Women's telemedicine company WISP announced last week that it has launched a diagnostics unit that provides at-home testing kits for a variety of health conditions.
New York City-based WISP is a direct consumer company that provides treatments for different sexual and reproductive health needs, including birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and hormonal health.
First, the diagnostic department will provide tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma genitals. WISP members provide swab and urine samples and send them to CLIA/CAP accredited labs with prepaid labels. They then get results within three to five working days. Based on the test results, the company can also provide follow-up care. The cost of testing is between $99 and $149.
“We launched at-home testing to narrow the limits of women’s healthcare, timely and affordable diagnostics, and with our wide range of treatment options available,” WISP CEO Monica Cepak said in an email. “Introducing at-home testing with built-in follow-up care, we simplify the pathways of treatment and create a seamless 360-degree telehealth experience that gives us 1.5 million+ patients with early testing and treatment.”
Previously, WISP had to refer the patient to an external partner for diagnosis. However, in a recent survey, 62% of WISP patients showed interest in sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonisis are the most common sexually transmitted infections, especially for women under the age of 25.
To measure the success of the new product, the company will track the percentage of patients who order test kits, complete the testing process and perform follow-up care for WISP, according to Cepak. WISP will also hear qualitative feedback from patients.
“These inputs will help us work to raise awareness of these products and iterate on proactive educational messages to ensure the highest quality of care for patients,” she said.
She added that the company plans to expand its diagnostics division in the future, especially for fertility and menopause.
According to Cepak, WISP aims to “complete the circle of care” when it launches the diagnostics department.
“By doing home testing and follow-up under one roof, we eliminate the fragmentation and delays that women’s health care often comes with women,” Cepak said. “We want to make it as easy as possible for patients to control their health without sacrificing privacy, affordability or quality.”
Several other digital health companies also offer tests for sexually transmitted infections at home, including Everlywell and LetsgetChecked.
WISP has had a busy year so far. In March, it began providing male bacterial vaginosis companion treatment. In December, it established a partnership with nutrition companies to support patients taking GLP-1.
Photo: natali_mis, Getty Images
