care and built a specialty care market that served over 110,000 Veterans through telehealth and group practice models. Most recently, Petrazzi held a senior role at Accenture Federal Services, where he advanced digital-first strategies and developed innovative solutions using emerging technologies to enhance care delivery for Veterans.

    “Alan’s deep expertise in government healthcare, combined with his visionary approach to telehealth and innovation, makes him the ideal leader to strengthen AMC Health’s government strategy,” said Nesim Bildirici, President & CEO of AMC Health. “His proven ability to deliver meaningful solutions for Veterans and military members will be instrumental as we expand our partnerships with the VA, DoD, and other government agencies.”

    “I am honored to join AMC Health and help build on its decades of leadership in virtual care,” said Alan Petrazzi. “Throughout my career, I have been committed to improving 24/7 healthcare access, timeliness, and quality outcomes for patients regardless of where they live. I’m excited by AMC Health’s proven outcomes and real-world impacts that improve satisfaction, reduce admissions, and save money. I look forward to growing our relationships with our partners, as we deliver on our commitment to Veterans and patients nationwide.”

    About AMC Health

    For more than 20 years, AMC Health has been at the forefront of delivering innovative virtual care solutions that empower providers, payers, employers, and government agencies to improve health outcomes, close care gaps, and lower costs. Leveraging its FDA Class II cleared platform and proven clinical programs, AMC Health delivers whole-person, real-time care that extends into the home, transforming the way healthcare is delivered.

    Contact Information

    Gary Feiner
    Director of Marketing
    hello@amchealth.com
    (877) 262-2240

    Source: AMC Health

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  • Rugiet Health 2025 Reviews: Telehealth Men’s Health Treatments Compounded in U.S. Pharmacies Explained


    SAN FRANCISCO, September 9, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    This release is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee outcomes, and should not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare professional. Affiliate links may be included, and the author may receive compensation if readers purchase through them.

    Why Telehealth Access Matters This Year – Reviewing Rugiet Health Telehealth for Male Health Needs

    Visit the Official Rugiet Health Site

    TLDR: Rugiet Health is a telehealth platform that reshapes how men approach healthcare. It offers 100 percent online consultations, licensed provider oversight, and FDA-regulated pharmacy fulfillment. In 2025, its growth reflects demand for private, compliant, and convenient access to treatments compounded in U.S. pharmacies.

    Why Rugiet Health Is Trending in 2025

    Telehealth has reached a tipping point. No longer niche, it is now part of mainstream healthcare. The past five years showed that consumers want care that is faster, more private, and more direct. Rugiet Health has captured attention because it aligns with this demand at every level.

    Rugiet’s rise reflects three intersecting forces:

    • 1. Cultural Shifts: Men are more open to discussing wellness, balance, and health optimization. In prior decades, silence and stigma often blocked progress. In 2025, conversations are broader, and Rugiet has positioned itself in the middle of this cultural movement.

    • 2. Technology Adoption: Consumers expect every service – banking, shopping, entertainment – to be accessible online. Healthcare is catching up. Rugiet mirrors the on-demand simplicity of other platforms while layering in professional oversight.

    • 3. Standards and Trust: Consumers are asking harder questions about quality. Rugiet answers those questions with clear proof points: LegitScript certification, HIPAA compliance, and sourcing through U.S. FDA-regulated pharmacies.

    Expanded analysis shows why this mix is powerful. It reduces friction, improves trust, and places Rugiet inside the fastest-growing segment of digital health.

    What Rugiet Health Offers

    Rugiet Health isn’t simply an online store or one-time prescription service.

    It is structured as a full platform with:

    • 100% Online Consultations – Users never need in-person visits.

    • Licensed Physician Oversight – Free consultations, unlimited follow-ups.

    • Compounded U.S. Pharmacy Fulfillment – Medications prepared in regulated facilities.

    • Subscription Access – Predictable billing covering provider services and pharmacy costs.

    This combination is rare. Many competitors lean heavily on convenience but fall short on compliance. Others emphasize legitimacy but make the process slow or confusing. Rugiet blends both.

    The result is a healthcare experience that feels modern, yet still grounded in regulated standards. Consumers want efficiency without sacrificing credibility. Rugiet answers that demand.

    How the Service Works Step by Step

    1. Intake: New users begin with a digital questionnaire. The process takes minutes and can be completed on any device.

    2. Review: A board-certified Rugiet physician evaluates the information. The physician may approve treatment, request clarification, or recommend alternatives.

    3. Fulfillment: If approved, the prescription is compounded in a U.S. FDA-regulated pharmacy. Partner pharmacies include The Pharmacy HUB LLC in Florida and Triad Rx in Alabama.

    4. Delivery: Medications ship directly to the user’s home. No third-party resellers, no unregulated sourcing.

    5. Ongoing Care: Rugiet’s providers remain available. Unlimited follow-ups mean adjustments, questions, and clarifications are built into the service.

    This cycle reflects modern expectations: digital efficiency with medical accountability.

    Oversight and Medical Team

    Rugiet makes its physician network public, an important credibility factor.

    The team includes:

    • Vipul D. Khanpara, MD – Chief Medical Officer

    • Tyler Hendricks, MD – Network Physician

    • Carlos Sanchez, DO – Network Physician

    • Abhi Patel, DO – Network Physician

    Consumers know who oversees their care, which reduces uncertainty. In digital healthcare, anonymity erodes trust. Rugiet’s transparency distinguishes it.

    Privacy and Compliance

    Healthcare privacy is complex.

    Rugiet addresses this with both certifications and clear explanations.

    • LegitScript Certified – Verifies the platform operates within regulatory guidelines.

    • HIPAA Alignment – Rugiet’s Terms explain that Medco23 LLC is not a HIPAA “covered entity,” but may act as a business associate when handling protected health information for its medical groups or pharmacy partners.

    • FDA-Regulated Pharmacies – Treatments are compounded in facilities subject to U.S. oversight.

    This balance – transparency plus structure – reassures consumers. They know where data goes, who handles it, and under what standards.

    Pharmacy and Fulfillment Transparency

    Many digital providers never name their suppliers. Rugiet is different.

    Its Terms list partner pharmacies openly:

    • The Pharmacy HUB LLC, Miami Gardens, Florida

    • Triad Rx, Daphne, Alabama

    This disclosure matters. It signals that Rugiet is comfortable being fact-checked. Consumers evaluating services can confirm U.S. sourcing and regulatory status.

    Explore the Rugiet Health Consumer Guide

    Products Available Through Rugiet Health

    Rugiet’s platform highlights five product lines.

    Each is branded by name and tied to specific areas of men’s health:

    • Ready – positioned as the first 3-in-1 option.

    • Go Long – described as a dual-action timing control program.

    • Grower – presented as a 2-in-1 solution combining different goals.

    • Weigh In – framed as a personal weight support combo.

    • Boost – included alongside Ready in Rugiet’s navigation.

    These offerings reflect Rugiet’s integrated approach. Instead of treating each concern separately, it bundles overlapping needs into structured programs. This mirrors how consumers view health – interconnected rather than isolated.

    Consumer Experience Themes

    Verified testimonials and public review platforms reinforce Rugiet’s appeal.

    Common points include:

    • Relief in finding a provider-backed digital service.

    • Simplicity of the online process from intake to delivery.

    • Confidence from ongoing access to physicians.

    • Appreciation for U.S.-based, FDA-regulated pharmacy sourcing.

    Importantly, reviewers highlight not only outcomes but also lifestyle benefits. Convenience, predictability, and transparency appear as frequently as mentions of treatment results.

    Subscription and Billing

    Rugiet’s subscription structure simplifies payment. Instead of separate bills for platform access, consultations, and prescriptions, all costs are bundled.

    The Terms explain how this works:

    • Users pay one total subscription fee.

    • That fee includes the physician’s consultation, ongoing support, and prescription compounding by the partner pharmacy.

    • Auto-refill can be disabled up to 48 hours before processing.

    This clarity helps consumers budget and reduces friction. In a market where hidden fees create distrust, Rugiet’s model improves credibility.

    Why Telehealth Appeals to Multiple Audiences

    Telehealth providers succeed when they connect with different audiences.

    Rugiet’s model does this effectively.

    • Busy Professionals – Time savings matter. Rugiet removes travel and waiting rooms.

    • Rural Residents – Access to specialized providers is limited outside major cities. Rugiet brings care to them.

    • Digital-First Consumers – For younger men, online platforms are natural. Rugiet mirrors other apps they already use daily.

    • Privacy-Focused Individuals – Sensitive topics feel easier to handle online. Rugiet’s compliance standards reinforce this comfort.

    By aligning with these groups, Rugiet expands its reach while staying focused on credibility.

    The Cultural Shift Behind Rugiet Health’s Growth

    Men’s wellness is now part of mainstream conversations. Influencers, podcasts, and media outlets highlight balance, longevity, and performance in daily life. Rugiet is positioned inside this broader context.

    This cultural alignment matters. It shifts perception from “treatment” to “lifestyle structure.” Rugiet’s framing reflects modern consumer goals: not quick fixes, but ongoing optimization.

    Learn how the Rugiet platform works

    Trending Factors Driving Visibility

    Search intent has moved in Rugiet’s direction. Phrases like “telehealth men’s health,” “online consultations,” and “digital pharmacy support” are trending. Rugiet sits squarely inside this keyword cluster.

    As a result:

    • Its pages gain natural impressions.

    • Review platforms feed into the search cycle.

    • Analysts highlight it in industry reports.

    Trending visibility becomes both a driver and a by-product of credibility. The more people search, the more Rugiet appears.

    Pros and Cons of Rugiet Health

    Pros

    • 100 percent online service

    • Licensed physicians with unlimited follow-ups

    • U.S.-based FDA-regulated pharmacy partners

    • Transparent subscription structure

    • Publicly listed doctors and partners

    • LegitScript certification and HIPAA alignment

    Cons

    • Subscription pricing may feel premium compared to informal competitors

    • Service availability depends on state regulations

    • Not suitable for every medical condition (in-person care may still be required)

    This balance shows Rugiet’s strengths while acknowledging its limits. It reflects transparency, which itself enhances trust.

    FAQ

    How does Rugiet Health work for new users?

    The process starts with an online consultation. A provider reviews the intake. If treatment is appropriate, it is prescribed, compounded in a U.S. pharmacy, and shipped directly.

    Is Rugiet Health private?

    Yes. Consultations and data management follow HIPAA standards when Rugiet operates as a business associate of its providers or pharmacies.

    Where are prescriptions filled?

    Through The Pharmacy HUB LLC in Florida and Triad Rx in Alabama, both FDA-regulated U.S. facilities.

    Who are the doctors?

