LGBTQ+ healthcare is like any other person's healthcare in many ways, but sometimes, the unique needs of our community require a unique approach. From navigating a higher risk of getting certain sexually transmitted infections and preventing HIV to mental health and gender-affirming care(opens in a new tab), there are a lot of factors to consider.
One way that healthcare is changing for the better is through telemedicine, or the use of technology to provide care remotely. This can be anything from attending a virtual group counseling session with other LGBTQ individuals to receiving at-home HIV tests in the mail.
At PrEP2Me, we believe that everyone deserves easy and convenient care to remain HIV-negative, which is why we're making PrEP more accessible than ever before. We're using technology to prevent HIV by prescribing, mailing, and refilling pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) entirely online.
With PrEP2Me, you can access your PrEP medication from anywhere in the United States without having to go into a doctor's office or pharmacy.
Here are a few other reasons why telemedicine is changing the face of LGBTQ+ healthcare for the better:
Providing Continuous Support
Whether you're managing a chronic condition like an HIV infection, working through mental health struggles, or just navigating life as a sexually-active gay person, it's important to have continuity of care. This means being able to see the same doctor or provider every time you need care, and not having to start from scratch with each new appointment.
With telemedicine, you aren't constrained to the schedule of a brick-and-mortar doctor's office in order to get the continuous care you need. You can have video or phone appointments on your own time, and receive continuous care and support. This includes HIV treatment, which can be complex and requires regular monitoring.
Offering Discreet Care
There are still many areas of the country where it isn't safe or easy to be openly gay. In these cases, telemedicine can provide a much-needed lifeline to discreet and confidential care. This is especially important for:
- LGBTQ who may not have the support of their family or community and may be reluctant to seek care
- Transgender women, men, and nonbinary individuals, who may not feel safe or respected in a traditional doctor's office near them
- Anyone who needs STD testing or treatment, which can be stigmatizing
- Those who haven't disclosed their HIV status, and may not want to do so in person
Even with PrEP2Me, any package you receive from us will be discreet, with no mention of PrEP or our company name on the outside. We understand that not everyone is ready or able to be out about their PrEP use, and we respect your privacy and ensure that your HIV-health information is private and secure(opens in a new tab).
Making Health Care More Convenient
Between work, family, and social obligations, it can be hard to find time to schedule clinic visits, follow-up appointments, and lab tests for HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections. Telemedicine makes LGBTQ+ healthcare more convenient by eliminating the need to take time off work or find childcare in order to see a provider.
For example, with PrEP2Me, you can complete your entire PrEP journey online, from consulting with a specialist who can prescribe HIV prevention medication to having your valid prescription refilled.
We even ship your medication directly to your door, so you don't have to worry about going to the pharmacy.
Reducing Barriers to Care
There are many barriers that prevent LGBTQ individuals from getting the care they need, including stigma, discrimination, life circumstances, and lack of access to providers who are fully competent in meeting the needs of a gay or trans patient.
If you live in a remote area or don't have easy access to LGBTQ-competent care, telemedicine can also help you connect with providers who understand your unique needs.
For HIV-negative people, including those whose sexual partner is HIV positive, being able to access PrEP and other HIV prevention options online is a game-changer. Starting PrEP can be difficult, with many potential obstacles along the way. But with PrEP2Me, you can get the care and support you need to help reduce your risk of HIV, all from the comfort of your own home.
Prescription Refills Anytime, Anywhere
Taking PrEP is a highly-effective way to provide protection against HIV infection: IF you take it every day.
But if even if you've been prescribed PrEP, you may run out of your medication or have a hard time getting to the pharmacy. In this situation, you may not be able to take it as prescribed. This puts you at risk for HIV infection.
A virtual HIV PrEP clinic like PrEP2Me helps to eliminate this barrier by allowing you to request a PrEP refill online, anytime, anywhere. We'll even send your PrEP medications directly to your door, so you never have to worry about running out of PrEP again.
PrEP is just one of two medications that can prevent HIV infection, the other being PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV, so it's important to have access to this medication as soon as possible. While it's not effective to get PEP online, having virtual access to a provider who can prescribe PEP can make all the difference. If you think you may have been exposed, and you're in Western PA or Ohio, contact Central Outreach Wellness Center for a PEP consultation.
Reducing the Cost of Competent Care
In many cases, telemedicine can make treatment more affordable by eliminating the need for travel and other expenses associated with in-person care.
This is especially helpful for LGBTQ individuals who live in rural areas, where there may not be any providers who are trained to provide competent care. By eliminating the need to travel long distances for care, telemedicine can help reduce the overall cost of treatment.
PrEP2Me is committed to making HIV prevention accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of their health insurance company. We not only accept all kinds of health insurance plans, but we'll provide you with a PrEP prescription even if you have zero prescription drug coverage.
Get Your PrEP Prescription Online
In short, telemedicine is changing the landscape of healthcare for LGBTQ individuals by providing easier access to care, reducing barriers to care, and making it more convenient to get the medications you need. These are just a few of the ways that telemedicine is improving LGBTQ healthcare.
That's why PrEP2Me is proud to prescribe PrEP online and do our part to stop HIV. Our process is simple, user-friendly, and comes with the virtual support of a real doctor who can answer all of your questions. To get started, just fill out our online form.
If you’re looking for compassionate, culturally competent, in-person health care providers in Western Pennsylvania or Ohio, please don’t hesitate to visit us at Central Outreach Wellness Center.
At PrEP2Me, we make it easy and accessible to stay protected from HIV!
