How to Schedule a Telehealth Visit With Planned Parenthood Online

How to book a Planned Parenthood telehealth appointment

You can schedule a telehealth visit with Planned Parenthood through their website or by calling your local health center directly. Most Planned Parenthood locations now offer video visits for certain services, including birth control consultations, STI testing and treatment, pregnancy options counseling, and routine gynecological care. The exact services available by video vary by location and state.

To book online, go to plannedparenthood.org, select your state, find your nearest health center, and look for the telehealth or video visit option on that center's page. You'll create an account, choose your visit type, pick an available time slot, and answer basic health questions before your appointment. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you prefer to call, have your zip code ready and ask whether telehealth visits are currently available for the service you need. Some health centers have high demand for video appointments and may have a wait, while others can schedule you within a few days.

Key Takeaways

• Planned Parenthood telehealth visits are booked through plannedparenthood.org or by calling your local health center, and availability depends on your location and the type of care you need.
• You will need to create an online account, answer health history questions, and have a private space with internet and a camera or phone for your video visit.
• Not all services are available by video — some procedures and exams require an in-person appointment at a health center.
• Telehealth visits typically cost the same as in-person visits, and Planned Parenthood offers sliding scale fees based on income if you don't have insurance.
• Your appointment confirmation and any prescriptions or test results will be sent to you through your online account after your visit.

What services are available by video

Planned Parenthood offers telehealth for preventive care and consultations, but not for procedures that require a physical exam or specimen collection. Birth control counseling and prescription refills, STI treatment (when you've already tested positive), pregnancy options discussions, and general sexual health questions are commonly available by video. Routine gynecological exams, pap smears, IUD insertions, and in-person STI testing are not available remotely.

When you're booking, the website will show you which services your local health center offers by telehealth. If the service you need isn't available online, you can schedule an in-person visit instead or ask whether you can do a partial telehealth visit — for example, a video consultation followed by an in-person exam on a different day.

What to prepare before your appointment

Have your insurance card or photo ID ready when you book, along with any recent test results or medical records from other providers if they're relevant to your visit. You don't need to fast or prepare your body in any special way for a telehealth visit, since no physical exam will happen during the call.

Choose a private, quiet space where you can talk without interruption — a bedroom with the door closed works well. Test your internet connection and camera or phone microphone a few minutes before your appointment time. Make sure you have good lighting on your face so the clinician can see you clearly. If you're using a phone, prop it up so your hands are free to take notes or answer questions.

If you think you might need a prescription filled after your visit, have your preferred pharmacy's name and phone number handy so you can give it to the clinician. Planned Parenthood can send prescriptions directly to most major pharmacies.

How the video visit works

A few minutes before your appointment time, you'll receive a link to join the video call through your Planned Parenthood account or by email. Click the link and allow access to your camera and microphone when prompted. The clinician — usually a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or doctor — will greet you and confirm your identity and date of birth.

The visit follows the same flow as an in-person appointment: the clinician will ask about your health history, reason for the visit, current medications, and any symptoms or concerns. They'll ask you questions to understand your situation and may ask you to show them something on camera (for example, a rash or skin concern). They won't perform a physical exam, but they can observe and listen to what you describe.

The whole visit usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. At the end, the clinician will discuss next steps, answer your questions, and let you know if they're prescribing anything or recommending follow-up care. Some visits result in a prescription sent to your pharmacy; others may include a referral for in-person testing or an in-person follow-up appointment.

Cost and insurance coverage

Telehealth visits at Planned Parenthood cost the same as in-person visits at that health center. If you have insurance, bring your card to your appointment and Planned Parenthood will bill your plan. Many insurance plans cover telehealth visits for preventive care with no copay, but some may charge a copay or require you to meet your deductible first.

If you don't have insurance or your plan doesn't cover the visit, Planned Parenthood uses a sliding scale fee based on your household income and family size. You can discuss your financial situation during your appointment, and the health center will work with you on cost. Some visits may be free or very low cost depending on your income.

After your appointment

Any prescriptions will be sent electronically to the pharmacy you chose, usually within a few hours. You can pick them up the same day or the next day depending on the pharmacy's hours. If you need a prescription refill in the future, you can often request it through your Planned Parenthood account without scheduling another visit.

If the clinician recommended STI testing or another in-person service, they'll give you instructions on how to schedule that appointment or where to go. Some health centers offer same-day or next-day in-person appointments for follow-up care. Your visit notes and any test results will be saved in your online account, and you can download them or print them if you need them for another provider.

If you have questions after your visit or your symptoms don't improve, contact your health center directly. Most Planned Parenthood locations have a nurse line you can call during business hours to ask follow-up questions without scheduling another appointment.

When you need an in-person appointment instead

Some situations require an in-person visit even if telehealth is available at your health center. If you need a pap smear, pelvic exam, IUD insertion, abortion care, or any procedure, you'll need to come in. If you have symptoms that might need a physical exam — like severe pelvic pain, unusual discharge, or a rash — the clinician may ask you to schedule an in-person visit instead of a telehealth call.

You can still book in-person appointments through the Planned Parenthood website or by phone. In-person visits typically take longer than telehealth visits because they include an exam, so plan for 45 minutes to an hour at the health center. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and any relevant medical records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get birth control prescribed through a telehealth visit?

Yes. A clinician can discuss birth control options with you by video, answer questions about different methods, and prescribe pills, patches, or rings. They cannot insert an IUD or implant by video — those require an in-person appointment. If you're starting a new method, the clinician may ask you to come in for a follow-up exam after a few months.

What if I don't have a camera or my internet is bad?

Call your local Planned Parenthood health center and explain your situation. Some locations may be able to schedule a phone-only visit instead of video, though this limits what the clinician can assess. If your internet is unreliable, an in-person visit is usually a better option.

Will my telehealth visit show up on my insurance bill?

Yes, if you use insurance, the visit will be billed to your plan and may appear on your explanation of benefits. If you're concerned about privacy, ask Planned Parenthood about paying out-of-pocket instead, or discuss your options with the health center before your appointment.

Can I reschedule or cancel my telehealth appointment?

Yes. You can cancel or reschedule through your online account, usually up to 24 hours before your appointment. If you need to cancel closer to your appointment time, call the health center directly. Canceling in advance helps the health center offer that time slot to someone else.

How long does it take to get results from a telehealth visit?

Prescriptions are usually sent to your pharmacy within a few hours. If the clinician recommended testing, results typically come back within a few days to a week depending on the test. You'll see results in your online account, and the health center may also call you if the results need discussion or follow-up care.