Accessing Contraception via Telehealth

The ease and convenience of telehealth make it a particularly well-suited option for contraception. It can take the stress out of getting a new script when you start dating, help access a repeat eScript and fill it in a jiffy and even lets you check on the morning-after-pill without heading to the doctor’s clinic. Low consultation prices and short wait times can make it an even more attractive option. If you’d like to find out about some of the fastest providers – both specialised and comprehensive -, read on.

Really, you are pretty much spoilt for choice when it comes to accessing contraception online, as most providers offer access. I’d recommend looking for providers with short wait times, high ratings, and fast delivery times (if you don’t want to fill your script at your local pharmacy yourself). If you haven’t got a regular provider yet, you could check out MediCompare’s provider reviews. There are also specialised telehealth providers, which may be a good choice if you have any underlying conditions, such as endometriosis, that require a more knowledgeable doctor. Here are some of your top choices overall:

Specialised Women’s Health Providers

• Kin Fertility is a top-rated women-focused specialised provider, which offers comprehensive telehealth fertility consults. Its popular birth control pill subscription service is currently not accepting new patients, but you can still register for the wait list.
• Clinic66 Online is a women’s health-focused telehealth provider with expert GPs. The provider offers rebates on many of its services, too.
• Youly by Hub.Health has a strong women’s health focus, including access to consults for new scripts for the pill for $35. It also includes a range of mostly prescription-based solutions for conditions from menopause to weight loss.

• NextClinic offers comprehensive, highly rated telehealth services, including affordable access to contraception. You can search for the script you’re after and attend a consult for $29.95.
• Hola Health is a fast 24/7 telehealth provider, which has one of the shortest wait times and 2-hour express delivery in metro areas.
• InstantScripts offers what its name suggests: quick access to prescription repeats, including birth control, available via a questionnaire and quick consult, where required.

Free or Fully Bulk-Billed Services

Access to contraceptive health for women is a priority in Australia. This means there are plenty of local and nationwide services offering free consults and scripts. Below is a snapshot of three types of providers: comprehensive telehealth, women’s health-specific providers and government-funded telehealth.

• Abby Health has a wide range of fully bulk-billed services, including contraceptive health consults.
• Sistr specialises in women’s health telehealth only and offers fully bulk-billed pill refill consultations.
• Victorian Virtual Health Women’s Clinic [1] is a government-funded initiative offering free access to contraceptive health services for women.

Getting help with contraception via telehealth is simple and takes just a few steps with most providers. Here’s what you can expect:

• Registration + Online Health Questionnaire: Begin by registering your details, including Medicare and credit card information, before filling out a secure online form detailing your medical history and specific contraceptive needs.
• Telehealth Consult: An AHPRA-registered doctor, sometimes a GP, reviews your information before a brief phone or video consultation. They’ll check that the requested contraception is the right one for you or advise on other options.
• Electronic Prescription (eScript): Once approved, you’ll generally receive your prescription electronically as a unique token via SMS or email.
• Pharmacy Dispensing: If you want, some services can handle the pharmacy and delivery parts of filling your eScript. Alternatively, you can fill it at your local pharmacy.

Specific Contraception Needs

Telehealth gives you easy access to three essential contraception needs, as well as referrals to specialists, for example, to be fitted with an IUD or have your hormones checked.

• New Scripts: You’ll need a telehealth consultation to access a new prescription. The consulting doctor will discuss the best options for your health and lifestyle.
• Repeats: Renewing existing scripts often requires just a questionnaire and a very quick doctor’s review. It’s often highly affordable, even when using private telehealth providers.
• Morning-After Pill (Emergency Contraception): You don’t actually need a consult or script for the morning-after pill. These are available over the counter at pharmacies. If you require more information or a script for the more effective ulipristal type, you may benefit from a confidential telehealth consult. It may also help you discuss ongoing contraceptive care to avoid the need for future emergency contraception.

You have a range of options for contraceptive care via telehealth. These include specialised women’s health clinics, comprehensive providers, and bulk-billed services. Costs are often low, and wait times tend to be short, making it a good choice for repeat scripts and new birth control prescriptions. The easy access to specialised, high-quality care from reputable providers, including GP consults, makes telehealth a good choice, especially if you live remotely, are travelling interstate, or can’t get to your own GP in time.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice. Please choose your provider with care. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional regarding any health-related questions or concerns.

[1] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/services-and-support/virtual-womens-health-clinic