Latest news with #telehealth
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Your complete guide to getting menopause help online
Menopause is having a moment. Celebrities are speaking up, the menopause wellness industry is booming and there's a good chance your Insta feed is overflowing with #menobelly content. But there's still one place where "menopause" remains something of a whisper: the doctor's office. Scratch that — more often than not, it's your brick-and-mortar doctor's office where menopause is still treated like a side note, if it's addressed at all. Enter the age of menopause telehealth — where online clinics are reshaping how women access midlife care, one video visit at a time. Roughly 42% of women now use telemedicine, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And specialized menopause clinics — like Midi Health, MenopauseRX and others — have exploded onto the scene in response, with multiple startups launching in just the past few years. As Dr. Sherry Ross, ob-gyn at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. and author of She-ology, puts it, "This surge in virtual menopause care solves many of the ongoing problems with our current health care system." But are online menopause clinics sacrificing quality for convenience? Here's what you need to know: Why you might need a menopause specialist — not just your regular doctor You have a doctor. You trust them. Maybe they delivered your baby, got you through your annual Pap with nary a wince or called in your UTI scripts approximately a zillion times. But when it comes to perimenopause and menopause? Even the most dependable physician might not be up to speed. Carolyn G. from Napa, Calif., didn't even bother reaching out to her regular doctor when her menopausal symptoms flared. "A health coach recommended Midi, a telehealth option, and that's where I found what I needed — someone who specialized specifically in menopause care." Her story isn't unusual. A 2025 survey of 1,000 women aged 45 to 60 found that nearly 71% said their doctor didn't adequately prepare them for menopause — or offer a thorough discussion of treatment options. Another 1,000 person survey found that 50% of women who have discussed menopause with their provider said they were the ones who initiated the conversation — not their physician. Part of the problem? Most medical training barely touches menopause. According to a 2019 Mayo Clinic report, only 7% of medical residents said they felt prepared to manage it. To put it simply, "there's an urgent need for appropriate menopause care, and telehealth platforms can fulfill some of this need," says Dr. Robin Noble, a gynecologist in Portland, Maine, and the chief medical adviser at Let's Talk Menopause, a nonprofit working to improve menopause care. How menopause telehealth works — and when it's worth it Before the pandemic, nearly every woman — 92% — wanted to see their menopause provider face-to-face. By 2022, that number slid to 71%, according to a report in the journal Patient Related Outcome Measures, reflecting a clear trend: Women are becoming more comfortable turning to screens for symptom relief, answers and evidence-based support. And providers get it. "Same-day care in the comfort of your home, affordable and flexible scheduling and easy access to knowledgeable providers — that's a big win when you need life-changing guidance through the hormonal chaos of menopause," says Ross. But it's not just about convenience. Telehealth allows health care providers to reach women in menopause in underserved areas where there's a paucity of certified menopause specialists, as noted in a video released by the Menopause Society. That accessibility — and focus — is a major part of the appeal. "Theoretically, most menopausal symptoms can be managed virtually," says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the Menopause Society. Those include many of the most common struggles, such as: Hot flashes Night sweats Sleep problems Mood changes Weight gain Low libido Vaginal dryness (in some cases) For many women, virtual care has been a turning point. Two years after Carolyn G. started her menopause telehealth journey, she reports that the care she's received has been "nothing short of transformative." When virtual menopause care can fall short Still, not every woman going through menopause can — or should — turn to online clinics for guidance and treatment. According to an editorial in the journal Climacteric, many women with co-morbidities don't fit in the menopause-only telehealth model. Telemedicine simply can't replace regular clinical examinations and in-depth screenings. It's nearly impossible for a virtual menopause visit to properly address acute clinical problems such as vaginal discharge, unexpected bleeding or breast lumps. Noble agrees, says that "abnormal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, vaginal discharge and breast masses are symptoms that should always be managed in person." These symptoms can point to more serious issues that require a physical exam or additional testing. Even vaginal dryness, which is often addressed virtually, has its limitations. "Symptoms like vulvar dryness or irritation may