When you need to talk with a health care professional about birth control, gender-affirming hormone therapy, or STI tests, you need to be able to access that care quickly and easily. But we know it’s not always easy to take time off work, navigate transportation, or coordinate childcare so you can visit a health center. Prioritizing your health shouldn't have to mean sacrificing your time or money.
This is why we are proud to offer virtual telehealth visits through our Virtual Health Center. Telehealth appointments give you back more of your time and ensure you can get health care that fits best in your life.
Here are answers to some common questions you may want to ask about telehealth at PPGOH:
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth provides you with an appointment where you can meet online with one of our trusted care providers. For telehealth appointments, you don’t need to come into a health center. You’ll be connecting with your provider from anywhere in Ohio via a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
What are the Benefits of Telehealth?
With our Virtual Health Center, you can access the high-quality, compassionate reproductive health care you deserve at a time and place that’s convenient for you. We recognize our patients have busy schedules and spending time in a waiting room or being stuck in traffic on the way to an appointment is less than ideal. We also understand how the costs of transportation, gas, childcare, or taking time off work can add up when you’re planning your care appointment. With telehealth, say goodbye to sacrificing your time or finances and hello to your health care, your way.
"I enjoyed the telehealth session because I was able to stay at home and work from home without taking time off, and I was still able to communicate my concerns and be treated."
– Telehealth Patient
You can tune into your telehealth appointment from your couch, on your lunch break, or your favorite safe place. Our Virtual Health Center also allows you to get the care you need faster with limited same-day appointments. PPGOH is here to provide the care you deserve – no matter what.
What Care Does PPGOH Provide with Telehealth?
Our clinicians can answer questions, manage your prescriptions, and help address sexual and reproductive health care needs remotely, including:
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Birth control
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HIV services
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Morning-after pill (emergency contraception)
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STI testing and treatment
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Gender-affirming hormone therapy
- Testosterone hormone therapy (commonly known as “masculinizing” hormone therapy)
- Estrogen/antiandrogen hormone therapy (commonly known as “feminizing” hormone therapy)
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Women’s health care
When are Telehealth Appointments Available?
You can meet with one of our clinicians through a telehealth appointment:
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9am-4pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
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11am-6pm on Thursdays
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9am-4pm on Fridays
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9am-2pm on every other Saturday
We also have same-day appointments available! (First come, first served.)
How do I book a telehealth appointment?
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Visit our Virtual Health Center.
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Click on one of the “Book Online” buttons located throughout the homepage.
- The “Book Online” button will direct you to a portal where you can select your reason for the visit. From there, the portal will ask you a few questions, one of which will be if you'd like to meet with a provider in-person or through telehealth.
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Select the telehealth option and you will see the upcoming available days and times for an appointment.
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Create a new “DocASAP” account or log in with your existing account.
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Finalize your telehealth appointment booking.
If you prefer to schedule your telehealth appointment over the phone, our call center is here for you! Give us a call at 800-230-7526 and a team member will help you schedule a telehealth appointment.
What Do I Need for My Telehealth Visit?
For your telehealth appointment, you will need access to the following:
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A smartphone (iPhone or Android), tablet, or computer with working video and sound.
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A reliable internet connection.
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A MyChart account, which lets you see your medications, upcoming appointments, and more through an app or web browser. If you are already a PPGOH patient, please access your patient portal. If you are new to PPGOH, a link to register will be sent via email shortly after you schedule your appointment.
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A safe, private space where you feel comfortable talking about your medical history and sexual health.
How Do I Prepare for My Telehealth Visit?
Check your MyChart account for any outstanding questionnaires that may be assigned to you. If you do not have MyChart yet, check your email once you’ve booked your appointment for an activation email.
Before your telehealth appointment, you will need to complete an e-check-in process, which is available through the green button under the “visits” tab in MyChart. You will have access to complete the e-check-in process within 24 hours of your appointment. Make sure to complete the e-check-in process at least 15 minutes before your scheduled visit to avoid delay and/or cancellation of your appointment.
On the day and time of your appointment, your appointment link will go live and you can log on as early as ten minutes before your appointment time. You can access your appointment either on a computer or via your phone, using our telehealth app. We recommend you test your technology ahead of time, so you feel comfortable as your appointment begins.
What Can I Expect During My Telehealth Visit?
During your telehealth visit, you can expect the same high-quality, inclusive, compassionate care you receive at our health centers.
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You’ll be greeted by a Telehealth Associate who will verify your name and the reason for your appointment.
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The Telehealth Associate will ask you some questions and obtain your consent for a video visit. Some of the questions will be about your medical history and sexual health, so it’s important to be in a private, safe area.
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Once you’re checked in, you’ll be placed in a virtual waiting room until your clinician connects for your visit.
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When your clinician connects via video, they’ll be focused on providing the care you need.
Is My Telehealth Visit Private?
Your telehealth appointment is safe and secure. It uses an easy-to-use video conferencing platform that meets all HIPAA and federal security guidelines. To ensure privacy, please find a safe and private space to conduct your appointment. Your Planned Parenthood provider will be conducting your video conferencing visit in a secure room to maintain your privacy and confidentiality.
Are Interpretation Services Available with Telehealth?
Yes, please let us know if you need an interpreter when scheduling your telehealth appointment. Interpreting services are available for most languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
How Do I Pay for My Telehealth Appointment?
Everyone deserves affordable health care. With or without insurance, you can always come to us for health care.
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If you don’t have Medicaid or insurance: The cost of a telehealth visit is $45 without insurance. Additional testing or prescriptions will be an extra cost. We’ll never turn you away from the care you need because of your inability to pay. If you’re worried about cost, ask us about how you can get health care that fits your budget.
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If you do have Medicaid or insurance: We accept most private insurance plans. Medicaid, Medicaid Family Planning Benefits Program, and Medicaid for Pregnant Women are also accepted.
- Most health insurance plans now cover prescription birth control, annual wellness exams, and STI/HIV screenings with no copay, and many other services with some copay required. Contact your health insurance company directly to make sure that the services you need are covered and what, if any, out of pocket costs you might have.
You can get your health care, your way at PPGOH. Our trusted providers are available online or in-person — whatever works best for you! To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 800-230-7526.
Tags: telemedicine, telehealth