Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health is using telehealth to increase access to contraceptives after Utah pharmacists were allowed to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptives directly to adult women in the state, TownLift reported July 6.
After filling out an online form, patients can connect with a clinician virtually, according to the story. After the consultation, contraceptives can be mailed to the patient. The video consultation costs $20. Some health plans will cover both the prescription and the virtual visit.
"Our biggest goal is to improve healthcare access for patients at a lower cost, and this new program does both," Carrie Dunford, PharmD, chief pharmacy officer for Intermountain Health, told the news outlet. "This will make care more convenient for our patients and ensure women anywhere in the state have timely access."