be caused by other conditions — such as vulvar dermatoses — that can't be properly diagnosed without an in-person visit," says Faubion. Ross adds that when symptoms are complex or unclear, it's safest to see someone face-to-face. Not sure when to see someone in person? Here's when it matters most: Irregular or postmenopausal bleeding Painful intercourse Vaginal irritation or discharge Urinary issues Breast or skin changes Dizziness or vertigo Persistent headaches Unexplained fatigue How to find the best menopause telehealth provider for you While dutifully typing "how to find a menopause telehealth provider" into your search engine is certainly one way to start looking, it may not be the best strategy. Here's how to skip the digital noise and find care that actually fits. Contact your insurance provider. Not appealing, we know! But knowing what's covered and what's not is a great starting point. Aetna, for example, covers virtual visits to both Midi and Gennev, but you'll still need to double-check your own benefits because coverage varies wildly. Also ask whether lab work and prescription therapies are included. Look beyond teleclinics: While it's no doubt a struggle to locate an in-person menopause specialist, many traditional providers offer telehealth appointments. In fact, the CDC reports that nearly 60% of medical specialists now use telemedicine for at least a quarter of their patient visits — and a solid 1 in 4 use it for half or more. That means your local gynecologist — or meno rock star, if you're lucky — might already offer virtual care. Even Faubion, who's also director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health in Jacksonville, Fla., offers video visits for her patients with menopause. Find a certified specialist. "At a minimum, your provider needs to have a medical license, and ideally they should be certified in menopause management by the Menopause Society, known as a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP)," says Faubion. To locate a care provider who fits the bill, search the Menopause Society directory. It's not exhaustive, but it's one of the best places to start. Check for smart safeguards. "Telehealth companies should have clear policies on data privacy and storage, security measures for patient-doctor communication, secure login protocols, compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and easy customer support access," says Ross. Ask around. Look beyond the homepage hype — real users will tell you how responsive the care team is, whether prescriptions were personalized and if the costs were what they expected. Start by asking friends, family and even colleagues if you're comfortable. Then, of course, Google the platform name plus 'reviews,' checking resources like Trustpilot and Reddit. Red flags to watch for in online menopause clinics Online menopause care can be convenient and effective — but not every clinic is created equal. Here's what to watch for. Rushing through your medical history: "From what I've seen, most online platforms don't take a good medical history," says Faubion. Quality menopause care starts with understanding your complete health picture, including a comprehensive review of your physical and mental health history, current symptoms and any medications you're taking. Dropping the ball with follow-ups: "These platforms can help with access, but they don't always deliver ongoing follow-up — and that's a problem," says Noble. Proper care requires regular monitoring of your progress as well as communication with your broader care team when needed. Lacking teamwork: "My biggest concern is not the online model itself — it's the lack of integration with a patient's other medical care that's troubling," says Faubion. Coordinated care matters, especially for patients managing other health issues alongside menopause. Without it, important context can be missed — and that can affect treatment safety and outcomes. Pushing unnecessary testing: Here's something that might surprise you: hormone testing is neither required nor recommended before starting hormone therapy, according to experts. That's because there's no ideal targeted hormone level that determines safe and effective HRT dosage. In most cases, symptoms — not lab results — should guide treatment. Always ask how a test will inform your treatment. Pressuring you to buy their products: "The emphasis should always be on patient care, education and treatment management — not on selling supplements or in-house products," says Ross. "If you feel pressured to buy in-house products over receiving quality care, you may not be using the right company for your medical needs." Instead, look for companies that send prescriptions to independent pharmacies — it's a good sign that the provider is prioritizing your health over their sales. How to prepare for a menopause telehealth visit Telehealth works best when you're prepared. Before your appointment, make notes about: Bothersome symptoms Medical and family history Current medications Any recent test results that might be relevant At the same time, "think about your goals and preferences — are you open to hormone therapy? Do you want lifestyle-focused recommendations?" says