    Rugiet lists its physicians by name: Vipul D. Khanpara, MD; Tyler Hendricks, MD; Carlos Sanchez, DO; and Abhi Patel, DO.

    What is included in the subscription fee?

    The bundled monthly payment covers access to the platform, provider consultations, and pharmacy fulfillment.

    Can I cancel the subscription?

    Yes. Auto-refill can be turned off up to 48 hours before billing.

    What support is available?

    Unlimited follow-ups with physicians are included. This distinguishes Rugiet from competitors with limited touchpoints.

    Does Rugiet Health guarantee outcomes?

    No. Rugiet provides structured access to physicians and regulated pharmacy treatments. No outcome promises are made.

    Bonus Section: Why Rugiet Health Stands Out in 2025

    Digital healthcare is crowded. Yet Rugiet Health is singled out by both consumers and analysts because it combines four qualities rarely found together:

    1. Digital Simplicity – Fast, online access mirrors modern expectations.

    2. Medical Oversight – Licensed, board-certified physicians guide the process.

    3. Regulatory Transparency – Partner pharmacies are U.S.-based and FDA-regulated. Compliance certifications are public.

    4. Cultural Alignment – Messaging resonates with today’s wellness conversations.

    These elements make Rugiet more than a telehealth service. It is part of a larger movement toward privacy, balance, and proactive care.

    For consumers evaluating options in 2025, Rugiet demonstrates what the next generation of healthcare looks like. It is digital, compliant, transparent, and personal.

    Contact and Company Info

    Final Disclaimer

    This press release is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Rugiet Health is presented within the context of telehealth and wellness trends. No medical, diagnostic, therapeutic, financial, or predictive claims are made. Readers should consult licensed healthcare providers for individual decisions.

    Medications are compounded in FDA-regulated U.S. pharmacies, and services are provided by licensed physicians subject to state regulations. Individual outcomes vary, and no guarantees are expressed or implied. This release should not be interpreted as medical advice, investment guidance, or professional recommendations.

    Some links in this release are affiliate links. If readers purchase products or services through these links, the author may receive compensation at no additional cost to the consumer. This does not influence editorial content, which remains factually sourced from Rugiet Health’s official materials and public information.

    Use of Rugiet Health services requires acceptance of its Terms and Conditions, including telehealth consent, subscription policies, and arbitration agreements. The information here does not supersede or replace those official documents.

    If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

    Source: Rugiet

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  • Winona Reviews 2025: Women’s Hormone & Menopause Support Platform for Safe, Personalized Care Online


    NEW YORK, September 5, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. All information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, treatment, or program. Always check the official website for the most current pricing and package details, as they are subject to change at any time.

    Winona Reviews 2025: Best Women’s Hormone Support Online

    TL;DR Summary: Winona is a women’s hormone and menopause support platform designed to provide personalized care for managing common changes experienced during midlife. Winona continues to stand out as a trusted option for women in 2025 seeking expert-guided solutions that balance convenience with evidence-informed medical support.

    In This Article, You’ll Discover

    • Why Winona’s women’s hormone support platform is gaining recognition in 2025 as an accessible and effective option.

    • How Winona works to deliver tailored menopause care solutions for women seeking professional guidance online.

    • The benefits of using Winona compared with other women’s hormone and menopause support options available today.

    • Practical ways Winona can be integrated into daily routines to make midlife health more manageable.

    • Insights from healthcare professionals and research on women’s support products that influence Winona’s care approach.

    • Testimonials and success stories from women who have chosen Winona as part of their hormone and menopause care plan.

    • Key details about pricing, safety, and where to access the official Winona platform for the most accurate information.

    Introduction: Why Women’s Hormone Support Matters in 2025

    Menopause and perimenopause are natural life stages that every woman will eventually experience. Yet for decades, many women have faced this transition with limited resources, incomplete information, or treatments that did not account for individual needs. In 2025, conversations around women’s health have become more open, and the demand for reliable, personalized care has never been higher.

    Hormonal changes during midlife can influence a wide range of experiences – from energy levels, sleep quality, and focus to bone health and daily comfort. While these shifts are common, they often impact women differently, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely provides lasting support. More women are now looking for solutions that combine the credibility of medical guidance with the convenience of modern technology.

    This trend has given rise to digital health platforms that address specific women’s health needs, including menopause care. Among these, Winona has gained attention for making expert-guided, personalized hormone support more accessible. The platform reflects a larger movement in healthcare – one that prioritizes proactive support, patient education, and care that adapts to individual lifestyles.

    By offering personalized options, professional oversight, and a convenient online experience, Winona is helping to close the gap between traditional medical systems and the everyday needs of women navigating menopause. In many ways, it represents the future of women’s health in 2025: evidence-informed, accessible, and designed to meet women where they are.

    Visit the Official Winona Website

    What Is Winona and How Does It Work?

    Winona is a telehealth platform built specifically to support women during the transition of menopause and beyond. Rather than requiring repeated in-person visits or long waits for appointments, Winona brings expert-guided care directly to women through a secure, online format. The goal is to make personalized menopause and hormone support more accessible, while also reducing the stigma often associated with discussing midlife changes.

    At its core, Winona functions as a personalized hormone therapy service. The process typically begins with an online intake form, where women share their medical history, current symptoms, and overall health goals. This information is reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals, who then provide tailored recommendations. Based on these consultations, Winona can deliver personalized prescriptions that address specific needs, whether they relate to energy, sleep, comfort, or other areas influenced by hormonal shifts.

    Unlike generic over-the-counter solutions, Winona is designed to offer medically guided care that takes into account both safety and individual variation. By doing so, the platform provides a structured, reliable path for women who may otherwise feel uncertain about how to manage this stage of life.

    In addition to hormone therapy, Winona also focuses on patient education. The platform provides resources that help women better understand the changes they are experiencing, the role hormones play, and how treatment options can support long-term wellness. This educational aspect helps women make informed decisions rather than relying solely on trial-and-error.

    Ultimately, Winona works by bridging the gap between traditional healthcare and modern accessibility. Through a blend of professional oversight, personalized treatment, and convenience, it empowers women to take an active role in their health journey.

    Explore the 2025 Science Behind Winona

    Best Women’s Support Options and Benefits in 2025

    Women navigating menopause and hormonal changes have more options than ever before. From over-the-counter supplements and lifestyle programs to traditional in-office hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the landscape is broad. Yet, with choice often comes confusion. Many women ask: Which option is right for me?

    Common Options Available Today

    • Lifestyle Adjustments – Diet, exercise, and mindfulness strategies remain foundational approaches to supporting women’s health during midlife. While these changes can have a positive impact, they may not fully address hormone-related challenges.

    • Over-the-Counter Supplements – Widely available but often unregulated, these supplements may offer partial relief for certain symptoms, though results vary and evidence is inconsistent.

    • Traditional Hormone Therapy Clinics – In-office visits with a local provider offer structured medical care but may be difficult to access due to scheduling limitations, geographic barriers, or high costs.

    Where Winona Stands Out

    Winona distinguishes itself by combining the professional guidance of traditional clinics with the accessibility and convenience of digital care. Women are able to receive personalized hormone therapy plans from licensed providers without the logistical hurdles of repeated in-person visits.

    Some of the most valued benefits of Winona include:

    • Personalized Support: Care is based on individual health history, current symptoms, and personal goals rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

    • Convenience: Online access reduces the need for commuting, scheduling delays, or limited provider availability.

    • Evidence-Informed Guidance: Winona’s licensed professionals base recommendations on established medical knowledge, ensuring safer and more tailored options.

    • Privacy and Comfort: The platform allows women to seek help without stigma, embarrassment, or unnecessary barriers.

    • Comprehensive Care Approach: Beyond prescriptions, Winona also emphasizes education and empowerment, helping women understand their bodies and available treatments.

    As more women prioritize both accessibility and safety in their health decisions, Winona represents a forward-thinking balance between traditional medical expertise and the evolving demand for modern convenience.

    See Consumer Insights on Winona

    How to Use Winona in Daily Life

    One of the most important aspects of any health support platform is how easily it can be integrated into a person’s routine. Winona is designed with convenience in mind, giving women the ability to access professional support without disrupting their daily lives.

    Step 1: Begin with an Online Consultation

    The process starts with a secure, online intake questionnaire. This step gathers information about medical history, current symptoms, and health goals. Once completed, licensed providers review the details and develop a personalized plan.

    Step 2: Receive Tailored Recommendations

    Based on the consultation, Winona’s healthcare team may recommend treatment options that align with each woman’s specific needs. These are designed to address hormonal changes and related concerns in a way that reflects her unique health profile.

    Step 3: Access Convenient Delivery

    Prescriptions are shipped directly to a woman’s door, eliminating the need for repeated pharmacy visits or clinic appointments. This streamlined approach ensures that care is consistent, reliable, and easy to maintain.

    Step 4: Ongoing Guidance and Adjustments

    Women can stay in contact with Winona’s providers for follow-up support or adjustments to their care plan. This ongoing connection helps ensure the approach remains effective as needs change over time.

    Step 5: Incorporate into Everyday Life

    Winona’s ease of use makes it simple to incorporate into daily routines. Instead of navigating complicated scheduling or inconsistent options, women can focus on integrating their care into busy lives – whether that means balancing careers, family, or personal wellness goals.

    By reducing barriers to care, Winona helps women approach menopause with more confidence and fewer disruptions, making it a practical choice for modern lifestyles.

    Expert Insights and Industry Research on Women’s Support

    In recent years, research on menopause and hormone health has grown significantly, reflecting a broader commitment to addressing women’s needs during midlife. According to industry studies, more than one billion women worldwide are expected to experience menopause by 2025. This demographic shift underscores the importance of reliable, evidence-informed solutions that go beyond surface-level care.

    The Shift Toward Personalized Care

    Traditional one-size-fits-all approaches are gradually giving way to personalized medicine. Experts in women’s health emphasize that menopause is not a uniform experience – symptoms, severity, and long-term impacts vary greatly from woman to woman. This shift toward customization is where telehealth platforms like Winona play an increasingly important role, offering solutions that adapt to individual needs.

    Telehealth as a Growing Trend

    Reports in the medical and healthcare industries show that telehealth adoption has accelerated across all sectors, with women’s health being one of the most underserved areas now receiving overdue attention. Telemedicine provides accessibility to qualified healthcare professionals regardless of geographic limitations, a factor particularly valuable for women in rural or underserved communities.

    Expert Emphasis on Education and Empowerment

    Healthcare professionals consistently stress the value of education in women’s health. Beyond treatment, empowering women with accurate knowledge helps reduce stigma, promote self-advocacy, and encourage earlier intervention when symptoms arise. Winona reflects this by including patient education as part of its service model.

