Eve Zaritsky, MD, highlights improved oral contraceptive access from e-visits

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Eve Zaritsky, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), discussed a study conducted at KPNC to evaluate whether electronic visits (e-visits) improve access to oral contraceptives.

The goal was to reduce unintended pregnancies and empower patients by making contraception easier and faster to obtain. Within Kaiser Permanente’s integrated health system, members can choose from multiple care options, including e-visits, phone visits, video consultations, or in-person appointments.

An e-visit allows patients to log into the Kaiser app or website, complete a short online questionnaire, and, if deemed safe and appropriate by an algorithm, receive a prescription confirmation via email. The process is typically completed within hours and can be done entirely remotely, making it a convenient option for many patients.

The study analyzed more than 23,000 medical encounters related to oral contraceptive prescriptions in 2023, comparing the 4 visit types. Results showed that all methods effectively led to contraceptive prescriptions, but e-visits demonstrated particularly strong outcomes. About 92% of e-visits resulted in a prescription being ordered, with 73% of those leading to medication pickup—higher than other visit types. Importantly, e-visits did not result in increased rates of in-person follow-up, indicating that this approach is both safe and effective.

Demographic analysis revealed that 14% of patients used an e-visit, roughly half opted for a phone visit, 10% used a video visit, and 27% had an in-person appointment. Patients aged 35 to 50 years were more likely to choose office visits, while Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients were more likely to use e-visits. The diverse use of the e-visit platform was encouraging, as it suggested that digital health tools can help reduce disparities in access to care among different racial and ethnic groups.

Zaritsky emphasized that e-visits represent a patient-centered approach aligned with the growing trend of on-demand health care. Within Kaiser Permanente’s integrated system, e-visits are particularly effective for straightforward health needs such as contraception, while still allowing patients the option to consult with clinicians when needed. She noted that the system’s innovation in women’s health continues to improve access to essential services and that ongoing research will explore how technology can further expand access to prescription contraception and other reproductive health needs.

No relevant disclosures.

Reference

Greene J. Simple online e-visits for oral contraceptives result in faster prescription pickup. Kaiser Permanente Division of Research. October 09, 2025. Accessed October 17, 2025. https://divisionofresearch.kaiserpermanente.org/e-visits-for-oral-contraceptives/.