Noble. "Having clarity going in makes the visit far more productive." Once you're on, ask what to expect from treatment, what to do if side effects come up and whether follow-ups are built in. "Patients should ask whether the provider will monitor for effectiveness and communicate with their existing care team," says Faubion. "Also ask if they'll review or order routine screenings like mammograms and Pap smears, and follow up on the results if needed." The more you bring to the table, the more useful and personalized your virtual visit will be. Best menopause telehealth clinics to consider There are a lot of online menopause clinics out there so finding the right one takes some effort. While this is in no way a complete list, here are a handful that we think are worth looking into: Midi Health Midi earns an impressive "Excellent" rating from Trustpilot and is staffed by clinicians trained specifically in menopause and midlife health. They accept insurance (including Medicare in some states), offer built-in follow-up and care coordination and allow prescriptions to be filled at the pharmacy of your choice. Plus, Midi is available in all 50 states. While most reviewers praise Midi's care and service — including Carolyn, above — one Trustpilot user noted it may be better suited for those seeking hormone therapy. "I have a special circumstance of a blood clot disorder, so unfortunately HRT isn't helpful for me," she wrote. "I felt they really focused on pushing hormones." MyMenopauseRx While not as wide-reaching as Midi, MyMenopauseRX (available in 29 states) offers appointments with certified menopause specialists, they accept insurance and allow patients to fill prescriptions at their preferred pharmacy. The fact that "Rx" is in the name is a little off-putting — and some reviewers do feel like HRT is being heavily promoted — however, most of their Google reviews are positive, with one noting: "The level of compassion and care was impeccable. I wasn't treated like a number." Gennev Available in all 50 states and accepted by insurance, Gennev offers virtual visits with board-certified, menopause-trained doctors who. if needed, can recommend follow-up care with menopause-trained dietitians or mental health specialists. And prescriptions be filled by outside pharmacies. While they do sell some branded wellness products, this isn't central to their operation. Gennev's limited Trustpilot reviews leave a lot to be desired, but feedback in Real Patient Reviews is stellar. Maven Clinic Maven Clinic is not quite like the others. While it does deliver online menopause care, it's through your employer and health plan benefits. That means you can't sign up directly unless it's offered through your job. But if it is, you get access to menopause-trained ob-gyns, NPs, therapists, pelvic floor physical therapists, nutritionists and more. Right now, Maven's menopause program is offered by around 40 employers (including Amazon, BuzzFeed and, yes, Yahoo). If it's part of your benefits, it's a strong option to consider. As one Reddit user noted: "My Maven doctor was the first doctor to actually listen to me!" Menopause telehealth: What to keep in mind moving forward Samantha S. of Studio City, Calif., started her HRT journey with Midi Health after a colleague referral turned into a symptom breakthrough: "I don't think I would have addressed my symptoms or started HRT if I hadn't discovered Midi," she says. "They educated me, enabled me to jump in, figure out what I needed and get started with treatment ASAP." Telehealth got her in the door — but after a couple of years, she made the switch to in-person care with a gynecologist. "I ultimately just felt like she had more experience and knowledge, and preferred working with an MD who had a higher level of training," Samantha S. says. Her doctor helped fine-tune her treatment, adjusting dosage and delivery to better suit her needs. Noble isn't totally surprised. "Forming a trusted partnership between patient and healthcare provider is extremely important in an area of medicine like menopausal care, that is truly so nuanced and individualized," she says. "And it's simply more challenging to build that trust via telemedicine — but that doesn't mean it can't work." In the end, virtual menopause care can be a powerful starting point — one that gets you answers faster and helps you feel seen. But staying open to in-person expertise — especially as your care evolves — can make all the difference to your long-term results and experience as you navigate this phase of life. Meet the experts Stephanie Faubion, MD, director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health in Jacksonville, Fla., and medical director of the Menopause Society Sherry Ross, MD, ob-gyn at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women's Intimate Health. Period. Robin Noble, MD, a gynecologist in Portland, Maine, and chief medical adviser at Let's Talk Menopause, a nonprofit working to improve menopause care Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Wall Street Journal
15 hours ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Can Novo Nordisk's New CEO Stop Rivals From Taking Over the Anti-Obesity Market?