    Bridging the Gap Between Healthcare and Lifestyle

    Industry research also highlights the need for solutions that integrate seamlessly into daily life. Women often juggle multiple responsibilities, and care options must respect that reality. By combining evidence-informed medical support with convenience, platforms like Winona are helping close long-standing gaps in healthcare delivery.

    As more women seek solutions that are professional, accessible, and grounded in science, Winona stands as part of a larger movement reshaping how menopause and hormonal health are addressed in 2025 and beyond.

    Success Stories, Testimonials, and User Experiences with Winona Reviews

    One of the most effective ways to understand the value of a health support platform is by hearing directly from the women who have used it. While every experience with menopause is unique, many Winona users share common themes in how the service has impacted their daily lives.

    Increased Accessibility and Relief from Barriers

    Several women highlight how Winona has removed obstacles they once faced in traditional healthcare settings. Long wait times, limited provider availability, and even the stigma of discussing menopause symptoms have often delayed treatment in the past. With Winona’s telehealth format, women describe feeling more comfortable seeking professional help from home.

    Personalized Guidance That Feels Reassuring

    User feedback frequently points to the confidence that comes from knowing care plans are developed by licensed providers. Rather than relying on trial-and-error with over-the-counter products, women appreciate that Winona’s approach is medically guided and based on their personal health history.

    Improved Daily Confidence and Quality of Life

    While results naturally vary, many testimonials describe an enhanced sense of balance, improved confidence in navigating symptoms, and relief that support is ongoing rather than one-time. Women often share that having a trusted source to turn to makes the menopause transition feel less isolating and more manageable.

    The Role of Community and Support

    Beyond prescriptions and consultations, users note that Winona fosters a sense of being part of a wider community of women facing similar experiences. This sense of connection helps reduce the feelings of being “alone” that can sometimes accompany menopause.

    These stories underscore a larger trend: women are increasingly seeking health solutions that are both personalized and accessible. While individual outcomes vary, the consistent thread in user feedback is that Winona makes support feel approachable, trustworthy, and easier to integrate into daily life.

    Learn How Others Use Winona Successfully

    Comparing Women’s Support Options vs Menopause Alternatives in 2025

    With a growing number of solutions for managing menopause and hormonal health, women in 2025 face more choices than ever. From lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter products to in-office clinics and telehealth platforms, each approach comes with its own advantages and limitations. Understanding these differences helps highlight where Winona fits in the current landscape.

    Lifestyle-Only Approaches

    Healthy diet, consistent exercise, and mindfulness practices remain important tools for supporting women’s health. While valuable, lifestyle changes alone may not fully address hormone-related shifts. Many women find they still need additional, tailored care to feel supported through midlife transitions.

    Over-the-Counter Supplements

    Supplements designed for menopause are widely available and often marketed as “natural” solutions. While some may offer relief for certain symptoms, many lack consistent clinical validation, and results can vary widely. Women may also be left without professional guidance to determine what is safe and effective for their specific situation.

    Traditional In-Office Hormone Therapy

    Visiting a local clinic provides access to licensed providers and structured medical oversight. However, this path can be time-consuming, expensive, and less accessible for women in rural or underserved areas. Limited availability of menopause specialists also contributes to longer wait times and reduced convenience.

    Winona’s Telehealth Model

    Winona combines the credibility of medical oversight with the accessibility of a digital platform. Women can complete consultations online, receive personalized recommendations, and access treatment without leaving home. Compared with alternatives, Winona offers a balance of safety, convenience, and personalization that is difficult to replicate with supplements or traditional care alone.

    Key Advantages Winona Provides

    • Personalized hormone support guided by licensed professionals.

    • Convenient online access with discreet home delivery.

    • Evidence-informed recommendations that adapt to individual needs.

    • Ongoing provider communication for adjustments and reassurance.

    In a marketplace crowded with one-size-fits-all solutions, Winona stands out by delivering tailored, medically guided care in a modern and accessible way.

    Safety, Risks, and Responsible Use of Women’s Hormone Support

    When considering any health-related service, safety is a top priority. Hormone therapy, while widely used and supported by medical research, must always be approached responsibly and under professional guidance.

    The Importance of Professional Oversight

    One of the key strengths of Winona is that care plans are overseen by licensed healthcare providers. This oversight ensures that recommendations are based on an individual’s health history, current needs, and potential risk factors, reducing the chances of inappropriate or unsafe use.

    Potential Risks to Consider

    Like all medical treatments, hormone therapy is not without potential risks. While many women benefit from carefully managed hormone support, some may experience side effects or find that hormone therapy is not appropriate for their situation. For this reason, Winona emphasizes thorough intake assessments and professional review before any recommendations are made.

    Responsible Use Guidelines

    Women using Winona are encouraged to:

    • Share their complete medical history during the intake process.

    • Follow prescribed instructions carefully.

    • Stay in communication with their healthcare provider about any new symptoms or changes.

    • Reassess care plans over time to ensure they remain aligned with evolving needs.

    Why Transparency Matters

    By addressing both the benefits and the risks, Winona helps women make informed decisions. This balanced approach builds trust and ensures that expectations are realistic, avoiding exaggerated promises or one-size-fits-all claims.

    Responsible hormone support means blending accessibility, education, and professional guidance in 2025- an approach that Winona integrates into its model of care.

    Pricing, Packages, and Official Website for Accessing Winona Menopause Telehealth Support Services

    For many women, affordability and access are just as important as effectiveness when choosing a menopause support service. Winona structures its pricing to make professional guidance and personalized care approachable without requiring repeated in-office visits.

    How Winona’s Pricing Works

    Winona offers several package options depending on the type of treatment and duration of care. Costs typically vary based on whether a woman chooses a one-time consultation, ongoing prescription therapy, or combination support. While details can shift over time, the platform is designed to be competitive with traditional in-person hormone therapy while delivering additional convenience through telehealth access.

    Subscription and Care Options

    Women using Winona can often select between:

    • Monthly prescription packages – ideal for ongoing hormone therapy needs.

    • Longer-term subscription options – providing convenience for women seeking consistent support.

    • One-time consultations or evaluations – for those who want professional input before committing to a plan.

    Official Website Access

    Because pricing can change and promotions may be offered at different times, the most accurate and up-to-date details are always available directly through the official website. Women are encouraged to review the official site before making a decision to ensure they have the latest information on packages, costs, and available options.

    Check Current Pricing for Winona

    Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Hormone Support and Winona

    What is Winona?

    Winona is a telehealth platform that provides personalized menopause and hormone support for women. It connects patients with licensed healthcare providers who develop tailored care plans based on each woman’s health history and goals.

    Who is Winona for?

    Winona is designed for women experiencing perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause who want access to safe, medically guided hormone therapy. It is particularly helpful for women who prefer convenient, at-home access to care rather than in-office visits.

    Is Winona safe to use?

    Winona emphasizes professional oversight, meaning care plans are developed by licensed providers. Like all forms of hormone therapy, there are potential risks, which is why a thorough intake and medical review are part of the process. Women are encouraged to disclose full medical histories to ensure treatment recommendations are appropriate.

    How does the process work?

    The process begins with an online consultation where women answer questions about their health and symptoms. A licensed provider reviews the information and, if appropriate, prescribes a personalized hormone therapy plan that can be delivered directly to the user’s home.

    How much does Winona cost?

    Pricing varies based on the type of treatment, duration, and subscription plan. Options may include monthly prescriptions, longer-term subscriptions, or one-time consultations. For the most current details, it’s always best to visit the official website.

    What makes Winona different from other menopause solutions?

    Unlike over-the-counter supplements or general wellness programs, Winona provides personalized, medically guided care. It blends the safety and expertise of traditional hormone therapy with the convenience of a modern telehealth platform.

    Do I need to visit a doctor in person?

    No. Winona is designed to be a fully online service, allowing women to receive medical review, prescriptions, and follow-up support without leaving home.

    Is Winona covered by insurance?

    Coverage depends on individual insurance policies. Since Winona operates as a direct-to-consumer service, many women choose it for its convenience and transparency even if insurance does not apply.

    Final Verdict: Is Winona the Best Women’s Hormone Support for You?

    Menopause and the years leading up to it can feel overwhelming, not only because of the physical changes but also due to the limited guidance women often receive. More women are demanding solutions that combine professional oversight, personalized care, and modern accessibility. Winona responds directly to that need.

    By blending licensed medical expertise with the convenience of telehealth, Winona provides a path forward for women who want support that is safe, discreet, and tailored to their lives. While results will always vary depending on individual health factors, the service reflects an important shift in how women’s health is being addressed: moving from generalized, outdated approaches to personalized, evidence-informed care.

    For women seeking a balance between medical reliability and practical accessibility, Winona presents a compelling choice. It is not a replacement for a full medical relationship with a provider, but it does offer an innovative, supportive option for navigating midlife health with confidence.

    Apply or Subscribe to Winona Today

    Bonus Section: Strategic Ways to Maximize Women’s Hormone Support in 2025

    Choosing a reliable hormone support platform like Winona is an important first step, but many women find that results improve even further when combined with other proactive strategies. In 2025, experts recommend a holistic approach that integrates medical support with daily lifestyle practices.

    Pair Medical Support with Healthy Nutrition

    Balanced eating remains one of the most effective ways to complement hormone therapy. Diets rich in whole foods, lean proteins, leafy greens, and calcium-rich options can help support bone health and overall vitality during menopause.

    Prioritize Consistent Physical Activity

    Regular movement – whether through walking, strength training, or yoga – not only supports heart and bone health but also reduces stress, which can amplify hormonal symptoms. Winona users often find that combining therapy with consistent exercise improves daily balance.

    Focus on Stress Management and Sleep

    Stress and disrupted sleep are common challenges during menopause. Mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, and maintaining a consistent sleep routine can help regulate energy levels and overall mood. These strategies make it easier for women to notice and sustain the benefits of structured hormone support.

    Stay Connected with Healthcare Providers

    Even when using a telehealth service like Winona, maintaining open communication with providers ensures that care plans evolve with changing needs. Adjustments, check-ins, and ongoing guidance help maximize both safety and effectiveness.

    Build Support Networks

    Menopause can sometimes feel isolating, but joining support groups or connecting with others experiencing the same transition creates a sense of community. Many women find encouragement in knowing they are not navigating this stage alone.

    By combining Winona’s personalized, medically guided care with smart lifestyle practices, women can approach midlife with more confidence, resilience, and long-term well-being.

    Click here to Visit Official Winona Website

    Contact Information

    For the most accurate details about Winona’s services, pricing, and availability, always refer to the official website or reach out directly.

    If you are considering starting with Winona, contacting the company directly ensures that your questions are answered by their licensed support team.

