Planned Parenthood app allows real-time consult with physicians

COEUR d’ALENE — Planned Parenthood launched a new web application in Idaho that will allow users to consult with their physicians over a secure real-time video to order birth control or STD test kits.

But in Idaho, you still have to see a doctor to get a prescription to terminate a pregnancy.

“The app is only for birth control medication and STDs,” said Planned Parenthood Spokesperson Katie Rogers.

Rogers said Planned Parenthood is aware of the recently passed Telehealth Access Act, and the app does not violate that act.

The new app allows people to talk to a Planned Parenthood provider online and face to face through a secure video consultation system, and then receive birth control or an sexually transmitted disease test kit and treatment, if necessary, in the mail.

The mobile app will bring reproductive health care services directly to women and men across the state.

“Planned Parenthood Care provides the same high-quality health care people have trusted Planned Parenthood to provide for nearly 100 years. What’s new is now our clinicians can literally meet people where they are — wherever they are — to get them the care they need,” said Chris Charbonneau, CEO of Planned Parenthood in the region, in a press release. “Telehealth is an incredible tool in expanding access to care. We know that life gets busy and that is why we are proud to lead with this technology that allows us to deliver health care and information to people who need it, regardless of their location.”

Planned Parenthood launched Planned Parenthood Care in Washington in 2014 and in Alaska in 2015.

“Idaho is uniquely positioned to benefit from this service given the geography of this great state and the limited access to local health centers,” said Hannah Brass Greer, Idaho Legislative Director at Planned Parenthood. “This app allows people to consult with a physician in real time via video on their device and determine what makes the most sense for them. It provides convenient access to Planned Parenthood’s trusted, high quality health care.”

The app is available at the app store or from Google Play, but at present health care can only be delivered through Planned Parenthood Care to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota and Washington.