In April, Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk formed what was supposed to be a long-term collaboration to promote its weight-loss drug Wegovy on the popular telehealth service Hims & Hers. The deal was Novo's bid to grab back market share from the cheaper, knockoff versions that Hims & Hers and other telehealth companies were selling.
ABC News
2 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Clients 'disgusted and appalled' by Ramsay Health Care psychology clinic shutdowns
Defence veteran Kate* has battled mental illness for more than a decade, at one point even attempting to take her own life. "I sort of hit rock bottom two and a half years ago again. I asked for help this time, which was good, and I've been getting help ever since with Ramsay," she said. "My psychologist gets me like no one else does." Kate was making significant progress before she received news from her therapist that her local Ramsay Psychology clinic would close at the end of August. Kate's psychologist told her Ramsay Health wanted to transition patients to telehealth appointments. "It feels like [Ramsay Health] didn't want [our psychologists] to tell us so that when we did find out, we would have no choice but to stay with them doing telehealth … instead of allowing our psychologist to work with us to sort something else out beforehand," she said. Last week, the ABC revealed Ramsay Health Care would close 17 of its 20 psychology clinics within weeks, citing concerns like rising costs and uneven demand. A briefing note sent to staff said Ramsay Health Care was "exploring the merits" of expanding its existing psychology telehealth services. The ABC has spoken to multiple psychologists employed at Ramsay Psychology clinics who did not want to be identified because they are not authorised to speak publicly. They said staff were "left completely in the dark" about the decision to close the clinics, describing the company's communication to staff as "appalling" and "shambolic". They also claim there were "zero warning signs" the clinics they worked at were about to close and that they were initially instructed not to communicate the planned closures to some of their patients and were given little time to plan. "It's heartbreaking to see our clients left out there in the community with no support," one psychologist told the ABC. "We have clients who have been attending our clinics for years and a lot of them have come out of sessions crying, because the psychologist told them that they will no longer be seen by them. "We will have to find a space to see these vulnerable clients and sometimes they are just not easy to find." Psychologists said they were told their contracts would be ending, but they might be able to pick up telehealth sessions, however it was unclear what that model would look like. Ramsay Health Care is Australia's largest private hospital operator, and its psychology clinics treat a range of high-risk patients with various mental health conditions, including young children, for conditions like depression or PTSD. The provider also runs a separate network of mental health clinics, however they will not be affected by the change. The President of the Australian Psychological Society, Dr Sara Quinn, said the closure of Ramsay Health's psychology clinics across multiple states would have a big impact on its patients. "When a local psychological service closes, it doesn't just remove that place for these people to go, it removes that trusted pathway into care for those who are most vulnerable," she said. "A closure forces people to start again with a new clinician if they're able to find one. And that can, for some people, involve retelling incredibly traumatic and difficult histories, navigating systems that they've never navigated before. "It can then lead to people falling through the cracks." Dr Quinn said clients with the most acute needs would be disproportionately affected. "The clinics that have been closed are closely connected to hospital mental health systems," she said. "People on psychiatry wait lists or those recently discharged from hospital are going to then lose critical follow-up care at the very moment they're potentially most at risk. "So instead of stabilising there, they're left in limbo and we know that many will deteriorate or even end up back in emergency or relapse to the point of needing another hospital admission," she said. Dr Quinn said the clinic closures have also sent shock waves through the profession. "Without urgent reform, closures like this are going to become more common and even more Australians will miss out on the mental health care they need and deserve." One week after Kate learned her local clinic was closing, she received an email from Ramsay Psychology confirming it would shut its doors at the end of August and offer clients telehealth sessions instead. Kate will be able to continue seeing her psychologist in person at another clinic but she said if that was not the case, she would have been "scrambling to find another one" because "there's no way I would have continued with Ramsay." In a statement, Ramsay Health Care said it, "has been working closely with psychologists and other stakeholders to ensure a safe and considered transition for clients impacted". The provider also said it had asked "psychologists to communicate directly with their clients and support them to continue care — either through our expanded telehealth services or with another trusted provider" and that "clients are being informed as part of this process". *Name has been changed to protect identity.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