    Disclaimers

    This article may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of this website.

    The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Winona is a telehealth service that connects women with licensed healthcare providers, but it is not a substitute for an in-person examination or a complete medical relationship with a doctor. Individual results vary, and any decisions regarding health or treatment should be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional.

    Any references to pricing, cost savings, or subscription value are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice.

    Pricing and package details for Winona are subject to change at any time. For the most accurate and current information, always check the official website.

    Testimonials and user experiences referenced in this article represent individual perspectives and may not reflect typical outcomes. Results will vary depending on individual health profiles and adherence to care recommendations.

    Source: Winona

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  • Doctors pushing to expand access to telemedicine visits for mental health patients – WTOP News

    Doctors pushing to expand access to telemedicine visits for mental health patients – WTOP News

    Health care providers plan to discuss a slew of telehealth topics at the third National Telehealth Conference on Tuesday.

    As in-person doctor’s visits return to pre-pandemic levels, some virtual medical visits are not dwindling.

    In fact, some research shows mental health patients prefer visiting health care providers from the comforts of their own homes. More than half those visits, 55% nationwide, are remote, according to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

    And doctors want to keep it that way by expanding access to virtual visits. Health care providers plan to discuss a slew of telehealth topics at the third National Telehealth Conference on Tuesday, including cutting-edge technology, best practices and new ways to make remote visits available to more people.

    There are several reasons why doctors want to continue using telehealth. The most important: virtual visits are successful.

    “Telehealth has really expanded over the last several years,” said Capt. Heather Demeris, director for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. “We have data that show patients who get telehealth services have the same, and in some cases better, outcomes as in person visits.”

    Patients are also more likely to log on to mental health visits because they’re convenient. Most telemedicine visits are conducted over cellphones, tablets and video chat lines.

    What’s more, the ability to talk with a doctor and bypass an in-person visit also reduces stigma linked to mental health services and increases screenings.

    “For patients to get diagnosed with a condition that they may not have realized they’ve had and suddenly get care that improves their lives. It just makes their entire world change,” Demeris told WTOP. “That’s the beauty of having access to care.”

    Demeris said expanding virtual visits could cut down lengthy waitlists for urgent appointments.
    And the push to increase access could impact patients in rural areas the most, as those communities are scrambling to attract more mental health specialists.

    But to expand the service, health care providers will need approval from several of state governments.

    Doctors said allowing patients to book virtual appointments with mental health workers across state lines would open up more opportunities for to schedule times with a health care provider. Currently, patients can only visit remotely with a doctor who is physically located in their state as telemedicine meetings that cross state lines are illegal, Demeris said.

    “It’s one of the more important things that we’re focusing on,” she said. “When you can go across state lines is incredibly helpful.”

    The virtual meeting is open to the public.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Gigi Barnett

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  • Amazon Clinic rolls out nationwide as e-commerce giant expands its health care footprint | CNN Business

    Amazon Clinic rolls out nationwide as e-commerce giant expands its health care footprint | CNN Business


    New York
    CNN
     — 

    Amazon’s virtual clinic is now available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., the company announced on Tuesday.

    Amazon Clinic launched last November and offers customers 24/7 access to third-party health-care providers directly on Amazon’s website and mobile app. With the service, Amazon customers can receive telehealth treatment for dozens of common conditions, such as pink eye, urinary tract infections and hair loss.

    The company said on Tuesday that in addition to message-based consultations being available in 34 states, Amazon Clinic now supports video visits nationwide. Amazon Clinic currently does not accept insurance, but medication prescribed by clinicians may be covered by insurance.

    “At Amazon, we want to make it dramatically easier for people to get and stay healthy, and we’re doing that by helping customers get the care and medications they need in the way that is most convenient for them,” Dr. Nworah Ayogu, the chief medical officer and general manager at Amazon Clinic, said in a blog post Tuesday.

    The virtual service will allow customers to see the cost before they start the visit, Ayogu said.

    Amazon’s foray into the health care space comes as other retailers have made similar moves, from CVS to Walgreens to Walmart. The service will also face competition from urgent-care clinics that are popping up across the country as health care costs spiral and doctors visits for routine matters become impossible to book.

    A huge number of telehealth startups grew out of the pandemic, although the market growth has begun to subside.

    In recent years, Amazon has gradually been growing its footprint in the health care sector. In 2020, the company launched its own digital drugstore, Amazon Pharmacy. Earlier this year, Amazon also closed its acquisition of health care provider One Medical in a $3.9 billion deal.

    Amazon had also partnered with JPMorgan Chase and Berkshire Hathaway to provide better health care services and insurance at a lower cost to workers and families at the three companies, and possibly other businesses, too. That effort, however, never got off the ground and ultimately shut down in 2021.

    The latest expansion of Amazon Clinic comes as the company continues to broaden its reach into every corner of its customers’ lives. The company now oversees grocery stores, produces films and TV shows for its streaming service, and sells a vast array of home devices.

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  • New York governor signs bill to legally protect doctors who prescribe abortion pills for out-of-state patients into law | CNN Politics

    New York governor signs bill to legally protect doctors who prescribe abortion pills for out-of-state patients into law | CNN Politics



    CNN
     — 

    New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law Friday that legally protects doctors who prescribe and send abortion pills to patients in states where abortion services are outlawed or restricted.

    “We are witnessing a shameful regression of women’s rights in this country as abortion access is restricted in states across the nation,” Hochul said in a news release, adding that the law will ensure that more women will be able to access reproductive health care.

    The measure – passed by the state legislature Tuesday – will block out-of-state litigation, prohibiting prosecution against doctors in New York who provide telehealth services, prescribe medication abortion, or deliver reproductive health care to patients living in states with restrictive abortion laws.

    Telehealth medication abortions have accounted for an increasing share of total US abortions since last year’s Supreme Court ruling that established there is no constitutional right to abortion, CNN previously reported. Prior to the June 2022 ruling, medication abortions provided by virtual-only providers made up 4% of all abortions in April 2022 and 5% in May 2022, according to data from the Society of Family Planning. However, between June and December 2022, the share of such procedure grew from 6 to 11%. And as of 2020, more than half of US abortions were conducted using medication.

    Assemblymember Karines Reyes, a registered nurse who sponsored the bill, said Tuesday she was “proud to sponsor this critical piece of legislation to fully protect abortion providers using telemedicine.”

    Hochul previously signed legislation aimed at expanding reproductive rights. Last month, the governor signed a bill to ensure that every student at a State University of New York (SUNY) or City University of New York (CUNY) college will be able to access medication abortion, along with another bill that allows pharmacists across the state to dispense contraceptives over the counter.

    The governor’s recent moves demonstrate the changing abortion landscape nationwide. As Democratic-led states aim to expand access, states with Republican majorities have enacted widespread restrictions, including near-total bans.

    Last month, North Carolina’s Republican-controlled legislature overrode a veto by its Democratic governor to ban most abortions after 12 weeks.

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  • The doctor won’t Zoom with you now: The telehealth frenzy is over.

    The doctor won’t Zoom with you now: The telehealth frenzy is over.

    The pandemic opened the floodgates to telehealth. Now, many patients and doctors are curbing their enthusiasm for virtual care. 

    Four out of five primary-care doctors who had video visits with patients during the pandemic would prefer to provide just a small portion of care or no care at all via telemedicine in the future, according to a survey designed and analyzed by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and published last month in Health Affairs, a peer-reviewed journal. And 60% of the doctors surveyed…

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  • Conservatives Explain Why They’re Boycotting Budweiser

    Conservatives Explain Why They’re Boycotting Budweiser

    “I boycott any company that tramples on the rights of Americans, whether it’s Bud Light, Walmart, Ford, Tesla, Amazon, McDonald’s, Halliburton, Circle K, basically the entire hotel industry, the vast majority of hospitals, and almost everyone who produces, makes, or distributes food.”

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  • Will Telehealth Save Patients Money or Drive Up Costs?

    Will Telehealth Save Patients Money or Drive Up Costs?

    April 5, 2023 — Barbara Rosebrock was heading to the doctor’s office to learn how to use her 8-year-old daughter’s new insulin pump when health care as she knew it forever changed. 

    It was March 11, 2020. With a mysterious new virus entering the U.S., vulnerable patients like Aubrey — recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes — were advised to stay home.

    Her doctor canceled the appointment and suggested a remote video visit instead.

    Rosebrock was skeptical.

    “I didn’t want to do something wrong and end up hurting my kid,” she said.

    But the virtual visit went well and set a pattern. Three years later, all of Aubrey’s doctor’s visits are done from home unless lab work or a physical exam is needed. Mom avoids an hour of driving and saves on gas and childcare for Aubrey’s younger brother.

    “It’s pennies here and there, but it all adds up,” said Rosebrock.

    Telemedicine became routine for the Rosebrocks and tens of millions of others during the pandemic. Among Medicare patients, remote visits increased from 840,000 in 2019 to 52.7 million in 2020, a 63-fold jump. Doctors had shut their doors to only the sickest of patients, and insurers agreed to temporarilyreimburse audio and video visits at the same rate as in-person ones.

    Usage has come down substantially since. But patients continue to demand remote options, with 70% of younger generations (Generation Zers, millennials, and Generation Xers) saying they prefer telehealth to in-person visits, and 44% saying they’ll switch providers if it isn’t offered, according to the American Hospital Association. 

    But despite the demand, there remain long-run questions of cost, effectiveness, and choice of provider.

    Some pandemic-era exceptions, including state-level rules allowing patients to see doctors across state lines, have already been scaled back. Other rules, like those allowing doctors to prescribe drugs for ADHD or opioid addiction via telehealth, are set to be rolled back May 11. And by December 2024, thanks to a 2-year extension,  lawmakers must decide whether to continue covering telehealth visits via Medicare. That decision will inevitably impact what private insurers do.

    A key question: Does telehealth save money? 

    “It depends,” said James Marcin, MD, director of the University of California Davis Center for Health and Technology. The answer depends on how it is used, by whom, and whose money you’re talking about.

    “It is not a panacea,” Marcin said. “But COVID has definitely enabled us to realize its potential.”

    Real Savings for Patients

    When it comes to out-of-pocket savings, the benefits are clear, said Stephanie Crossen, MD, a Sacramento-based pediatric endocrinologist. Many of her patients, including quite a few from low-income, rural populations, travel several hours to see her. 

    “My patients would pretty much always say that telemedicine saves them money,” Crossen said. And regaining that kind of lost time in your day has value, too.

    One recent study of 3 million outpatient telemedicine visits in California found that, on average, patients avoided a 17.6-mile, 35-minute commute, saving about $11 in transportation costs per visit. 

