An App for Birth Control service and delivery?

[ErikJ]

http://www.wowktv.com/story/31488420/birth-control-delivery-service-with-new-app

3/16/16

CHARLESTON- West Virginia women could soon have access to birth control just by going on their smart phone. It's part of a new a birth control delivery service with an app called Nurx.

"I definitely think it's a good idea because people don't have access to it always and people don't always have the money either. And some people don't drive," Courtney Woodall explained.

An app called Nurx hopes to break down these barrier for women across the country. Users would simply fill out a medical history questionnaire, and physicians who work with the website make recommendations as to the best form and brand of birth control. Within a few days the medication is shipped to your door for free.

"Cause students, they have class all the time, they can't necessarily get the appointment to get it filled, it would be a great option for this state," Hope Peters added.

"I'm only 18 so my parents can't always take me to the doctor's office to get it for me. So I think it'd be pretty useful," said Mia Fields.

The CDC still recommends going for your annual gynecological examine.But Nurx allows women to skip doctors visits soley for a prescription renewal.

"I don't think every time exactly you should do it. I think yes you should go to your doctor if there's something wrong. But every single time, no I don't believe it's necessary. I think the app would be a good way to shortcut around that," Peters added.

"I mean I definitely think you should have regular doctor checkups. But if it's just for something as simple as birth control I think that plan with getting it delivered, I think that's a really good idea," said Woodall.

With the app service, most birth controls are free with insurance or $15 without insurance. Right now the app only serves New York and California, but hopes to serve women nationwide within the next few years.

[swarmster]

1. Birth Control App

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this posted here at DU. I actually work for Nurx (the company in this article) and joined the company about a year ago because of the focus on increasing access to care.

Each year there are nearly three million unintended pregnancies, many of which are due to not having access to contraception. This issue disproportionately impacts lower income women and families. Instead of having to take time off work, physically visiting the doctor's office, as well as monthly pharmacy visits, with Nurx, women are able to get a prescription from a physician through our app, and have their contraception delivered right to their door.

How it Works:
1.) Each patient answers the same questions they would have to answer when visiting a doctor's office to get their birth control, and can ask the doctor any questions through the app.

2.) The prescription is then sent to the pharmacy.

3.) Finally, it is sent directly to the patient's door within a few days.

Right now, it normally takes between two and five business days from the time someone submits their request, for them to receive their prescription. In the next year, we hope to have this down to just two hours.

Very soon, people will be able to access PrEP (HIV prevention medication) through the app as well. This is important because, access is still a huge problem for this prevention method.