SkyMD inaugurates clinic in New Mexico to provide dermatology services
Dermatological services provider SkyMD has inaugurated a new clinic in New Mexico, US, enhancing specialised skin care accessibility for the local population. The Albuquerque-based facility introduces a hybrid model of care by providing in-person appointments, as well as virtual services for tele-dermatology. Local patients can now access direct consultations with board-certified medical doctors at the clinic, which complements SkyMD's telehealth platform. This care approach provides flexible options for individuals seeking expert dermatological care, ranging from routine skin checks to complex conditions and outpatient surgical procedures. SkyMD has a focus on skin cancer, with the new clinic employing dermatologists proficient in the diagnosis, early detection, and treatment of different skin cancer types. These include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. SkyMD CEO Bart Calame said: "We are thrilled to bring SkyMD's patient-centric approach and specialised dermatology services to Albuquerque. "Our mission is to provide exceptional, accessible skin care. By opening this new clinic, we are not only expanding our footprint but also offering a unique hybrid model that combines the convenience of telehealth with the personalised care of in-person visits, particularly for critical areas like skin cancer detection and treatment. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Albuquerque healthcare landscape." The Albuquerque clinic's range of services includes cosmetic, general, and surgical dermatology, along with specialised procedures, with a particular focus on skin cancer screenings and medical dermatology. All health insurance plans available in the state are accepted by SkyMD. "SkyMD inaugurates clinic in New Mexico to provide dermatology services" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
WeightWatchers boss says ‘exciting work to do' amid impact of weight loss jabs
WeightWatchers was slower to adapt to the emergence of anti-obesity jabs than rivals, its boss has admitted, as the 62-year-old brand strives to catch up with rapidly evolving attitudes towards weight loss. Tara Comonte, chief executive of the US-based business, said it had a lot of work to do after going through a 'reset'. WeightWatchers recently announced it had emerged from bankruptcy after writing off a portion of the 1.15 billion US dollar (£860 million) debt on its balance sheet. It came as the business was competing with the emergence of GLP-1s – the scientific term for weight loss jabs, which work by reducing food cravings – and a new wave of apps and advice spreading on social media. Ms Comonte told the PA news agency that it 'wasn't as quick to medical weight loss solutions' as some other firms in the US, notably so-called 'telehealth' businesses that offer healthcare remotely. WeightWatchers, which runs some 20,000 workshops each month globally, is now 'at the beginning of the journey' towards forging a new place in the industry and meeting demand from current and future members, Ms Comonte said. 'This whole industry is going through somewhat of a reset and we have exciting work to do,' she told the PA news agency. 'This is a moment where, possibly more than ever before, people are talking about weight, and weight health… where people are seeking more education than ever before, and there are more voices than ever before.' Ms Comonte said the brand was known for 'trust and science' and it was important to harness that 'as there are more and more voices in the ecosystem'. WeightWatchers recently partnered with anti-obesity drugs provider CheqUp in the UK so patients taking the medication can access its 'companion' diet and lifestyle support app. It forms part of its efforts to muscle into the market by offering behavioural strategies and community-based support to people using or coming off the medication. 'There's no 'us and them' anymore,' Ms Comonte told PA, hitting back at weight loss jabs often being pitted as rivals to its model. Dr Kim Boyde, WeightWatchers' newly appointed chief medical officer, said not all its members will want or need weight loss medication – but stressed that it was 'imperative' the programme offers it to those that might benefit. Recent estimates suggest that about 1.5 million people in the UK are taking weight loss jabs. Health officials have suggested that they can help to turn the tide on obesity, but have stressed they are not a silver bullet and do come with side effects.