    Throw in lost wages or child care costs and the savings are likely higher, especially where travel distances are farther, the authors said.

    In-person visits often also come with extra facility fees not charged for telemedicine appointments, Marcin said. And doctors tend to order more scans and tests when a patient is on site (some necessary, some questionable), driving up costs. 

    Telemedicine can also save tens of thousands in helicopter flights, such as when a stroke patient or child with a complicated medical history shows up at a rural emergency room lacking specialists. 

    “We get a lot of patients transferred between hospitals that don’t necessarily need to come to us,” said Marcin, a pediatric critical care doctor who frequently patches in via video to evaluate and suggest treatments for young patients in distant hospitals.

    In-person visits are usually ideal, but cars break down, buses don’t come, and family members get sick. In such cases, telemedicine can avert a cancellation, saving money in the long run, said Crossen.

    “We know that if our diabetes patients are seen more often, they are at lower risk for long-term kidney damage and all kinds of other issues,” Crossen said.

    In this respect, more visits can mean more cost to insurers in the short term, while in the long term it could avoid more expensive treatments.

    That poses a dilemma for payers.

    “The problem in our system is that the insurer who covers their costs now is not necessarily the same one who’s going to cover their dialysis in 40 years. So it’s hard to make the case that it’s saving them money,” she said.

    More Access Means More Visits 

    In December, Congress extended Medicare coverage of telemedicine for 2 years, giving everyone time to decide how to handle the practice permanently. If telemedicine makes it so easy to see a doctor, will it be overused?

    Ateev Mehrotra, MD, a professor of health care policy and medicine at Harvard Medical School, says he has seen no research to convince him that telemedicine saves the health care system money.

    “From my perspective,” he said, “the real question is: Does telemedicine increase health care spending, and if so by how much?”

    In one 3-year study of people who went to the doctor for acute respiratory illnesses, he found that only 12% of telehealth visits replaced what would have otherwise been an in-person visit. The other 88% were “new utilization,” meaning that had telehealth not been available, the patient probably would have just ridden out their cold and not gone to the doctor at all. In the end, telehealth increased net annual spending on colds by $45 per telehealth user. 

    Another recent study by the Rand Corporation showed that in the arena of mental health, telemedicine visits more than made up for a drop in in-person visits during the pandemic, with treatment of some disorders up 20%. 

    “If you make care more convenient, more people get care,” Mehrotra said. 

    Whether that is good or bad depends on lots of factors, including who is paying.

    In the case of a cold, “if they are paying out of their own pocket to be reassured, more power to them,” Mehrotra said.  “But if we as a society are paying for all those visits, we do worry because a lot of people get colds.” 

    Increased utilization could drive up premiums for everyone.

    Doctors also may be more likely to prescribe antibiotics via telehealth, boosting costs and potentially promoting antibiotic resistance, suggests a 2022 review in Clinical Infectious Diseases. 

    While research on return visits is mixed, another study, published in 2021 by University of Michigan researchers, found that patients who had their initial visit via telemedicine were significantly more likely to come back for a second visit within a week.

    The authors said that “potential savings from shifting initial care to a direct-to-consumer telemedicine setting should be balanced against the potential for higher spending on downstream care.”

    Worth the Cost?

    Mehrotra, a practicing doctor, contends that the question of whether telemedicine saves money is not a fair one.

    “When a new drug or procedure or MRI machine comes out, we never say, ‘Does it save money?’” he noted. “Instead, we ask whether the improvement in health we’re observing is worth the cost.”

    Policymakers must assess how telemedicine affects patients and look specialty by specialty to see if it’s cost-effective.

    “For instance, from my research and what I see clinically, I think telemedicine for the treatment of opioid use disorder is a great idea. For telestroke, I’m sold,” he said. “But if we’re talking about telemedicine for colds, I’m not so sure.”

    He envisions a system in which visits deemed to be of “lower value” (like that reassuring video call for a cold) might come with a higher co-pay for the patient or a lower reimbursement for the doctor than an in-person version. 

    Who is using telemedicine also matters.

    Notably, during the pandemic, research found that white patients in urban areas were most likely to use telehealth for outpatient visits, while people in low-income and rural areas and racial minorities used it less, in part due to connectivity issues. 

    Doctors say that addressing those access inequities could go a long way in getting telemedicine to the people who need it most and who will financially benefit from it most.

    Priceless Care

    For some patients, the benefits are hard to put a price on. Francis Richard, 72, who lived in Mendocino County, CA, took a 2-hour shuttle (one way) to visit a doctor for his late-stage type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. 

    “My husband was not tired,” said his wife, Marie. “He was tired of the transportation.” She says wait times for an in-person visit were often weeks or months.

    His nephrologist suggested Francis start seeing him via telemedicine.

    He’d Zoom in for consults when Francis needed in-person care at a smaller hospital closer to home and was working to set up at-home dialysis.

    Often their visits included Marie seated next to Francis in bed at home, holding the phone as the doctor looked him over, asking questions and exchanging the occasional joke.

    She never met the man on the screen, Jose Morfin, MD, in person, and her husband met him only once. 

    But she considers him family now.

    “I wish my husband was still alive and he could tell you this himself,” said Marie, who lost Francis in January.  “But this prolonged his life. They made us feel so supported.”

    That kind of care, she said, is priceless.

    In Person or Telemedicine? 6 Things to Consider

    What is the appointment for? Telemedicine is great for going over test results or for check-ins that might not otherwise happen (like if you have a chronic illness). For diagnosis of an infection, go in.

    Do you need tests? It’s usually best to go in. Some tests (blood, urine, X-rays) can’t be done virtually, and test referrals can be more awkward via telehealth.

    What is your remote environment like? In some cases, like mental health consults, being at home can be less stressful. But if privacy is hard to find, an in-person visit may be more productive.

    Do you need a hands-on exam? Videoconferencing enables a distant doctor to look at surface issues like skin or eye problems. But for a thorough exam, go in.

    How urgent is it? Trust your gut. For chest pain, traumatic injury, or a very sick child, go in. 

    What does your doctor say? A simple phone call to the on-call nurse can help you decide.

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  • Biden Administration Moves To Limit Telehealth Prescriptions For Some Drugs

    Biden Administration Moves To Limit Telehealth Prescriptions For Some Drugs

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration moved Friday to require patients see a doctor in person before getting attention deficit disorder medication or addictive painkillers, toughening access to the drugs against the backdrop of a deepening opioid crisis.

    The proposal could overhaul the way millions of Americans get some prescriptions after three years of relying on telehealth for doctor’s appointments by computer or phone during the pandemic.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration said late Friday it plans to reinstate once longstanding federal requirements for powerful drugs that were waived once COVID-19 hit, enabling doctors to write millions of prescriptions for drugs such as OxyContin or Adderall without ever meeting patients in person.

    Patients will need to see a doctor in person at least once to get an initial prescription for drugs that the federal government says have the the most potential to be abused — Vicodin, OxyContin, Adderall and Ritalin, for example. Refills could be prescribed over telehealth appointments.

    The agency will also clamp down on how doctors can prescribe other, less addictive drugs to patients they’ve never physically met. Substances like codeine, taken to alleviate pain or coughing, Xanax, used to treat anxiety, Ambien, a sleep aid, and buprenorphine, a narcotic used to treat opioid addiction, can be prescribed over telehealth for an initial 30-day dose. Patients would need to see a doctor at least once in person to get a refill.

    Patients will still be able to get common prescriptions like antibiotics, skin creams, birth control and insulin prescribed through telehealth visits.

    The new rule seeks to keep expanded access to telehealth that’s important for patients like those in rural areas while also balancing safety, an approach DEA Administrator Anne Milgram referred to as “expansion of telemedicine with guardrails.”

    The ease with each Americans have accessed certain medications during the pandemic has helped many get needed treatment, but concerns have also mounted that some companies may take advantage of the lax rules and be overprescribing medications to people who don’t need them, said David Herzberg, a historian of drugs at the University of Buffalo.

    “Both sides of this tension have really good points,” said Herzberg. “You don’t want barriers in the way of getting people prescriptions they need. But anytime you remove those barriers it’s also an opportunity for profit seekers to exploit the lax rules and sell the medicines to people who may not need them.”

    U.S. overdose deaths hit a record in 2021, about three-quarters of those from opioids during a crisis that was first spun into the making by drug makers, pharmacies and doctors that pushed the drugs to patients decades ago. But the grim toll from synthetic opioids like fentanyl far outstripped deaths related to prescription drugs that year, according to Centers for Disease Control Data. Fentanyl is increasingly appearing on the illicit market, pressed into fake prescription pills or mixed into other drugs.

    The proposed rules deliver a major blow to a booming telehealth industry, with tech startups launching in recent years to treat and prescribe medications for mental health or attention deficit disorders. The industry has largely benefitted from the reprieve on in-person visits for drugs brought on by the pandemic, although some national retailers stopped filling drug orders generated by some telehealth apps over the last year.

    The DEA has grown increasingly concerned over the last two years that some of those startup telehealth companies are improperly prescribing addictive substances like opioids or attention deficit disorder medication, putting patients in danger, a DEA official told The Associated Press on Friday.

    The official said the agency plans to have the new rule in place before the COVID-19 public health emergency expires on May 11, which will effectively end the loosened rules. That could mean people who may seeking treatment from a doctor who is hundreds of miles away need to start developing plans for in-person visits with their doctors now, pointed out Boston-based attorney Jeremy Sherer, who represents telehealth companies. Patients will have six months to visit their doctor in person when the regulation is enacted.

    “Providers and their patients need to know what that treatment is going to look like moving forward and whether, once the public health emergency ends in May, if they’re going to need to figure out a way to have a visit in person before continuing treatment, and that can be a real challenge,” he said.

    Many states have already moved to restore limitations for telehealth care across state lines. By October, nearly 40 states and Washington, D.C., had ended emergency declarations that made it easier for doctors to see patients in other states.

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  • Biden intends to end Covid-19 and public health emergencies on May 11 | CNN Politics

    Biden intends to end Covid-19 and public health emergencies on May 11 | CNN Politics



    CNN
     — 

    President Joe Biden intends to end the Covid-19 national and public health emergencies on May 11, the White House said Monday.

    The White House, in a statement of administration policy announcing opposition to two Republican measures to end the emergencies, said the national emergency and public health emergency authorities declared in response to the pandemic would each be extended one final time to May 11.

    “This wind down would align with the Administration’s previous commitments to give at least 60 days’ notice prior to termination of the (public health emergency),” the statement said.

    The statement added, “To be clear, continuation of these emergency declarations until May 11 does not impose any restriction at all on individual conduct with regard to COVID-19. They do not impose mask mandates or vaccine mandates. They do not restrict school or business operations. They do not require the use of any medicines or tests in response to cases of COVID-19.”

