Planned Parenthood of Montana launches new telehealth service

Press release

BILLINGS — Planned Parenthood of Montana announced the launch of a new telehealth program in Montana, which allows patients to access health care services through a private and secure video conferencing platform that connects them with Planned Parenthood of Montana’s providers.

“Planned Parenthood of Montana is here with you — wherever you are. We are proud to use technology and innovation to reach people with the health care and information they need, when they need it. In these uncertain times, we’re committed to connecting patients to care — no matter what,” said Martha Stahl, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Montana.

Through telehealth, patients can access services with fewer visits to the health center or without needing to visit a health center at all — helping protect both patients and staff.

Many of the services provided by PPMT are now available using telehealth, including birth control consultations and initial prescriptions, screening for STIs, gender affirming care for transgender people, options counseling and more.

“We know that your sexual and reproductive health care can’t wait. As we weather this challenging time together, we don’t want you to worry about your birth control, learning your pregnancy options, or accessing STI tests and cancer screenings,” Stahl said. “PPMT is doing everything we can to make your life easier and get you the information and care you need in timely and personalized ways. Whether we provide services in person, online, or by phone — we’re here with you.”

Planned Parenthood of Montana encourages everyone to follow the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health officials to reduce their risk of getting any respiratory virus or spreading one to others. This includes Montana’s stay-at-home order and washing hands often with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and practicing social distancing if COVID-19 is spreading in ones community.

The safety and health of patients, staff, and broader communities remains PPMT’s highest priority as the country faces an unprecedented public health crisis. Self isolation and social distancing are ways people can care for themselves and each other. PPMT’s health is connected, and can all do its part to take care of people, their health and their community.

For more information about connecting to PPMT through telehealth, people can call their local health center. Contact information is available at http://www.plannedparenthood.org/montana .

PPMT’s five health centers in Montana offer a wide range of sexual and reproductive health care services, and in more than 16,000 visits annually, patients depend on PPMT for expert, affordable, compassionate health care.