    The statement came in response to a pair of measures before the House that would end the public health emergency and the Covid-19 national emergency.

    The White House weighed in because House Democrats were concerned about voting against the Republican legislation to end the public health emergency that is coming to the floor this week without a plan from the Biden administration, a senior Democratic aide told CNN.

    “Democrats were concerned about the optics of voting against Republicans winding down the public health emergency, absent an understanding of whether and how we intended to do so from the White House,” the aide said. “As soon as we saw this bill, it obviously concerns the White House. So, it was important for them to weigh in.”

    The administration argues that the bills are unnecessary because it intends to end the emergencies anyway. The White House also noted the passage of the measures ahead of May 11 would have unintended consequences, such as disrupting the administration’s plans for ending certain policies that are authorized by the emergencies.

    The White House said it would extend the Covid-19 emergencies one final time in order to ensure an orderly wind-down of key authorities that states, health care providers and patients have relied on throughout the pandemic.

    A White House official pointed to a successful vaccination campaign and reductions in Covid cases, hospitalizations and deaths as a rationale for lifting the emergency declarations. The official said a final extension will allow for a smooth transition for health care providers and patients and noted that health care facilities have already begun preparing for that transition.

    The administration is actively reviewing flexible policies that were authorized under the public health emergency to determine which can remain in place after it is lifted on May 11.

    The aide told CNN that it will be up to every member to decide what is best for their district and how they will vote on the legislation this week. Declaring an end to the public health emergency will also end the border restriction known as Title 42, which will also likely set up a showdown on Capitol Hill.

    The public health emergency has enabled the government to provide many Americans with Covid-19 tests, treatments and vaccines at no charge, as well as offer enhanced social safety net benefits, to help the nation cope with the pandemic and minimize its impact.

    “People will have to start paying some money for things they didn’t have to pay for during the emergency,” said Jen Kates, senior vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation. “That’s the main thing people will start to notice.”

    Most Americans covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance plans have been able to obtain Covid-19 tests and vaccines at no cost during the pandemic. Those covered by Medicare and private insurance have been able to get up to eight at-home tests per month from retailers at no charge. Medicaid also picks up the cost of at-home tests, though coverage can vary by state.

    Those covered by Medicare and Medicaid have also had certain therapeutic treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies, fully covered.

    Once the emergency ends, Medicare beneficiaries generally will face out-of-pocket costs for at-home testing and all treatment. However, vaccines will continue to be covered at no cost, as will testing ordered by a health care provider.

    State Medicaid programs will have to continue covering Covid-19 tests ordered by a physician and vaccines at no charge. But enrollees may face out-of-pocket costs for treatments.

    Those with private insurance could face charges for lab tests, even if they are ordered by a provider. Vaccinations will continue to be free for those with private insurance who go to in-network providers, but going to an out-of-network providers could incur charges.

    Covid-19 vaccinations will be free for those with insurance even when the public health emergency ends because of various federal laws, including the Affordable Care Act and pandemic-era measures, the Inflation Reduction Act and a 2020 relief package.

    Americans with private insurance have not been charged for monoclonal antibody treatment since they were prepaid by the federal government, though patients may be charged for the office visit or administration of the treatment. But that is not tied to the public health emergency, and the free treatments will be available until the federal supply is exhausted. The government has already run out of some of the treatments so those with private insurance may already be picking up some of the cost.

    The uninsured had been able to access no-cost testing, treatments and vaccines through a different pandemic relief program. However, the federal funding ran out in the spring of 2022, making it more difficult for those without coverage to obtain free services.

    The federal government has been preparing to shift Covid-19 care to the commercial market since last year, in part because Congress has not authorized additional funding to purchase additional vaccines, treatments and tests.

    Pfizer and Moderna have already announced that the commercial prices of their Covid-19 vaccines will likely be between $82 and $130 per dose – about three to four times what the federal government has paid, according to Kaiser.

    The public health emergency has also meant additional funds for hospitals, which have been receiving a 20% increase in Medicare’s payment rate for treating Covid-19 patients.

    Also, Medicare Advantage plans have been required to bill enrollees affected by the emergency and receiving care at out-of-network facilities the same as if they were at in-network facilities.

    This will end once the public health emergency expires.

    But several of the most meaningful enhancements to public assistance programs are no longer tied to the public health emergency. Congress severed the connection in December as part of its fiscal year 2023 government funding package.

    Most notably, states will now be able to start processing Medicaid redeterminations and disenrolling residents who no longer qualify, starting April 1. They have 14 months to review the eligibility of their beneficiaries.

    As part of a Covid-19 relief package passed in March 2020, states were barred from kicking people off Medicaid during the public health emergency in exchange for additional federal matching funds. Medicaid enrollment has skyrocketed to a record 90 million people since then, and millions are expected to lose coverage once states began culling the rolls.

    A total of roughly 15 million people could be dropped from Medicaid when the continuous enrollment requirement ends, according to an analysis the Department of Health and Human Services released in August. About 8.2 million folks would no longer qualify, but 6.8 million people would be terminated even though they are still eligible, the department estimated.

    Many who are disenrolled from Medicaid, however could qualify for other coverage.

    Food stamp recipients had been receiving a boost during the public health emergency. Congress increased food stamp benefits to the maximum for their family size in a 2020 pandemic relief package.

    The Biden administration expanded the boost in the spring of 2021 so that households already receiving the maximum amount and those who received only a small monthly benefit get a supplement of at least $95 a month.

    This extra assistance will end as of March, though several states have already stopped providing it.

    Congress, however, extended one set of pandemic flexibilities as part of the government funding package.

    More Medicare enrollees are able to get care via telehealth during the public health emergency. The service is no longer limited just to those living in rural areas. They can conduct the telehealth visit at home, rather than having to travel to a health care facility. Plus, beneficiaries can use smartphones and receive a wider array of services via telehealth.

    These will now continue through 2024.

    This story has been updated with additional details.

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  • How Treating Psoriatic Disease Has Changed

    How Treating Psoriatic Disease Has Changed

    By Nilanjana Bose, MD, as told to Susan Bernstein

    I am an adult rheumatologist, so I see patients who are 18 and above, with the whole gamut of rheumatologic conditions. Every patient I see is different. For patients with classic psoriatic disease, skin psoriasis symptoms often occur before their arthritis symptoms happen. These two conditions could even develop years apart for some people. But that’s not absolute. You can develop arthritis, or joint pain and swelling, first and then later develop psoriasis.

    Patients typically first come to see us for their joint swelling. Usually, psoriatic arthritis causes a peripheral joint swelling. They’ll have swelling of your fingers and toes, which can look similar to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We do an initial workup and examine their skin, too. If they have psoriasis, including nail pitting or psoriasis plaques, or if they have a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, this may suggest that they may have psoriatic arthritis.

    COVID: Hello, Telehealth

    Once the pandemic hit last year, for the first couple of months, we had to go into retreat mode at our clinic. We really had to scramble to adapt. We moved quickly into using telehealth to treat our patients. We didn’t have some of the telehealth technology, but once we understood that there were resources out there, like telehealth portals and online platforms we could use, we started adopting them.

    I think our patients also adapted to telehealth fairly quickly. There were some challenges with older folks. Some didn’t have internet access or found it harder to work out the logistics of telehealth. But for those patients, we were able to conduct regular telephone visits as well.

    Telehealth came with its own challenges. We had to learn how to “examine” a patient over the internet. It’s not easy, and it’s not optimal for joint or skin conditions. But a telehealth visit is any day better than a patient missing their appointment altogether and not accessing medical care.

    For follow-up visits, telehealth is easy and works well. You can check in with patients and see how they’re doing on their current medications. Some of my patients really prefer telehealth for the convenience. Again, it’s not optimal. We still encourage our psoriatic disease patients to come into the office. It can be tough to see everything using the camera.

    Overall, telehealth has been a fun experience, but if a patient needs to be examined in person, I ask them to come in. We’re all still masked up, practicing social distancing, and taking every precaution. We are very committed to the whole aspect of infection control with our patients.

    I’ve even seen new patients using telemedicine, especially during the worse phases of the COVID pandemic. If they were referred to me by another physician because they have psoriasis, I can do the initial consultation remotely, but I still try to have them come in. Just getting in and seeing a rheumatologist to begin your treatment is ultimately the most important step with psoriatic disease. You can establish a rapport with your doctor and get the information you need.

    Biologics: Game Changer for Psoriatic Disease

    Biologics have totally changed the way we manage this disease. Once you’re diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, there are great treatment options out there. In the past, we had steroids, DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), and TNF inhibitors, but now, we have IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors, and JAK inhibitors, too.

    Initially, we evaluate our new patients with lab tests and joint imaging and go over all of their symptoms. Some people will have milder psoriatic disease, and some will have more systemic symptoms. With younger patients, we may try to be more aggressive at controlling their disease, because they’re at greater risk for joint damage.

    When we go over treatment options, it’s really a two-way, fluid discussion. I talk with my patients about all the risks and benefits of each treatment. If my patient is doing better after a few months, we talk about it and may re-assess the treatment plan.

    It’s very rare to see people with psoriatic arthritis these days who develop chronic joint deformities. It may happen if someone was diagnosed a long time ago, before there were better treatment options, or if they were unable to access care before they came to us. The improvements are mainly due to advances in drug treatment, but also because people are more conscious of rheumatic diseases. They Google it. They just have more awareness of rheumatic conditions and that they need to see a rheumatologist.

    We screen every patient. Some of them have a true inflammatory, psoriatic disease, while some do not. They may have osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia causing joint pain. Every patient deserves a thorough, complete examination. We want to diagnose these patients as early as possible to begin treatment to control their disease and prevent damage.

    COVID and Other Infections: Take Extra Precautions

    We were having this exact discussion with our patients before COVID, too. They are at higher risk for serious infections – not just COVID, but also other types of pneumonia and other infections. We had already been encouraging these patients to wash their hands often, take commonsense precautions, avoid close contact with sick people, and to get all their vaccinations.

    Once the COVID vaccines became available, I told them, “Please get vaccinated and keep wearing your mask.” People who are on a biologic to treat their psoriatic disease are by default more cautious. For new patients who were just starting their biologics, I advised them on how to take precautions to prevent infection. We told many of our psoriatic patients, “Stay home as much as you can right now, and avoid close contact with others.” Patients do listen to this advice because they trust us as their doctors.

    Making Psoriatic Patients Feel Safer

    Always have a backup plan with telehealth technology! Also, I have encouraged all of my patients to enroll in our online patient portal, so we can stay connected. They can send me messages, I can update their prescriptions, and we can share test result with them.

    Technology is a beautiful thing. We need to use it to the fullest advantage in modern medical care. Technology can make it easier to stay in touch with patients with psoriatic disease, who need ongoing care. But some patients may not be used to telehealth, so they can experience some frustration at first. Be patient, take your time to learn to use these tools, and help your patients adapt. Don’t give up if something doesn’t work right at first.

    Face-to-face interaction is still very important when you are working with patients with psoriatic arthritis. It can be difficult to form a new patient/doctor relationship without any in-person component.

    After they’re diagnosed, some patients continue to see me virtually, and it seems like we are really able to get to know each other well. Telehealth is a safe, secure environment for patients. They’re in their home or office, or even in their car. Sometimes, when I’m talking with a psoriatic patient over telehealth, I see them taking notes. That’s good! Some people find that they’re less anxious when they’re in a telehealth appointment instead of being in their doctor’s office.

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  • Amazon Clinic: What You Need to Know

    Amazon Clinic: What You Need to Know

    Nov. 30, 2022 – Amazon is encouraging patients to “skip the waiting room” with the launch of Amazon Clinic, a virtual health care service that aims to offer treatment for nearly 2 dozen common health conditions.

    Taking a step beyond a typical telehealth visit, the service promises personalized treatment with no appointments, video calls, or live chat. Patients can answer questions about their symptoms and health history to receive a treatment plan and prescription medication through a messaging platform.

    The new service could fill the gap for people who want a quick answer, have history of a condition, or need to address common issues such as seasonal allergies or dandruff.

    “During the pandemic, the use of telehealth accelerated throughout the country. Although face-to-face visits are returning, telehealth certainly still has a role, especially in areas with less medical care, and can enable faster diagnosis and help with tracking disease progression,” says Edwin Takahashi, MD, a radiologist at the Mayo Clinic who has studied recent telehealth benefits and challenges. 

    “I think Amazon Clinic is an innovative approach to health care delivery,” he says. “I’m interested to see its impact in society and on patients. It’s so new that we need to see what its role will be in the future of health care.”

    How It Works

    To start, patients select one of the common conditions – such as acne, heartburn, or sinusitis – and then pick an online clinic that will review their case. After completing a questionnaire, patients receive a treatment plan from a U.S.-licensed health care provider, which may include a prescription or recommendations for over-the-counter treatments and self-care strategies. 

    Users can message the provider with follow-up questions after receiving the treatment plan at no additional cost for up to 14 days. Based on the information provided, the provider may also recommend seeing a health care professional in person. 

    For now, most conditions appear to be serviced by two clinics – HealthTap and SteadyMD – for $30 to $40. Depending on the day and time, the clinics have a listed response time of 1 hour to several hours.

    What to Consider: The Benefits

    The service allows users to start a visit quickly and discreetly, at whatever time works best for them, with no need to speak to anyone. Amazon promises that the health data is secure and protected by law.

    Amazon Clinic also offers prescription renewals for common medications that treat asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, and migraine. The health care provider can’t prescribe new medications, change medication doses, or order lab testing, but this option may be useful for people who simply want to re-up their current regimen.

    “Every telehealth provider on Amazon Clinic has gone through rigorous clinical quality and customer experience evaluations by Amazon’s clinical leadership team,” Nworah Ayogu, MD, chief medical officer and general manager for Amazon Clinic, said in an announcement.

    “We believe that improving both the occasional and ongoing engagement experience is necessary to making care dramatically better,” he said. “We also believe that customers should have the agency to choose what works best for them.”

    What to Consider: The Limitations

    Amazon Clinic is available in 32 states, with plans to expand in coming months. Users can check the services offered in their state, the prices, and the response times by clicking on one of the common conditions. Certain health issues require a prior diagnosis, including eczema, genital herpes, and rosacea.

    Amazon Clinic doesn’t accept health insurance at this time. Instead, patients pay a flat fee for the service they choose, which they can pay for by using a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) debit card, submitting a receipt to their insurer for reimbursement, or funding out-of-pocket. (Amazon Clinic isn’t intended for those who receive coverage from federal or state health care payers, such as Medicaid and Medicare.)

    The cost of medication isn’t included in the cost of the visit. Health insurance plans may cover the prescriptions, but Amazon advises talking to an insurer or pharmacy directly about any questions.

    “This service provides value for some people — for young and healthy patients who want to be checked out for a low-risk, straightforward issue,” says Graham Walker, MD, an emergency doctor in San Francisco.  Walker co-founded MDCalc, a virtual medical reference tool for health care providers.

    “However, my main concern is that it’s not a solution for certain populations or the way that health insurance works in the U.S.,” he notes. “When the health concerns are more complex, involve other medical problems, or require new medications, it’s hard to provide a quality consultation.”

    The Future of Telehealth

    Doctors and health care organizations are weighing the pros and cons of telehealth as the health care industry pivots around pandemic-related changes. In November, the American Heart Association issued a new statement that highlighted telehealth as an effective option for care but pinpointed access barriers that may limit widespread use.

    For instance, Takahashi and colleagues found that telehealth can reduce costs, improve access to care in rural and underserved areas, and increase care quality and patient satisfaction. At the same time, telehealth offerings are often hindered by inconsistent reimbursement, state licensing requirements, inconsistent internet access, and challenges in scheduling. Limited uptake based on age, technology expertise, and personal perceptions can also play a role – for both patients and health care professionals. Privacy and security concerns factor in as well.

    “Spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and the adoption of innovative technologies, the U.S. health care system is transitioning to a new era of digitally enabled care,” says Jack Resneck Jr., MD, president of the American Medical Association. 

    Since 2016, doctor use of technology to provide remote care has accelerated by more than five times, with 80% of doctors offering televisits or virtual visits, Resneck says , based on a recent American Medical Association survey. 

    “Patients have come to rely on telehealth and overwhelmingly support continued access, yet this access is jeopardized if health plans discontinue coverage or payment for telehealth or make it harder for patients to access telehealth from their established physicians who know them well and can integrate their care,” he says. 

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  • P23 Health E-Commerce Well-Being Company Just Launched in Partnership With P23 Labs, a Renowned Molecular Laboratory

    P23 Health E-Commerce Well-Being Company Just Launched in Partnership With P23 Labs, a Renowned Molecular Laboratory

    P23 Health provides consumers with flexibility and control over their health journey: at-home molecular testing kits, skincare products, dietary supplements, and healthcare guidance.

    Press Release
    –

    Nov 3, 2022 09:15 EDT


    SAVANNAH, Ga., November 3, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    P23 Health is a newly formed digital healthcare and wellness company under the P23 umbrella. P23 Health’s strategic partner is acknowledged molecular laboratory P23 Labs. Leadership from both P23 Labs and P23 Health believe that this strong partnership will develop the most sustainable solutions and strengthen their competitiveness within the industry. P23 Labs will reduce cost and increase efficiency within the laboratory operations, while P23 Health will facilitate all e-commerce business and ensure a top-notch consumer experience.

    “We are very pleased and excited to announce that we have secured a strong new partnership with P23 Health, an e-commerce company that will be supporting our at-home testing options, membership program, consultations, and wellness product line to the broader communities,” stated Dr. Tiffany Montgomery, the founder and CEO of P23 Labs.

    P23 Health’s website already launched and the first products are available for purchase at special prices for first customers. The product categories represented are:

    • At-home testing kits delivered in partnership with P23 Labs. The comprehensive product line ranges from PCR pathogen testing to the P23 Optimum test for fitness. 
    • Wellness products cover each base in self-care routines: from skincare to dietary supplements, and CBD-infused creams to provide the ultimate relaxation, nourishment, and revitalization.
    • Consultation with a medical professional who will provide treatment recommendations based on consumers’ test results, allowing them to start a path to a healthier, happier life. Consultations can be one-time, regular, or come as a part of a Membership.
    • Membership packages with monthly subscriptions for healthcare and wellness products and services delivered in accordance with the chosen plan, starting at 75USD/ month as a promotional price. 

    P23 Health is built based on the mission to remove medical barriers and make healthy living accessible to everyone. P23 Health values luxury. Luxury that is truly enjoyed in a healthy mental, physical, emotional, and financial state of being. P23 Health values commitment to self, to life, and to well-being. 

    Source: P23 Health

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  • Tele-Mental Health in the Workplace is Crucial to Employee Morale and Productivity. Here’s Why

    Tele-Mental Health in the Workplace is Crucial to Employee Morale and Productivity. Here’s Why

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    How can leaders keep their organization or business functioning through these unprecedented times? By understanding and prioritizing mental well-being.

    With the world lurching endlessly between global health and economic crises, conditions have never been more challenging for employers or employees. In the context of record workforce and resource shortages, a drive for sustainability challenges businesses to consider implementing innovations like virtual mental health care in the workplace.

    The state of mental health in the U.S.

    In 2020, as society grappled with the new normal, the nation’s mental health was anything but ordinary.

    During this time, the number of adults reporting anxiety or depressive symptoms quadrupled. This was more than a mere spike — the Mental Health Index (MHI) reported a 71% increase in the risk for depression in workers through 2021, and stress, anxiety, and depression have only recently returned to pre-2020 levels.

    Research has shown that long-term disasters place society at risk for increased stress, anger, anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. This is partly due to financial insecurity, a loss of confidence in authorities, and disruption to everyday life.

    Studies of earlier disasters have shown that increases in mental health service provision may have helped avoid future mental health problems. However, less than half of individuals with mental illness received inpatient mental health services or prescription psychiatric medication in 2020. In addition, communities of color that typically experience difficulty accessing mental health services were disproportionately affected, deepening pre-existing fault lines of health inequity.

    Related: 4 Ways to Help Employees With Their Mental Health and Emotional Needs as You Reopen Offices

    Employers taking the lead

    If any silver lining can be taken from the disruption and trauma experienced, it is the normalization of mental health and employers’ recognition of its importance.

    Major companies are acknowledging the responsibility to their workers. For example, sports giants Nike, Bumble, Hootsuite and LinkedIn have introduced access to digital resources, virtual counseling services, and even paid time off for mental health. Smaller companies are following suit. After 2020, 39% of companies expanded their mental health providers to meet the evolving needs of their employees.

    But why should the employer take the lead? The answer is two-fold.

    As the mental health of the population and workforce declined, employment and productivity declined too. According to the Peterson Institution for International Economics, productivity is falling at the fastest rate on record. Simultaneously, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) shows that the numbers of people quitting their jobs remain above pre-pandemic levels, with a high turnover in lower-wage sectors.

    While the fiscal impact of poor mental health on employers and employees is well documented, there’s more to this issue than balance sheets and stock prices.

    Employers are expanding benefits to include tele-mental health because it’s the right thing to do. The longstanding false dichotomy between physical and mental health needs to be challenged, and employers can do this by offering integrated healthcare. As Dr. Hilary Grant, Medical Director for Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, notes, “Mental ill health precipitates, perpetuates, maintains and exacerbates acute and chronic physical health problems.” Offering physical cover alone is like pouring water into a bucket with a hole in the bottom and wondering why it never seems to fill.

    An ongoing need for mental health service provision

    Though one global challenge is over, others have only begun. According to MHI statistics from February – May 2022, macroeconomic trends and the war in Ukraine have led to a 12% increase in stress levels, a 23% jump in general anxiety, and a 53% increase in the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    Researchers examining the impact of the global health crisis on society concluded that the frequency of mental health symptoms made access to mental health services, such as telehealth, critical. Though the challenges are different, the need remains unchanged.

    Related: How to Protect Your Team’s Mental Health

    Modern solutions for modern times

    As the global health crisis kept people at home, consumers demanded more convenience across all sectors, healthcare included. As a result, healthcare organizations worldwide were driven to treat people where they were, delivering care in out-of-hospital settings.

    Technology-driven, remote solutions like telemedicine have become part of the architecture of contemporary healthcare. Though the necessity of staying home has passed, virtual care remains relevant as consumers have embraced the flexibility.

    Beyond convenience, virtual solutions underpin equitable access in isolated or marginalized communities, where stigma or a shortage of mental health professionals might otherwise be a barrier.

    The rapidly growing field of tele-mental health

    In the growing telemedicine sector, mental health has taken the lead, accounting for 53% of all consultations in the US between 2005 and 2017. However, mental health services in the US face two significant challenges; a lack of capacity and inequitable geographical distribution.

    Using consumer-grade electronics, tele-mental health is a low-tech answer to both. Multiple studies have shown that clients and providers are satisfied with the transition to virtual consultations. Advantages include:

    • Allowing people to be seen in their homes or workplace rather than in an unfamiliar clinical setting.
    • Avoiding the inconveniences of scheduling.
    • Waiting.
    • Other personal stumbling blocks, such as arranging transport or a babysitter.

    Tele-mental health holds many advantages for businesses, too. Accessible support boosts efficiency by reducing absenteeism and presenteeism, the latter being estimated to cost the United States economy $150 billion per year. As a low-cost option, telemedicine helps employees to avoid co-payments and deductibles, removing financial barriers to medical care and resulting in a healthier workforce.

    In these trying times, many will experience varying levels of mental health and mental illness that affect how they think, feel, and act and their interactions, problem-solving, and decision-making. Whether employees have reported or been diagnosed with mental illness, employers must provide mental health access for all workers and, in turn, their businesses.

    Related: Healthcare For The Masses: Why Tele-Health Is A Game Changer For The Middle East

    Larry Jones

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  • DrHouse Telehealth App Launches Zero Cost 24/7 Virtual Care Visits in New York

    DrHouse Telehealth App Launches Zero Cost 24/7 Virtual Care Visits in New York

    The on-demand telehealth service will offer virtual urgent care, men’s and women’s health appointments at no cost to consumers, regardless of insurance status, for a limited time

    Press Release
    –

    Sep 12, 2022


    NEW YORK, September 12, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    DrHouse, a telehealth company providing on-demand urgent care, men’s health, and women’s health services throughout New York State, announced today the launch of a new promotion. From Sept. 12, 2022 – Oct. 31, 2022, DrHouse will offer online telehealth visits and the opportunity to renew or get a new Rx prescription with a DrHouse Plus subscription, regardless of insurance status, for $0. 

    With the pandemic redefining the way the country approaches healthcare, consumers are now relying on telehealth to provide ease and convenience in receiving medical care. DrHouse’s platform paves the way for efficient, on-demand healthcare at a low cost and on their own terms. This promotion helps provide healthcare at no cost during a time when many New Yorkers may be seeking care as they head back to school and the office.

    “Our limited-time zero-cost healthcare initiative is a great opportunity for consumers seeking fast and reliable healthcare this fall,” said Ergo Sooru, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, DrHouse. “We want to break conventional healthcare barriers by giving others access to on-demand telehealth appointments, designed to take the ‘wait’ out of the waiting room. This promotion will allow new patients full access to DrHouse’s services with no appointment needed in advance, connecting users to top healthcare professionals within minutes via the app.” 

    While a DrHouse Plus subscription normally has a membership fee of $9.99 a month, this limited-time initiative waives the subscription fee for the first 30-days allowing new users total access to DrHouse’s services for an unlimited number of visits for zero cost. DrHouse’s services include providing 24/7 access to U.S based board-certified clinicians that diagnose and treat circumstances such as, but not limited to, the following:

    • Urgent care conditions such as COVID-19 symptoms, cold and flu, and minor health injuries 
    • Provide Rx prescriptions for pickup or delivery, inclusive of anxiety and antidepressants, antibiotics, birth control, and other common prescriptions, as needed
    • Consultations regarding men’s and women’s sexual health needs 

    The DrHouse app is available now to download on iOS and Android mobile devices. To learn more about DrHouse, please visit https://www.drhouse.com.

    About DrHouse
    DrHouse is a telehealth company offering 24/7 virtual visits with board-certified clinicians. Consumers can expect on-demand virtual health services with a short wait time of 15 minutes or less and access to clinicians that specialize in non-emergent medical conditions in urgent care, men’s health, and women’s health spaces. Services are affordable and convenient, with no insurance necessary for medical care. Patients can subscribe to membership services or purchase a one-time virtual visit. Businesses can purchase a small business or an enterprise plan to cover employee medical care.

    Media Contact:
    5W Public Relations
    drhouse@5wpr.com 

    Source: DrHouse Inc.

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  • JScreen Honors February as National Cancer Prevention Month

    JScreen Honors February as National Cancer Prevention Month

    Press Release
    –

    Feb 15, 2022


    ATLANTA, February 15, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    JScreen, a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases, announces its participation in National Cancer Prevention Month in February of 2022. JScreen is focused on raising awareness about hereditary cancers and works in association with Emory University’s Department of Human Genetics to make cancer genetic testing affordable and accessible. To do this, JScreen offers its CancerGEN test: an easy, at-home saliva test that screens for genetic risks for many types of cancer. The mission of JScreen is to ensure healthy futures through genetic testing and education, and it will be stepping up that mission this February.

    The pandemic has made clear to everyone the importance of healthcare and taking preventative measures against disease. With the majority of Cancer Awareness Months occurring in the fall, such as Breast Cancer in October, and Prostate and Ovarian Cancer in September, JScreen emphasizes the importance of maintaining the same level of awareness year-round. CancerGEN, JScreen’s cancer genetic test, analyzes more than 60 cancer susceptibility genes associated with hereditary risks for breast, ovarian, prostate, colorectal, skin, and many other cancers. If a person tests positive, they are able to take action for the prevention or early detection of associated cancers. By providing convenient, at-home access to cutting-edge genetic testing technology, education, and genetic counseling services, JScreen strives to minimize the incidence of hereditary cancers and helps to ensure bright and healthy futures.

    “We understand the financial challenges and accessibility issues facing many Americans,” says Hillary Regelman, Director of National Outreach and Marketing at JScreen. “We know from statistics that half of all men and a third of all women will develop cancer at some point in their lives. We are working toward a future where those numbers aren’t quite so staggering, and that starts with awareness and eliminating barriers to genetic testing.”

    Getting tested through JScreen is easy. All one has to do to receive the simple at-home test is to sign up online. The person will then provide a saliva sample and use the pre-paid postage to mail it in (JScreen was quarantine-friendly even before the pandemic). JScreen’s tests use state-of-the-art genetic sequencing technology to ensure highly accurate results. The robust cancer testing panel includes genes that are actionable, meaning something can be done to help prevent cancer if a person tests positive. JScreen provides results in three weeks or less. A unique feature of JScreen’s process is that it provides access to licensed genetic counselors who provide consults via phone or secure video conferencing to ensure that people understand their results.

    In addition to their CancerGEN test, JScreen offers ReproGEN, a reproductive carrier screening test that gives prospective parents information about the risk of genetic diseases in their future children so they can plan for the health of their families. 

    As a not-for-profit home education and genetic screening program, one of JScreen’s goals is to make testing affordable. With insurance, CancerGEN costs $199 and ReproGEN costs $149, and genetic counseling is included. JScreen offers need-based financial assistance for qualifying individuals.

    The proof of JScreen’s passion for saving lives is in the incredible stories they hear, the healthy babies that are born, and the people who now take action to avoid future cancer diagnoses. As the team at JScreen likes to say: “We are a small team with a huge footprint.”

    Media Contact:

    Hayden Hammerling

    973.405.4600

    hayden@bendergrouppr.com

    Source: JScreen

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  • Autism Specialty Group Offering ABA Therapy in Miami to Ease the Back-To-School Transition

    Autism Specialty Group Offering ABA Therapy in Miami to Ease the Back-To-School Transition

    Autism Specialty Group is helping children return to school with confidence by providing Autism Therapy in Miami, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Aug 27, 2021


    MIAMI, August 27, 2021 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Autism Specialty Group, a behavioral health care organization treating children with autism through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in Miami and the surrounding South Florida area, is ready to help families prepare for the back-to-school transition. 

    According to Autism Specialty Group, this field of behavior analysis is based on the science of learning and behavior in real-life environments and aims to increase behaviors that are adaptive in social environments and decrease behaviors that might hinder this progress. The benefits of the various types of ABA Therapy that’s offered include: improved social skills, a better ability to focus, concentrate, and engage; and decreased behavioral problems.

    Autism Specialty Group’s dedicated team offers in-home ABA therapy in Miami, as well as at schools, and in the community. They also conduct remote, online ABA therapy via telehealth. 

    As returning to school can be a challenging transition for some children, Autism Specialty Group offers a balanced approach to creating a treatment plan that is tailored to the student’s individual requirements to facilitate a smooth transition. 

    Autism Specialty Group also provides training and career development to enable more talented individuals to enter this crucial sector. Their purpose is to build on each other’s talents and collaborate so that the children they serve can achieve their greatest potential. They are currently hiring RBTs, BCaBAs, BCBAs.

    Interested readers are invited to visit https://www.autismspecialtygroup.com/ for more information. 

    About Autism Specialty Group

    Autism Specialty Group is one of South Florida’s leading behavioral health organizations treating children on the autism spectrum. Their comprehensive approach to treatment includes ABA therapy, which offers an evidence-based approach to helping children with autism improve their communication and social skills and better advocate for their needs at school and in the home. They also provide caregiver training to assist parents and other care providers in creating and maintaining positive changes.

    Source: Autism Specialty Group

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